Eggnog Cupcakes

If you’re looking for a festive treat that captures the spirit of the holidays, you’ve come to the right place! These delightful Eggnog Cupcakes are a wonderful way to enjoy the classic flavors of eggnog in a soft and moist cupcake. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or even just a cozy night at home, these cupcakes will surely bring a smile to everyone’s face. Each bite is like a warm hug, filled with the comforting spices of nutmeg and vanilla.

Baking these Eggnog Cupcakes is not only easy but also a great way to spend some quality time in the kitchen. Whether you’re whipping them up on a busy weeknight or preparing for a big celebration, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll have these cupcakes ready in no time!
• Festive Flavor: Packed with eggnog goodness, they deliver all the holiday cheer in each bite.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these treats—perfect for sharing during the holidays.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can bake these cupcakes in advance and frost them just before serving for ultimate convenience.
• Gorgeous Presentation: Topped with creamy frosting and sprinkled with nutmeg, they look as good as they taste!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Eggnog Cupcakes, you’ll use simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Gather your baking essentials and let’s get started!

For the Cupcakes

• 1 1/4 cups (163g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 6 tbsp (84g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cups (155g) sugar
• 1 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp (150ml) eggnog

For the Frosting

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (95g) shortening
• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
• 4 tbsp (60ml) eggnog
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (alcohol-free), optional
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• pinch of salt

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to adapt it to match your taste or dietary preferences.

• Add Some Spice: Incorporate cinnamon or ginger into the batter for an extra kick of holiday flavor.
• Chocolate Lovers Unite: Mix in chocolate chips or cocoa powder for a rich chocolate-egg nog fusion.
• Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the batter for added texture and flavor.
• Mini Cupcakes: Bake them in mini muffin tins for bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties!

How to Make Eggnog Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cupcakes bake evenly. While that’s warming up, line your cupcake tin with paper liners so they’re ready when your batter is mixed.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. This step is important because it helps evenly distribute the baking powder throughout the flour mixture. Set it aside while you work on the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into your mixture, giving your cupcakes that lovely soft texture. Then add in vegetable oil and vanilla extract—mix until combined!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Eggnog

Beat in each egg one at a time until well incorporated. Then gradually add in your eggnog. The liquid adds moisture to your batter while enhancing that beloved eggnog flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add your dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes instead of light ones.

Step 6: Bake Your Cupcakes

Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter. Bake in your preheated oven for about 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 7: Make Your Frosting

While your cupcakes cool, prepare the frosting by beating together unsalted butter and shortening until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar followed by eggnog, mixing well after each addition. If desired, stir in vanilla extract and nutmeg.

Step 8: Frost Your Cupcakes

Once cooled, generously frost each cupcake with your delicious eggnog frosting. Sprinkle extra nutmeg on top for that festive touch!

These Eggnog Cupcakes are sure to become a cherished recipe during this holiday season! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Eggnog Cupcakes

Making these Eggnog Cupcakes is a delightful experience, and with a few extra tips, you can take them from good to absolutely spectacular!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps your batter mix more evenly, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cupcake. Cold butter or eggs can lead to a dense texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined makes sure your cupcakes stay tender. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, which could make your cupcakes tough.
• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary significantly! Start checking your cupcakes a couple of minutes before the recommended baking time by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
• Cool completely before frosting: Patience is key! Allow your cupcakes to cool fully before adding frosting to prevent it from melting off and ensure that the texture stays perfect.
• Experiment with flavors: While this recipe focuses on eggnog, feel free to add spices like cinnamon or ginger for an extra layer of flavor. It’s all about personalizing your treats!

How to Serve Eggnog Cupcakes

These festive Eggnog Cupcakes are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family evenings. With some thoughtful presentation, they can truly shine on any dessert table!

Garnishes

• Grated nutmeg: A sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg on top adds not only visual appeal but also enhances the eggnog flavor.
• Whipped coconut cream: For an added touch of creaminess, dollop some light whipped coconut cream on top. It complements the richness of the cupcakes beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce contrasts perfectly with the sweet flavors of eggnog cupcakes, creating a delightful balance.
• Pumpkin Pie Bars: These bars offer a seasonal favorite that pairs wonderfully with the spice notes in the cupcakes, making for a comforting dessert duo.
• Spiced Hot Apple Cider: Serving warm spiced apple cider alongside your cupcakes enhances the festive atmosphere and adds another layer of holiday cheer.
• Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: The salty crunch of chocolate-dipped pretzels provides a satisfying contrast to the soft sweetness of the cupcakes, making every bite memorable.

Enjoy these Eggnog Cupcakes as part of your holiday celebrations, and let their delightful flavors bring joy to your gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Eggnog Cupcakes are perfect for meal prep, making them an excellent option for holiday gatherings or cozy family nights. You can prepare them in advance and store them for a delightful treat anytime!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week.

Freezing

• Freeze the cupcakes before frosting to maintain their texture.
• Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

• To enjoy your cupcakes warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cupcakes on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave one cupcake on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe:

Can I make Eggnog Cupcakes without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan option.

What makes these Eggnog Cupcakes so special?

These cupcakes capture the essence of traditional eggnog with their soft texture and nutmeg flavor, making them a delightful treat during the holiday season.

How can I enhance the flavor of my Eggnog Cupcakes?

To amplify the eggnog flavor, consider adding more nutmeg or using a flavored eggnog alternative available at stores. A sprinkle of cinnamon also adds warmth!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Eggnog Cupcakes as they bring warmth and festive cheer into any celebration! They’re not just delicious but also a wonderful way to share love and sweetness with family and friends. Enjoy every moment spent baking, and cherish those delightful bites—you deserve it!