As the holiday season approaches, the joy of baking fills the air with enticing scents and warm memories. I first discovered these Delicious Eggnog Cupcakes when a friend brought a batch to a festive get-together. The moment I took a bite, the creamy combination of eggnog and nutmeg wrapped me in a cozy embrace, perfect for chilly winter nights.
These cupcakes are not just a treat; they are a celebration of the season. With a soft vanilla base and a dreamy nutmeg buttercream frosting, each delightful morsel is a sweet invitation to gather around the table. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, these cupcakes provide the ultimate comfort while impressing your guests.
Ready to delve into the magic of holiday baking? Let’s whip up these easy yet breathtaking Eggnog Cupcakes, bringing festive cheer to your kitchen and delight to your taste buds!
Why love these Delicious Eggnog Cupcakes?
Irresistible Flavor: The fusion of creamy eggnog and warm nutmeg creates a uniquely festive taste that dances on your palate.
Simple to Create: With easy-to-follow instructions, even novice bakers can achieve impressive results without stress.
Perfect for Gatherings: These cupcakes are sure to be a hit at holiday parties, capturing the hearts of all your guests.
Versatile Choices: Experiment with variations like spiked eggnog for an adult treat or add your favorite spices for a personal touch.
Joyful Baking Experience: The process of making these cupcakes will fill your kitchen with delightful holiday aromas, enhancing your festive spirit.
Delicious Eggnog Cupcakes Ingredients
For the Cupcakes
- 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients and adds moisture; use room temperature for better mixing.
- 1.25 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure; King Arthur brand is recommended for quality.
- 1.5 tbsp vegetable oil – Adds moisture and richness; can substitute with canola oil.
- 3/4 cup sugar – Sweetens the batter, creating a tender crumb for these delicious eggnog cupcakes.
- 1/4 tsp salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 3/4 tsp nutmeg – Delivers that signature eggnog flavor; freshly ground is preferred.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor.
- 9 tbsp eggnog – Contributes moisture and holiday flavor; feel free to use store-bought or homemade.
- 1.5 tsp baking powder – Acts as a leavening agent to help cupcakes rise.
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter – Creates a tender texture; should be softened to room temperature.
For the Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter – Forms the base of the frosting; make sure it’s softened.
- 1/2 cup shortening – Adds creaminess and stability to the frosting, preventing greasiness.
- 1 tsp nutmeg – Enhances the spiced flavor of the frosting.
- 1/4 tsp rum extract – Adds depth; completely optional but delightful.
- 4 tbsp eggnog – Infuses the frosting with that holiday cheer.
- 4 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens and firms up the frosting; sift to eliminate lumps.
- Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness of the frosting.
How to Make Delicious Eggnog Cupcakes
Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a cupcake pan with liners for those delightful eggnog cupcakes. This ensures they bake evenly and are easy to remove.
Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt in a small bowl; set aside. This helps to aerate the dry ingredients, promoting a light and fluffy cupcake.
Beat the softened butter, sugar, and vegetable oil in a large bowl on medium speed for about 3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender texture in your cupcakes!
Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, adding the vanilla extract with the second egg. Make sure each egg is fully mixed in before moving on for the best flavor.
Combine by gradually mixing in half of the dry ingredients, then pour in the eggnog while continuing to mix. Finally, add the rest of the dry ingredients until the batter is smooth and creamy.
Divide the batter among cupcake liners, filling each about halfway. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.
Cool the cupcakes on a wire rack completely before frosting. Patience here is key to achieving the perfect frosting layer!
Blend the softened butter and shortening in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the eggnog, optional rum extract, nutmeg, and salt until your frosting is creamy and spreadable.
Frost the cooled cupcakes generously with the nutmeg buttercream. Serve immediately or store them in an airtight container if you can resist until later!
Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg or a cinnamon stick for a festive touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Delicious Eggnog Cupcakes
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing, which affects the texture of your delicious eggnog cupcakes.
Don’t Overmix: After adding the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes instead of a light, fluffy treat.
Use Fresh Nutmeg: For the best flavor, grind fresh nutmeg instead of using pre-ground. It significantly enhances the holiday essence in your cupcakes.
Check for Doneness: Always start checking your cupcakes at the 15-minute mark with a toothpick. This ensures they’re perfectly baked without being dry.
Cool Completely: Let cupcakes cool entirely before frosting. This keeps the frosting from melting and creates a beautiful finish!
How to Store and Freeze Delicious Eggnog Cupcakes
Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and delicious.
Fridge: If you have frosted cupcakes, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Use a covered container to prevent drying out.
Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag, ensuring they are airtight.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the cupcakes at room temperature, then frost just before serving for the best flavor.
Delicious Eggnog Cupcakes Variations
Feel free to personalize these cupcakes for your guests and yourself, embracing the festive spirit with every bite!
Spiked Eggnog: Use spiked eggnog for an adult twist, adding a festive flair perfect for holiday gatherings.
More Nutmeg: Increase the nutmeg to 1 teaspoon for a bolder flavor that will echo the warm spices of the season.
Cinnamon Swirl: Swirl in 1 tablespoon of cinnamon to the batter before baking for an added flavor layer that shouts holiday cheer.
Dairy-Free: Utilize almond or coconut milk eggnog and swap butter for a dairy-free alternative for a delightful treat everyone can enjoy.
Chocolate Chip Surprise: Fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for an unexpected sweet surprise in every bite.
Frosting Twist: Replace half of the powdered sugar in the frosting with cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey version that pairs beautifully with eggnog.
Ginger Spice: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger to the batter for a zesty flavor that complements the nutmeg wonderfully.
Nutty Goodness: Incorporate 1/4 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the cupcake batter for a delightful crunch and added richness.
Each twist adds a unique touch, ensuring that your Delicious Eggnog Cupcakes become a true reflection of your festive creativity!
Make Ahead Options
These Delicious Eggnog Cupcakes are perfect for busy home cooks who love to meal prep for the holidays! You can prepare the actual cupcakes up to 24 hours in advance. Simply bake and let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For even longer storage, these cupcakes can be frozen unfrosted for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. Prepare the nutmeg buttercream frosting fresh for serving; this ensures it stays just as delicious and light! Frost just before serving for the best flavor and presentation, and you’ll have festive treats ready with minimal fuss!
What to Serve with Delicious Eggnog Cupcakes?
As you dive into the festive spirit with these delightful treats, consider pairing them with complementary flavors and textures for a full holiday experience.
Rich Hot Chocolate: The creamy sweetness balances the spiced cupcakes, creating a decadent treat perfect for warming winter nights.
Cinnamon-Spiced Coffee: The warm spices in the coffee enhance the nutmeg flavor, making each bite of cupcake even more delightful.
Buttery Shortbread Cookies: Offering a crunchy contrast, these buttery cookies are simple yet satisfying alongside the moist cupcakes.
Festive Fruit Platter: A colorful combination of seasonal fruits like pomegranates and oranges adds a fresh, zesty touch to your dessert spread.
Eggnog Latte: Embracing the same foundational flavors as the cupcakes, this drink offers a comforting and cozy pairing for holiday gatherings.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, smooth texture of vanilla ice cream creates a perfect contrast to the spiced cupcakes, adding a touch of sweetness.
Pecan Pie Bars: For an indulgent dessert table, these bars bring in a rich, nutty flavor that complements the holiday essence of the cupcakes beautifully.
Delicious Eggnog Cupcakes Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right eggs for baking?
Absolutely! When selecting eggs, aim for large, fresh eggs that are at room temperature. Avoid any with cracks, and check the sell-by date to ensure freshness for your Delicious Eggnog Cupcakes.
What’s the best way to store leftover cupcakes?
For optimal freshness, store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If they’re already frosted, place them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; the frosting will hold up nicely when kept covered.
Can I freeze my cupcakes?
Yes! To freeze your Delicious Eggnog Cupcakes, wrap each unfrosted cupcake in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature and frost right before serving for that fresh-baked taste!
How do I prevent my cupcakes from being dense?
Very! To avoid dense cupcakes, do not overmix the batter once the flour is added. Mix until just combined, ensuring you achieve a light, airy texture. Also, make sure to use room temperature ingredients, as they blend more easily and create a fluffier cupcake.
Are these cupcakes safe for pets or allergy-friendly?
While the ingredients used in Delicious Eggnog Cupcakes are generally safe for humans, they’re not suitable for pets, especially dogs, due to the sugar and possible dairy content. If you have specific allergies, like gluten or dairy, consider using gluten-free flour or non-dairy eggnog alternatives to adapt the recipe.
What if my frosting is too thick or too thin?
No worries! If your buttercream frosting turns out too thick, add a tablespoon of eggnog at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, gradually mix in more powdered sugar until it’s spreadable. This way, you’ll have a perfectly sweetened frosty topping for your cupcakes!
Delicious Eggnog Cupcakes with Festive Nutmeg Frosting
Equipment
- - Oven
- Cupcake Pan
- - Mixing bowls
- - Electric mixer
- Sifter
- - Wire rack
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes
- 2 large eggs Use room temperature for better mixing.
- 1.25 cups all-purpose flour King Arthur brand is recommended for quality.
- 1.5 tbsp vegetable oil Can substitute with canola oil.
- 3/4 cup sugar Sweetens the batter.
- 1/4 tsp salt Balances sweetness.
- 3/4 tsp nutmeg Freshly ground is preferred.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Adds depth of flavor.
- 9 tbsp eggnog Use store-bought or homemade.
- 1.5 tsp baking powder Leavening agent.
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter Should be softened to room temperature.
For the Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter Make sure it's softened.
- 1/2 cup shortening Adds creaminess and stability.
- 1 tsp nutmeg Enhances the spiced flavor.
- 1/4 tsp rum extract Optional but delightful.
- 4 tbsp eggnog Infuses the frosting.
- 4 cups powdered sugar Sift to eliminate lumps.
- pinch salt Balances sweetness.
Instructions
Cupcake Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a cupcake pan with liners.
- Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt in a small bowl; set aside.
- Beat the softened butter, sugar, and vegetable oil in a large bowl on medium speed for about 3 minutes until soft and fluffy.
- Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, adding the vanilla extract with the second egg.
- Combine by gradually mixing in half of the dry ingredients, then pour in the eggnog while continuing to mix.
- Divide the batter among cupcake liners, filling each about halfway.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool the cupcakes on a wire rack completely before frosting.
- Blend the softened butter and shortening until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the eggnog, optional rum extract, nutmeg, and salt until creamy.
- Frost the cooled cupcakes generously with the nutmeg buttercream.