Eggnog Cupcakes

If you love eggnog during the holidays, these eggnog cupcakes will make you smile. They take all the best parts of eggnog - that creamy texture, warm nutmeg, and sweet vanilla - and turn them into super soft cupcakes topped with eggnog buttercream.

These are awesome for Christmas parties or just when you want to make regular cupcakes more festive. The eggnog flavor comes through in both the cupcake and the frosting, making them taste just like the real thing!

I love making these cupcakes when I'm hosting holiday parties - they always bring a big smile to everyone's face! 

During December, I keep all the ingredients stocked in my kitchen so I can whip up a batch whenever family is coming to town. The smell of nutmeg while they're baking fills the whole house with Christmas cheer.

We usually sprinkle extra nutmeg on top, but sometimes we add red and green sprinkles or even tiny gingerbread men for fun. 

And I always save a few in the freezer - they're amazing to pull out when you need a quick dessert or want to treat someone to a surprise holiday sweet.

The buttercream is really what makes these special. It's so fluffy and smooth, and the eggnog flavor really shines through. I usually make a little extra frosting because, let's be honest, it's impossible not to sneak a few spoonfuls while decorating!

Ingredient Notes

See the printable recipe card below for all ingredients, specific measurements, and complete instructions.

• Flour: Regular all-purpose flour works great here. Just make sure to measure it correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
• Butter: I use salted butter for both the cupcakes and frosting. Make sure it's at room temperature so it creams well with the sugar.
• Eggnog: Any store-bought eggnog works fine. I use full-fat for the best flavor.
• Nutmeg: Fresh grated nutmeg tastes amazing, but pre-ground works too.
• Vegetable oil: This helps keep the cupcakes moist. You can also use canola oil.
• Powdered sugar: This gives the frosting its smooth texture. Sift it first if it's lumpy.
• Vanilla extract: Just a bit enhances all the other flavors.

How To Make Eggnog Cupcakes

Let's start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a cupcake pan with paper liners. Give the liners a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray too.

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Now grab your mixer and beat the butter, sugar, and oil together until they're light and fluffy - this usually takes about 3 minutes.

Add your eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. Pour in the vanilla extract and give it another mix. Now comes the fun part - alternating between adding the dry ingredients and eggnog to your butter mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together.

Fill each cupcake liner just over halfway full. Pop them in the oven for 18-20 minutes, or until you can stick a toothpick in the middle and it comes out clean. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.

For the frosting, beat your butter until it's nice and fluffy. Mix in half the powdered sugar, then add your eggnog, vanilla, salt, and nutmeg. Add the rest of the powdered sugar and beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.

Once the cupcakes are totally cool, frost them however you like. I usually use a piping bag, but spreading with a knife works great too. Sprinkle some extra nutmeg on top if you want!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Freezing

Store: Keep these eggnog cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just let them come to room temperature before eating for the best taste and texture.

Freeze: These cupcakes freeze really well! Put them on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until the frosting hardens. Then wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. They'll stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you want one, just unwrap it and let it come to room temperature on the counter.

Make-Ahead: If you're making these ahead for a party, you can make the cupcakes and frosting separately. Store the unfrosted cupcakes at room temperature for a day or two, and keep the frosting in the fridge. Just bring the frosting to room temperature and give it a quick mix before using it.

Substitutions and Variations

• Make them chocolate. Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for chocolate eggnog cupcakes.
• Add rum extract. Replace half the vanilla with rum extract for a more traditional eggnog flavor.
• Mini cupcakes. Use a mini muffin tin and reduce baking time to 10-12 minutes.
• Skip the frosting. Dust with powdered sugar and nutmeg for a lighter treat.

My cupcakes came out dense - what happened?

This usually means the batter was overmixed. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Also, check if your baking powder is fresh - it should be replaced every 6 months.

Can I make these without nutmeg?

You can, but nutmeg gives this eggnog cupcake recipe its classic eggnog flavor. Cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice mix are good alternatives.

My frosting is grainy - how do I fix it?

This happens when the butter isn't soft enough. Let it come fully to room temperature before mixing. If it's already made, try warming the bowl slightly while mixing.

Recipe Tips

• Always use room temperature butter and eggs - they'll mix better and create fluffier cupcakes.
• Don't overfill the cupcake liners. Just over halfway full is perfect - they'll rise nicely without spilling over.
• For extra festive cupcakes, try adding red and green sprinkles or crushed candy canes on top.
• Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before frosting. Even a little warmth will make the buttercream melt.
• Freshly grated nutmeg has amazing flavor, but pre-ground works great, too.
• If your frosting seems too thick, add a tiny bit more eggnog. If it's too thin, add more powdered sugar.
• Look for full-fat eggnog - it gives the best flavor and texture to both the cupcakes and frosting.

If you enjoy eggnog desserts, try this No-Bake Eggnog Pie and this creamy Eggnog Ice Cream.

These Eggnog Cupcakes bring all the cozy Christmas flavors you love to a soft, sweet cupcake. They're easy to make and perfect for spreading holiday cheer at parties, family gatherings, or anytime you're craving those classic eggnog flavors.