Sweet Holiday Eggnog Cupcakes Recipe: Festive Treats for All

Festive baking takes a delightful turn with these creamy eggnog cupcakes that capture the essence of holiday cheer.

Winter celebrations sparkle with each tender, spice-infused bite.

The rich and velvety eggnog brings warmth to every single cupcake, creating a dessert that’s both nostalgic and irresistible.

Soft, moist crumbs melt in your mouth with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon.

Topped with a cloud-like frosting that whispers of holiday memories, these cupcakes transform an ordinary afternoon into a celebration.

The aroma of freshly baked treats will draw everyone to the kitchen, eager to savor these seasonal delights.

Indulge in a sweet moment of pure holiday magic that promises to become your new festive tradition.

Eggnog Cupcake Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cupcake that provides structure and texture.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
• Nutmeg: A warm, aromatic spice that adds classic holiday flavor to the cupcakes.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cupcakes.

• Butter: Adds richness and contributes to the tender crumb of the cupcakes.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a soft texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cupcakes moist and tender.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cupcakes.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens the flavor profile with its warm, sweet essence.
• Eggnog: The star ingredient that gives these cupcakes their signature holiday flavor.

• Butter, Shortening: Create a smooth, creamy base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the right frosting consistency.
• Rum Extract: Adds a hint of festive flavor to the frosting.
• Additional Eggnog: Helps adjust the frosting's consistency and reinforces the holiday flavor.

How to Make Eggnog Cupcakes

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Station

Set your oven to 350°F.

Line a cupcake pan with 12 paper liners.

Organize your baking tools and ingredients for smooth preparation.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt

Set the mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Create Fluffy Butter Base

Using an electric mixer, beat butter, sugar, and oil on medium-high speed for 3 minutes.

This process introduces air, creating light and tender cupcakes.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Flavor

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in vanilla extract to enhance the warm holiday taste.

Step 5: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix dry ingredients and eggnog in alternating batches.

Stir gently to prevent overmixing, which can make cupcakes dense and tough.

Step 6: Fill and Bake Cupcakes

Pour batter into cupcake liners, filling slightly over halfway.

Bake for 15-18 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Cupcake Masterpieces

Allow cupcakes to rest in the pan for a few minutes.

Transfer to a cooling rack and let them cool completely before frosting.

Step 8: Craft Creamy Eggnog Frosting

Beat butter and shortening until smooth.

• Powdered sugar
• Eggnog
• Nutmeg
• Rum extract (optional)

Adjust consistency by adding more eggnog or chilling briefly.

Step 9: Decorate and Garnish

Frost cooled cupcakes using a piping bag or knife.

Sprinkle ground nutmeg on top for a festive finishing touch.

Pro Tips for Eggnog Cupcakes

• Use exact measurements for flour and other dry ingredients by leveling off with a straight edge to ensure consistent cupcake texture and rise.
• Replace some vanilla extract with rum extract to enhance the traditional eggnog taste without overwhelming the delicate cupcake profile.
• Don't overbake – check cupcakes a minute before recommended time and remove when a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs to maintain moisture.
• Let eggs, butter, and eggnog sit at room temperature before mixing to create smoother batter and more even baking results.
• Garnish cupcakes with a light dusting of freshly grated nutmeg or mini cinnamon stick for a festive holiday presentation that delights guests.

Storing and Reheating Eggnog Cupcakes

• Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each cupcake individually with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Wrap unfrosted cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
• Keep unfrosted cupcakes at room temperature in a sealed container for 1-2 days. Avoid leaving them out longer to prevent staleness.
• Warm refrigerated cupcakes gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For frozen cupcakes, let them come to room temperature naturally to preserve their texture and prevent sogginess.

What to Pair with Eggnog Cupcakes

• Holiday Wine Companion: Select a sweet moscato or late-harvest riesling that complements the cupcakes' rich, creamy nutmeg profile. These wines enhance the dessert's warm spices and provide a delightful alcoholic harmony.
• Cozy Beverage Match: Brew a steaming mug of chai tea or cinnamon-spiced coffee. The warm, aromatic spices in these drinks beautifully echo the nutmeg and vanilla notes in the cupcakes, creating a comforting winter experience.
• Flavor-Boosting Garnish: Sprinkle crushed gingersnap cookies or candied pecans on top of the frosting. These crunchy additions provide textural contrast and intensify the cupcakes' holiday flavor spectrum.
• Seasonal Pairing Bonus: Serve alongside a small scoop of rum raisin or eggnog ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience that amplifies the cupcakes' festive essence.

Fun Eggnog Cupcake Twists

• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap regular eggnog with almond or oat milk mixed with rum extract, use coconut oil instead of butter, and choose vegan egg replacer for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring the same tender texture and rich flavor profile of the original recipe.
• Low-Sugar Adaptation: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the cupcake's delicious holiday essence.
• Alcohol-Free Version: Eliminate rum extract completely, using additional vanilla extract or maple syrup to maintain moisture and depth of flavor in the cupcakes.

FAQs

• Can I make these cupcakes without alcohol?

Yes, simply omit the rum extract. The eggnog and nutmeg will still provide plenty of rich, festive flavor.

• How do I know if I'm overmixing the batter?

Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make cupcakes tough and dense instead of light and fluffy.

• What kind of eggnog works best for this recipe?

Whole milk or traditional store-bought eggnog works perfectly. Avoid low-fat versions as they can impact the cupcakes’ moisture and texture.

• Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake the cupcakes up to 2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container. Frost them the day you plan to serve for the freshest taste.

Why Eggnog Cupcakes Feel Like the Holidays

• Capture the festive spirit with these delightful eggnog cupcakes that bring warmth and joy to your celebrations.
• Discover a straightforward recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping dessert, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Experiment with frosting techniques and nutmeg sprinkles to make each cupcake uniquely yours, adding a personal touch to your holiday spread.
• Wow family and friends with a dessert that combines classic holiday flavors in a cute, portable cupcake form that everyone will love.