Eggnog Cupcakes Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate festive treat that bottles up the comforting flavors of the holidays, Eggnog Cupcakes are the answer. These sweet, spiced cupcakes are outrageously soft and tender, with rich notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, and real eggnog woven through every fluffy bite. Topped with a creamy eggnog-infused frosting, they’re like sipping your favorite holiday drink—only better, because you get to eat it. Whether you’re baking for a cozy December night in or dazzling guests at a holiday party, Eggnog Cupcakes bring merry cheer and irresistible nostalgia to the dessert table.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Eggnog Cupcakes is delightfully straightforward, and each ingredient plays a critical role in achieving their perfect texture and flavor. There’s nothing fancy here—just beloved holiday ingredients coming together in harmonious, delicious simplicity.

• All-purpose flour: Forms the light, tender base of each cupcake while giving just the right amount of structure.
• Baking powder: Lends that sought-after lift, ensuring your cupcakes rise tall and beautiful.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and accentuates every warm, spicy note.
• Ground nutmeg: The essential spice that gives traditional eggnog its signature taste—don’t skip it!
• Ground cinnamon: Adds subtle warmth and depth, rounding out the holiday spices.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and moisture, making every crumb indulgent and tender.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes while helping to aerate the butter for a light, fluffy texture.
• Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and give structure for bakery-style results.
• Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavors and adds a dreamy aroma.
• Rum extract (optional): Mimics classic eggnog’s hint of boozy warmth—use it if you want a true eggnog experience.
• Eggnog: The heart and soul of these cupcakes, lending rich holiday flavor and wonderful moisture.
• For the frosting – Unsalted butter, softened: Creates a silky base for the luscious, cloud-like frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect piping consistency.
• Eggnog (for frosting): Infuses even more holiday flavor right into the creamy topping.
• Ground nutmeg (for frosting): Sprinkled in for extra warmth and classic eggnog taste.
• Vanilla or rum extract (for frosting): Completes the flavor profile for a truly special finish.

How to Make Eggnog Cupcakes

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners—this keeps your cupcakes from sticking and makes them easy to share. Set your pan aside, and let the anticipation build—it’s cupcake time!

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon. This step evenly distributes the spices and leavening, so every cupcake is perfectly seasoned and rises just right. Take a moment to inhale that cozy spice blend—it’s the essence of the holidays!

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This may take a few minutes, but don’t rush it! Creaming incorporates air for that irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth crumb Eggnog Cupcakes are famous for.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is thoroughly mixed before adding the next. Then blend in your vanilla and, if you like, a splash of rum extract. These not only add flavor but also help emulsify the batter for a silky-smooth finish.

Step 5: Alternate Dry Mix and Eggnog

With your mixer on low, add the dry ingredients in batches, alternating with the eggnog. Begin and end with the dry mixture. This keeps the batter light and prevents overmixing. As each bit of eggnog goes in, a wave of holiday aroma will lift from the bowl!

Step 6: Fill and Bake

Divide the cupcake batter evenly among the prepared liners, filling each about three-quarters full. Pop them into the oven for 18 to 20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The kitchen will soon smell like a Christmas wonderland.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. They’ll finish cooling without getting soggy bottoms—after all, we want perfect Eggnog Cupcakes every time. Be patient and let them cool fully before frosting.

Step 8: Make the Eggnog Frosting

Beat the butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, then add the eggnog, nutmeg, and vanilla or rum extract. Whip it all together until the frosting is light and fluffy and the spatula practically dances in the bowl. The frosting should mound beautifully on a spoon—pure holiday bliss.

Step 9: Frost and Sprinkle

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, lavishly pipe or spread generous swirls of frosting on top. For the finishing touch, dust with a little extra nutmeg—or try festive garnishes like sugared cranberries or mini cinnamon sticks for that wow factor.

How to Serve Eggnog Cupcakes

Garnishes

The crowning glory for Eggnog Cupcakes is a flourish of extra ground nutmeg, but you can go all out: glittering sugared cranberries add a pop of color and tartness, while tiny cinnamon sticks or potato peeler chocolate curls turn each cupcake into a showstopper. Don’t be shy—have fun with your holiday decorations!

Side Dishes

Eggnog Cupcakes pair beautifully with warm beverages. Serve them alongside mugs of classic hot cocoa, spiced chai, or steaming mulled cider for a cozy dessert spread. At a brunch, they shine with a citrusy fruit salad or even a platter of sharp cheeses to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your cupcakes on a three-tiered dessert stand for instant holiday drama, or tuck them into festive bakery boxes for thoughtful edible gifts. If you’re feeling playful, try placing each cupcake in a heat-safe mug, topping with frosting, and gifting with a tiny spoon for a personal “cup of cheer.”

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Eggnog Cupcakes left (lucky you!), keep them fresh by storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, tuck them in the fridge, but let them come to room temp before serving so the frosting is perfectly soft.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Eggnog Cupcakes! Freeze unfrosted cupcakes in a well-sealed container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature and whip up fresh frosting for maximum flavor and texture. You can also lightly freeze frosted cupcakes, but keep in mind the frosting may not be quite as silky after thawing.

Reheating

To revive the fresh-from-the-oven vibe, let refrigerated or thawed cupcakes come to room temperature naturally—microwaving isn’t recommended as it can melt the frosting. For an elevated touch, gently warm unfrosted cupcakes in a 300°F oven for 2–3 minutes, then let cool before topping with your eggnog buttercream.

FAQs

Can I make Eggnog Cupcakes without the rum extract?

Absolutely! The rum extract is purely optional; it simply deepens the traditional eggnog flavor. If you skip it, you’ll still get delightfully spiced, festive cupcakes that everybody loves.

What kind of eggnog works best?

Use your favorite commercial eggnog or a homemade batch if you’re feeling adventurous. Full-fat eggnog delivers the richest, most flavorful results, but low-fat options also work in a pinch.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Double all the ingredients and bake in two batches or use two muffin tins to whip up 24 Eggnog Cupcakes—perfect for parties or gift-giving.

How do I get perfectly fluffy frosting?

Let your butter soften completely before beating, and add the powdered sugar gradually while mixing. Don’t skimp on the eggnog; it helps make the frosting luxuriously creamy and fluffy. If it gets too thick, just add another splash of eggnog!

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour for wonderful gluten-free Eggnog Cupcakes. Just check that your blend contains a binder like xanthan gum for best results.

Final Thoughts

If you adore cozy, spiced flavors and want to dazzle at your next holiday gathering, Eggnog Cupcakes are the recipe to try. Each bite tastes like a hug from your favorite sweater and a toast to sweet moments ahead. Trust me—once you pull out a tray of these beauties, there won’t be a crumb left. Happy baking!

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