Eggnog Cupcakes

Introduction

Eggnog Cupcakes are the perfect way to bring the festive flavors of the holiday season into a delightful treat. These soft, fluffy cupcakes are infused with the rich, creamy flavor of eggnog, making every bite a little taste of Christmas cheer. Topped with a spiced buttercream frosting, these cupcakes have just the right amount of warmth and sweetness, perfect for any holiday gathering or cozy celebration.

I absolutely love making Eggnog Cupcakes during the holiday season. There’s something so special about the combination of eggnog, cinnamon, and nutmeg that feels like a comforting hug in cupcake form. The first time I made them, I brought them to a Christmas party, and they were gone in no time! The fluffy texture of the cupcake paired with the creamy, spiced buttercream made for the perfect bite every single time.

These cupcakes are versatile too! They make a fantastic dessert for a holiday dinner, a festive treat for a cookie exchange, or even a sweet addition to a winter brunch spread. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or attending one, Eggnog Cupcakes are sure to impress and bring that cozy, seasonal flavor to the table.

Perfect for:

• Christmas parties
• New Year’s Eve celebrations
• Holiday dessert tables
• Family gatherings
• Dessert lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Eggnog Cupcakes will become your new holiday favorite:

• Classic Holiday Flavor: Infused with the flavors of eggnog, cinnamon, and nutmeg, these cupcakes taste just like your favorite holiday drink in dessert form.
• Fluffy and Moist: The cupcakes are incredibly light, soft, and moist, making each bite melt in your mouth.
• Festive Buttercream Frosting: Topped with a creamy, spiced buttercream frosting that complements the eggnog flavor perfectly and adds a touch of elegance.
• Easy to Make: These cupcakes are simple to prepare with easy-to-find ingredients, making them ideal for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Great for Gifting: Packaged in a cute box or container, these cupcakes make an adorable gift for friends, neighbors, or coworkers during the holidays.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
• Servings: 12 cupcakes
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make your Eggnog Cupcakes:

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup eggnog
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon rum extract (optional)

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons eggnog
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Garnish:

• Ground cinnamon (for dusting)
• Crushed candy canes (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Eggnog: The key ingredient that gives these cupcakes their signature flavor and festive charm.
• Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cupcakes, ensuring a soft texture.
• Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices bring warmth and depth to the eggnog flavor, enhancing the holiday spirit.
• Rum Extract (Optional): Provides a subtle hint of rum flavor, adding authenticity to the eggnog taste without the alcohol.
• Powdered Sugar: Helps to create a smooth, creamy frosting that perfectly complements the cupcakes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Eggnog Cupcakes:

Prepare the Cupcake Batter:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
5. Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the eggnog, vanilla extract, and rum extract (if using) until just combined.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until smooth and well-combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Bake the Cupcakes:

7. Fill the Cupcake Liners: Divide the cupcake batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Buttercream Frosting:

9. Cream the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes.
10. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
11. Add Eggnog and Spices: Stir in the eggnog, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Frost the Cupcakes:

12. Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, spread or pipe the buttercream frosting on top of each cupcake.
13. Garnish: Sprinkle with a pinch of ground cinnamon and, if desired, top with crushed candy canes for a festive touch.

How to Serve

Here are 10 ways to serve Eggnog Cupcakes:

• At Holiday Gatherings: These cupcakes are a perfect addition to any Christmas party or holiday dinner.
• With Hot Cocoa: Pair with a mug of hot cocoa for a cozy, wintertime treat.
• For Gift Giving: Wrap them in decorative boxes or tins to give as a thoughtful holiday gift.
• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
• On a Dessert Table: These cupcakes add a festive touch to any dessert spread at holiday events.
• As a Snack: Enjoy as a sweet snack with your afternoon coffee or tea.
• With a Dusting of Nutmeg: For an extra holiday touch, dust with freshly ground nutmeg just before serving.
• At a New Year’s Celebration: Perfect for ringing in the New Year with a sweet treat.
• As a Breakfast Treat: Enjoy them as a light breakfast paired with a warm beverage.
• With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra creaminess and a festive look.

Additional Tips

Here are 10 tips to ensure your Eggnog Cupcakes are perfect:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and eggnog are at room temperature before mixing to create a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes. Mix until just combined for light, fluffy results.
• Adjust the Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg to suit your personal taste.
• Make the Cupcakes Ahead of Time: The cupcakes can be baked a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• Use Fresh Eggnog: If possible, use freshly made eggnog for a richer flavor.
• Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add more eggnog, a tablespoon at a time, to achieve your desired consistency.
• Customize the Frosting: If you want a lighter frosting, you can substitute part of the butter with mascarpone cheese or cream cheese.
• Decorate with Holiday Sprinkles: For extra festive fun, sprinkle holiday-themed decorations or colored sugar on top of the frosting.
• Chill the Frosting: If your frosting is too soft to pipe, chill it for 20-30 minutes before frosting the cupcakes.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: For even cupcake portions, use a cookie scoop to fill your liners with batter.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations for Eggnog Cupcakes:

• Spiked Eggnog Cupcakes: Add a tablespoon of dark rum or bourbon to the cupcake batter for an adult twist.
• Chocolate Eggnog Cupcakes: Add cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate version of these festive cupcakes.
• Vegan Eggnog Cupcakes: Use dairy-free butter, egg replacement, and plant-based eggnog for a vegan-friendly version.
• Maple Buttercream: Swap out the eggnog in the buttercream for maple syrup for a different holiday flavor.
• Mini Eggnog Cupcakes: Make mini versions of the cupcakes for bite-sized holiday treats.
• Gluten-Free Eggnog Cupcakes: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cupcakes gluten-free.
• Coconut Eggnog Cupcakes: Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist on the classic flavor.
• Almond Eggnog Cupcakes: Add a teaspoon of almond extract to enhance the flavor profile of the cupcakes.
• Cinnamon Swirl Cupcakes: Add a cinnamon-sugar swirl to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
• Eggnog Cupcake Cake: Instead of cupcakes, make a larger cake version by baking in a 9-inch round cake pan and frosting as usual.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These cupcakes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Freeze them without frosting in an airtight container. When ready to serve, allow them to thaw completely before frosting and serving.
• Storage: Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use store-bought eggnog?
   Yes, store-bought eggnog works perfectly fine for this recipe. Just make sure to use a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
2. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
   Absolutely! These cupcakes can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days before frosting.
3. Can I make these cupcakes without frosting?
   Yes, the cupcakes can be served plain if you prefer a lighter treat, but the frosting adds an extra layer of deliciousness.
4. Can I freeze these cupcakes?
   Yes, you can freeze the cupcakes (without frosting) for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting and serving.
5. How can I make the frosting thicker?
   To make the frosting thicker, simply add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency.

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Conclusion

Eggnog Cupcakes are a festive, flavorful treat that captures the spirit of the holiday season in every bite. With their soft, fluffy texture and creamy spiced buttercream, they make the perfect dessert for any celebration. The rich, warm flavors of eggnog pair beautifully with the lightness of the cupcake, making them an instant favorite at any gathering.

Whether served at a Christmas party, gifted to friends, or enjoyed with a hot drink, these cupcakes will be a hit with everyone. Their charming holiday flair and irresistible flavor will leave everyone asking for the recipe.

So go ahead, whip up a batch, and enjoy the delicious flavor of eggnog in cupcake form this holiday season! I can’t wait to see how your Eggnog Cupcakes turn out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations! Happy baking!