If you’re on the hunt for a festive treat that captures the rich, creamy joy of holiday traditions, you’ve found it with this Eggnog Cupcakes Recipe. These moist, tender cupcakes infused with warm spices and topped with luscious eggnog frosting bring that classic seasonal flavor to a delightful handheld dessert. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or a cheerful party, these cupcakes are bound to become an instant favorite that everyone asks for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Eggnog Cupcakes Recipe lies in its simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Each plays a vital role, from the flour providing structure to the nutmeg and cinnamon infusing those signature cozy flavors. Together, they create a batter that bakes up soft and flavorful, and a frosting that’s smooth and irresistible.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives your cupcakes a tender crumb and light texture.
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder: Helps the cupcakes rise beautifully, making them fluffy and soft.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg: Adds a warm, autumnal spice that’s classic in eggnog.
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for batter): Creates a rich, moist crumb and helps with the cake’s tender texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and contributes to the cupcake’s lightness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a gentle fragrant note.
- 1 cup eggnog: The star ingredient, infusing each bite with creamy, spiced holiday cheer.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Forms the base of a luscious, smooth frosting.
- 4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a perfect spreadable consistency.
- 1/4 cup eggnog: Adds that unmistakable eggnog flavor and creams up the frosting.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds depth and rounds out the frosting’s taste.
- Ground nutmeg, for garnish: A final festive touch that makes each cupcake pop visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Eggnog Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a muffin tin with cupcake liners. This simple prep step ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan, making cleanup easy and keeping those pretty liners intact.
Step 2: Prepare Cupcake Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. These dry ingredients build the structure and bring those signature flavors into every bite. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until fluffy and light—that’s the secret to soft cupcake texture. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to keep the batter smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract for a lovely aromatic note. Finally, alternate adding the dry mixture and the eggnog, starting and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined.
Step 3: Bake
Divide the batter evenly among your lined cupcake pans, filling each about two-thirds full to give them space to rise happily. Pop them in the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack so they cool completely—this helps the frosting stick beautifully later on.
Step 4: Prepare Frosting
While your cupcakes cool, make the frosting by beating the softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until it becomes light and fluffy. Mix in the eggnog and vanilla extract, which transform this frosting with the classic eggnog flavor and a silky texture you’ll want to spoon onto everything.
Step 5: Frost Cupcakes
Once your cupcakes are completely cool, get decorating! Use a spatula or piping bag to spread or pipe the eggnog frosting generously on top. Finish with a pinch of ground nutmeg sprinkled on each cupcake for that elegant, festive look and a hint of extra spice.
How to Serve Eggnog Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes to elevate your presentation. A light dusting of freshly grated nutmeg or even a tiny cinnamon stick can add visual charm and a burst of aroma. If you want extra flair, consider a sprinkle of crushed nutmeg-spiced cookies or a small peppermint candy for a holiday twist.
Side Dishes
These cupcakes shine on their own but pair wonderfully with warm drinks like spiced chai tea, coffee, or a cozy cup of mulled wine. If serving for brunch, fresh fruit like spiced apples or pears complements the spice notes beautifully, adding freshness that balances the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your Eggnog Cupcakes Recipe on a rustic wooden board with seasonal decorations like pinecones, twinkling lights, or sprigs of holly for a festive centerpiece. You can also stack them on a tiered cake stand for a charming party display or place each cupcake in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbons for easy gifting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any cupcakes left after the celebration, keep them fresh by storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator but make sure they are well-covered to avoid drying out.
Freezing
Eggnog cupcakes freeze beautifully. To preserve them, freeze unfrosted cupcakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container. Frosted cupcakes should be frozen individually wrapped to protect the frosting. They can last up to three months and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
For a just-baked experience, warm refrigerated cupcakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, but avoid reheating frozen cupcakes until fully thawed. This gentle warmth revives softness while keeping that delicious eggnog flavor intact.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought eggnog for this Eggnog Cupcakes Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought eggnog works perfectly and is a convenient option that still delivers the rich, spiced flavor essential to this recipe.
How can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?
Try using dairy-free butter substitutes and a plant-based eggnog alternative. Just make sure these replacements are unsweetened to maintain the flavor balance.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend will work well. Be sure to choose one formulated for cakes for the best texture.
Can I add alcohol to enhance the eggnog flavor?
Certainly! Adding a tablespoon of rum or bourbon to both the batter and frosting will deepen the traditional eggnog taste and add a festive kick.
What’s the best way to get a smooth frosting texture?
Beat the softened butter thoroughly before gradually adding powdered sugar, then slowly incorporate the eggnog and vanilla. This slow process prevents lumps and gives a creamy, silky finish.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Eggnog Cupcakes Recipe when it comes to celebrating the holidays or just indulging in a sweet treat that feels like a warm hug. The combination of tender spiced cake and creamy eggnog frosting is pure joy in every bite. So go ahead, bake a batch, share them with your loved ones, and watch them disappear fast — these cupcakes are simply irresistible!
Print
Eggnog Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Eggnog Cupcakes are delightful holiday treats combining the warm flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon, and creamy eggnog in a moist cupcake topped with a smooth eggnog-infused frosting. Perfect for festive gatherings, these cupcakes offer a nostalgic taste of classic eggnog in a fun, handheld dessert.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup eggnog
Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup eggnog
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Ground nutmeg for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
- Prepare Cupcake Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition for proper incorporation. Stir in vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture and eggnog alternately to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, ensuring a tender cupcake batter.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising. Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing any sogginess from steam.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating consistently to create a fluffy texture. Stir in the eggnog and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and spreadable, imparting that classic eggnog flavor.
- Frost Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, generously frost each with the eggnog frosting. Finally, sprinkle a small amount of ground nutmeg on top for garnish and extra flavor to complete this festive dessert.
Notes
- Make sure the cupcakes are fully cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- You can substitute eggnog with non-dairy alternatives for a dairy-free version, adjusting quantities slightly.
- For a stronger spice flavor, gently toast the nutmeg and cinnamon before adding them to the dry ingredients.
- Ensure all butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter and frosting.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
