If you’re looking for a dessert that sparkles with holiday cheer, Easy Eggnog Cupcakes are just what you need! These cupcakes combine the festive flavor of creamy eggnog with a soft, tender crumb and a swirl of luscious, nutmeg-kissed frosting. They’re the perfect treat to bring a little warmth and magic into any winter gathering, yet so simple to whip up you won’t need to save them for special occasions. Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to holiday cupcake!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Easy Eggnog Cupcakes irresistible is the way each ingredient works together to capture the cozy spirit of the season. The cupcake ingredients themselves create a dreamy, light base, while the frosting adds extra richness and that can’t-miss eggnog flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to make each bite truly special:
- All-purpose flour: Gives structure and fluffiness to your cupcakes for a perfectly tender crumb.
- Baking powder: Helps the cupcakes rise beautifully, keeping them light and airy.
- Salt: Brings out every delicious flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a classic holiday flavor—don’t be shy, it’s the secret to that eggnog taste!
- Unsalted butter, softened: Creates moist slices and a rich, buttery flavor, both in the cupcakes and the frosting.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake without overwhelming those cozy, spiced notes.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and make the cupcakes delightfully spongy and soft.
- Eggnog: The star of the show, lending creaminess and signature seasonal flavor to both batter and frosting.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the eggnog’s flavor and gives the cupcakes a classic bakery-style aroma.
- Rum extract (optional): Gives a festive, subtle kick; skip it if serving kids or non-drinkers.
- Powdered sugar: Ensures your frosting is smooth, billowy, and ready to swirl.
How to Make Easy Eggnog Cupcakes
Step 1: Prep Your Cupcake Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a standard 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. This simple step keeps cleanup a breeze and gives each cupcake its own festive wrapper—perfect for sharing or gifting!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg. Whisking, not just stirring, ensures that every bite of your Easy Eggnog Cupcakes gets an even touch of spice and lifts beautifully in the oven.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a larger mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about two to three minutes, and it’s worth the wait! Creaming incorporates air, making your cupcakes deliciously tender and tall.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavors
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed before adding the next. Now stir in the vanilla extract and a touch of rum extract if you’re feeling extra festive. This is when the smell of the holidays really starts to fill your kitchen!
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and eggnog to your creamed butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Stir just until everything is blended—overmixing can toughen your cupcakes, so gentle folds work best at this step.
Step 6: Fill and Bake
Scoop the batter evenly into your prepared liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Pop them in the oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center. Let your cupcakes cool completely before moving on (trust me, patience pays off here!).
Step 7: Make the Eggnog Frosting
While the cupcakes cool, whip up your frosting: beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, eggnog, nutmeg, and vanilla. Keep beating until light and fluffy—you want a frosting you can swirl or pipe in joyful peaks.
Step 8: Frost and Decorate
Once the Easy Eggnog Cupcakes are cool, pipe or spread the frosting generously on top. Finish with an extra sprinkle of nutmeg, or really go for it with festive sprinkles or a cinnamon stick. Each one turns out looking like a mini holiday masterpiece!
How to Serve Easy Eggnog Cupcakes
Garnishes
The simplest yet most delightful way to garnish Easy Eggnog Cupcakes is to dust a little extra nutmeg right over the top. If you want to take them up a notch, festive sprinkles, edible glitter, or a tiny cinnamon stick each add visual flair and holiday charm.
Side Dishes
These cupcakes shine as the star of any dessert table, but they’re also irresistible paired with a piping hot mug of cocoa, spicy chai tea, or—of course—a glass of classic eggnog. For a more robust spread, offer fruit salad or a platter of crisp, buttery cookies alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange Easy Eggnog Cupcakes on a winter-themed cake stand, or nestle them in a rustic basket for a cozy vibe. They also make adorable gifts—just place each frosted cupcake in a clear treat bag, tie with ribbon, and slip a little note inside for a sweet, personal touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Easy Eggnog Cupcakes, simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. The frosting helps keep them moist, making every bite just as decadent as when they were first baked.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cupcakes in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature, then whip up the frosting fresh for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Generally, these cupcakes are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you’d like to serve them slightly warm (especially the unfrosted ones), simply pop them in the microwave for about 8-10 seconds—a little heat really brings out their cozy, eggnog essence!
FAQs
Can I make Easy Eggnog Cupcakes without rum extract?
Absolutely! The cupcakes still have wonderful depth and unmistakable eggnog flavor just from the other spices and extracts. The rum extract is optional—leave it out if you’re serving kids or prefer a milder taste.
Can I use store-bought eggnog?
Yes, store-bought eggnog works perfectly in this recipe and saves time. In fact, its creamy, pre-seasoned flavor often enhances the cupcakes compared to homemade alternatives.
How do I know when the cupcakes are done baking?
Your Easy Eggnog Cupcakes are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a crumb or two attached. Start checking at the 18-minute mark for best results.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! You can double all the ingredients to make 24 cupcakes. Just be sure to use two muffin pans and rotate them halfway through baking for perfectly even results.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, the frosting can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Let it soften at room temperature and give it a quick whisk or beat before piping or spreading onto your cupcakes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about sharing a batch of Easy Eggnog Cupcakes—every bite is creamy, spiced, and full of joy. Whether you’re treating yourself or spreading holiday cheer to family and friends, these cupcakes are sure to become a new seasonal favorite. Go ahead and give them a try; I know they’ll make your festivities especially sweet!
Print
Easy Eggnog Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flavors of the holiday season with these Easy Eggnog Cupcakes. Moist and tender cupcakes infused with the rich taste of eggnog, topped with a creamy eggnog frosting, perfect for Christmas celebrations or any festive gathering.
Ingredients
Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon rum extract (optional)
Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons eggnog
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla extract and rum extract, if using. Alternate adding the flour mixture and eggnog to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined.
- Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, eggnog, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Beat until light and fluffy. Pipe or spread onto cooled cupcakes and sprinkle with extra nutmeg if desired.
Notes
- For added holiday flair, top with festive sprinkles or a cinnamon stick.
- These cupcakes can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
