Festive Eggnog Cupcakes Recipe

Festive Eggnog Cupcakes Recipe

If you love the cozy, creamy flavors of eggnog during the holidays, you’re going to adore these Festive Eggnog Cupcakes! 🎅✨ Light, fluffy, and perfectly spiced, these cupcakes capture all the magic of the season in a single bite.

Topped with a rich eggnog buttercream frosting and a sprinkle of nutmeg, they’re the ultimate holiday treat — perfect for parties, gifts, or cozy nights at home.

🎁 Why You’ll Love These Eggnog Cupcakes

  • Festive & Flavorful: Infused with classic eggnog spices like nutmeg and cinnamon.
  • Moist & Fluffy: Tender cake with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Easy to Decorate: Perfect for frosting, sprinkles, or holiday toppings.
  • Kid- and Adult-Friendly: Great for holiday parties or gifting.

🥚 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cupcakes:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup eggnog
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

For the Eggnog Buttercream Frosting:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3–4 tablespoons eggnog
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg, for garnish

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

  1. Mix the eggnog and sour cream together in a separate small bowl.
  2. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the eggnog mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
  3. Mix until just combined — do not overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes

  1. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
  2. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Eggnog Buttercream

  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed.
  3. Add eggnog and vanilla extract, then beat on high for 2–3 minutes until fluffy and smooth.
  4. Adjust consistency: add more powdered sugar if too thin, or a splash more eggnog if too thick.

Step 8: Frost and Decorate

  1. Using a piping bag or a knife, frost the cooled cupcakes with the eggnog buttercream.
  2. Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg or festive holiday sprinkles on top.
  3. Optionally, drizzle with caramel or crushed candy canes for extra festive flair.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a cup of hot cocoa or a small glass of eggnog.
  • Arrange on a holiday dessert platter for parties or gatherings.
  • Gift in cupcake boxes for neighbors, coworkers, or friends.
  • Serve alongside holiday cookies for a seasonal dessert spread.

💡 Tips for Perfect Eggnog Cupcakes

  1. Use fresh, high-quality eggnog — it really makes a difference in flavor.
  2. Room-temperature butter and eggs create a smoother batter.
  3. Don’t overmix the batter — it keeps the cupcakes light and fluffy.
  4. Cool cupcakes completely before frosting to prevent melting.
  5. Garnish creatively — nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, or mini ornaments make them festive and fun.

❄️ Make-Ahead & Storage

  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
  • Refrigerate for up to 5 days — allow cupcakes to come to room temperature before serving.
  • Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months; thaw overnight and frost before serving.

🎄 Why Eggnog Cupcakes Are a Holiday Must-Have

These cupcakes capture everything we love about the holidays: creamy, spiced, sweet, and comforting. Each bite brings the familiar warmth of eggnog, paired with a tender, moist cake and luscious buttercream frosting.

They’re simple enough for weeknight baking but elegant enough to wow guests at holiday parties or festive brunches.

Whether you’re a longtime eggnog fan or just discovering the flavor, these cupcakes bring seasonal cheer in every bite.

✨ Variations to Try

  • Spiked for Adults: Add 1–2 tablespoons of rum or bourbon to the batter or frosting.
  • Chocolate Eggnog Cupcakes: Fold in ½ cup cocoa powder to create a chocolatey version.
  • Mini Cupcakes: Perfect for parties or bite-sized treats.
  • Festive Toppings: Crushed candy canes, sprinkles, or white chocolate drizzle.

❤️ Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a show-stopping, festive dessert, Festive Eggnog Cupcakes are it! They’re moist, creamy, and perfectly spiced — everything we love about the holidays in one bite.

Bake a batch for your family, your friends, or just for yourself — either way, you’ll be greeted with smiles, compliments, and requests for seconds.

These cupcakes prove that holiday baking can be simple, fun, and absolutely delicious. So grab your mixer, whisk in some eggnog, and let the festive baking begin!

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