Eggnog Cupcakes: A Festive Delight for the Holidays

If you adore the creamy, spiced warmth of eggnog during the holidays, you’re in for a treat! These Eggnog Cupcakes are the ultimate way to enjoy this festive favorite in dessert form. Featuring a moist, fluffy cupcake infused with eggnog and crowned with a luscious eggnog buttercream, they’re perfect for holiday parties or as a sweet gift for loved ones.

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Why You’ll Love These Eggnog Cupcakes

These cupcakes combine the comforting, nostalgic flavors of eggnog with the fun, celebratory feel of a cupcake. From the creamy spiced frosting to the subtle nutmeg-infused cake, every bite is a celebration of the season. Plus, they’re easy to make and look stunning on any dessert table.

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Taste and Texture

• Taste: Creamy, sweet, and slightly spiced with the warmth of nutmeg and a hint of vanilla.
• Texture: Light, tender cupcakes with a creamy and fluffy buttercream that melts in your mouth.

Benefits of These Cupcakes

• Festive Appeal: A perfect addition to holiday gatherings or cookie swaps.
• Customizable: Adjust the spices or even add a dash of rum extract for a grown-up twist.
• Impressively Easy: Despite their elegant look and flavor, these are simple to bake and decorate.

Ingredients for Eggnog Cupcakes

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 Eggnog Buttercream

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (95g) shortening
• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
• 4 tbsp (60ml) eggnog
• 1/4 tsp rum extract (optional)
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Stand or hand mixer
• Cupcake pan
• Cupcake liners
• Cooling rack
• Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Cupcakes

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and oil on high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and eggnog to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Fill cupcake liners slightly more than halfway full. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Make the Buttercream

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and shortening together until smooth.
2. Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar, mixing until well combined.
3. Mix in 2 tablespoons of eggnog, rum extract (if using), nutmeg, and salt.
4. Add the remaining powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
5. Add the last 2 tablespoons of eggnog and beat until fluffy.

Frost and Decorate

Frost cooled cupcakes generously with buttercream using a piping bag or spatula. Sprinkle with a touch of nutmeg for a festive finish.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these cupcakes with a mug of warm eggnog, coffee, or hot chocolate. They’re also delightful alongside other holiday desserts like Christmas Cookie Bars, Cranberry Pistachio Fudge, or White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies.

Tips for Perfect Eggnog Cupcakes

• Don’t Overmix: To keep the cupcakes light and fluffy, mix the batter just until combined.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and eggnog are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
• Test for Doneness: A toothpick should come out clean but not wet or sticky.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

• To Store: Keep the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
• To Freeze: Place frosted cupcakes on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or on the counter before enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Cupcakes Ahead?

Absolutely! Bake the cupcakes a day in advance and frost them just before serving.

Can I Use Store-Bought Eggnog?

Yes, any store-bought eggnog will work perfectly for this recipe.

Can I Make These Without Buttercream?

If you prefer, you can enjoy the cupcakes plain or with a simple dusting of powdered sugar.

More Holiday Recipes to Try

• Christmas Cookie Bars
• Cranberry Pistachio Fudge
• White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

Don’t forget to save these recipes to your holiday Pinterest board! Follow us on Pinterest for more festive inspiration.

Eggnog Cupcakes are a simple, yet elegant treat that encapsulates the warmth and joy of the holiday season. Make them for your next celebration and watch them disappear in no time.

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