Festive Eggnog Cupcakes Recipe: A Sweet Holiday Treat

Whipping up some delightful eggnog cupcakes might just become your new holiday tradition.

Sweet memories often emerge from unexpected kitchen adventures.

Festive baking can spark joy in surprising ways.

These cupcakes blend classic seasonal flavors with modern bakery charm.

Creamy, rich notes dance through each tender crumb.

Seasonal spices whisper warmth into every delectable bite.

Frosted Pairings for Eggnog Cupcakes

• Pair Spiced Rum Cocktail: Mix eggnog cupcake-inspired cocktail with spiced rum, nutmeg sprinkle, and vanilla whipped cream for a festive drink that mirrors the cupcake's warm holiday flavors.
• Complement Caramel Cream Coffee: Serve cupcakes alongside a rich caramel latte or cappuccino, enhancing the nutmeg and vanilla notes with smooth, creamy coffee undertones.
• Match Cinnamon Mulled Wine: Create a cozy pairing with warm mulled wine featuring cinnamon sticks, orange slices, and star anise to complement the cupcake's festive spice profile.
• Elevate Bourbon Vanilla Milkshake: Craft a creamy bourbon-spiked vanilla milkshake that echoes the cupcake's rich, sweet essence and provides a delightful adult dessert companion.

Eggnog Cupcake Swaps

• Dairy-Free Eggnog Cupcakes: Replace traditional eggnog with almond or oat milk mixed with rum extract, using coconut oil instead of butter for a vegan-friendly version.
• Gluten-Free Holiday Cupcakes: Swap wheat flour with a gluten-free blend of rice and almond flour, ensuring the same tender texture and festive flavor.
• Reduced Sugar Holiday Treat: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of sugar, and incorporate unsweetened applesauce to maintain moisture while cutting calories.
• Spiced Rum Alternative: For a non-alcoholic option, replace rum extract with additional nutmeg and cinnamon, creating a warm, aromatic cupcake perfect for all ages.

FAQs

• How do I know if the cupcake batter is mixed correctly?

Mix until ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense cupcakes. Stop stirring when no dry flour streaks remain and the batter looks smooth.

• Can I use store-bought or homemade eggnog?

Both work great! Store-bought eggnog is convenient, while homemade offers a richer flavor. Just ensure the eggnog is fresh and cold when adding to the recipe.

• What if I don't have nutmeg?

Substitute with ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice. These spices complement the eggnog flavor and provide a similar warm, festive taste to the cupcakes.

• How can I prevent my cupcakes from being dry?

Avoid overbaking by checking doneness at 15 minutes. Use room temperature ingredients, measure precisely, and don’t overmix the batter to keep cupcakes moist and tender.

Eggnog Cupcakes That Taste Like the Season

• Craft Holiday Cheer: Whip up these delightful eggnog cupcakes that instantly bring festive warmth and joy to any gathering.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking: Perfect for novice bakers with simple ingredients and straightforward mixing steps that guarantee delicious results every time.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Impress family and friends with minimal effort, creating a memorable dessert that captures the essence of holiday celebrations.
• Versatile Seasonal Treat: Ideal for potlucks, Christmas parties, or cozy winter evenings, these cupcakes elevate any festive occasion with their rich, creamy flavor.

Eggnog Cupcakes Ingredient Guide

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base structure for the cupcakes.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cupcakes rise and become light.
• Ground Nutmeg: Adds classic eggnog flavor.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste.

• Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cupcakes moist.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor.
• Eggnog: Gives signature holiday taste and moisture.

• Cupcake Liners: Helps with easy removal and presentation.

Eggnog Cupcake Baking Guide

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a cupcake pan with festive holiday liners that will make your cupcakes look extra special.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt

Blend these ingredients until they’re perfectly combined and smooth.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sweetness

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Vegetable oil

Whip these ingredients until they become light, fluffy, and look like a creamy cloud.

Step 4: Add Egg Magic

Crack eggs into the butter mixture one at a time. Mix thoroughly after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and stir until everything is well incorporated.

Step 5: Create Batter Harmony

Alternate adding dry ingredients and eggnog to the mixture. Start with dry ingredients and end with dry ingredients. Mix gently to keep the batter smooth and avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Fill Cupcake Liners

Carefully spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners. Fill each liner just over halfway to ensure perfect rising.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the cupcake pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake – it should come out clean. Remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Cupcake Baking Tips That Let Eggnog Flavor Shine

• Measure Ingredients Precisely: Use standard measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate proportions, which guarantees consistent cupcake texture and flavor every time.
• Choose Quality Eggnog: Select a rich, creamy eggnog with robust flavor to enhance the cupcakes' holiday essence and provide deeper taste complexity.
• Room Temperature Matters: Allow butter, eggs, and eggnog to reach room temperature before mixing, enabling smoother blending and creating a more uniform batter.
• Don't Overmix Batter: Gently fold ingredients until just combined, preventing tough cupcakes and maintaining a tender, light crumb structure.
• Control Baking Time Carefully: Check cupcakes at 15 minutes and avoid overbaking, which can result in dry, dense desserts; use a toothpick to test doneness accurately.

Tips To Store Eggnog Cupcakes For Later

• Store cupcakes in an airtight container with wax paper between layers for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and moist in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual unfrosted cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag, where they'll stay delicious for 2-3 months.
• Remove frozen cupcakes from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving, preventing condensation and maintaining texture.
• Warm refrigerated cupcakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power, ensuring they don't dry out or become tough.

Eggnog Cupcakes Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive holiday eggnog cupcakes bring winter cheer with their rich, creamy spice blend. Delicate crumb and smooth frosting promise a merry celebration that delights holiday guests and satisfies sweet cravings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons (150 milliliters/5.07 fluid ounces) eggnog
• 1 1/4 cups (163 grams) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (155 grams) sugar
• 6 tablespoons (84 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature

Liquid and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Spices and Seasoning:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 350°F and lining a cupcake pan with decorative paper liners.
2. Sift together flour, baking powder, ground nutmeg, and salt in a medium mixing vessel, ensuring a uniform dry ingredient blend.
3. Using an electric mixer, whip butter, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil until the mixture transforms into a pale, airy consistency with visible volume increases.
4. Introduce eggs individually into the creamed mixture, thoroughly incorporating each before adding the next, then fold in pure vanilla extract for aromatic depth.
5. Gently integrate the dry ingredient mixture and eggnog into the base, alternating between the two components and maintaining a smooth, lump-free batter.
6. Distribute the cupcake mixture evenly across the prepared liners, filling each compartment approximately halfway to allow proper rising during baking.
7. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, monitoring for a golden surface and checking doneness with a clean toothpick test.
8. Transfer the freshly baked cupcakes to a wire cooling rack, allowing complete temperature reduction before potential frosting or decoration.

Notes

• Boost the nutmeg flavor by toasting whole nutmeg and freshly grating it for an intense, aromatic warmth that elevates the holiday essence.
• Ensure room temperature ingredients, especially eggs and eggnog, for smoother batter incorporation and more consistent cupcake texture.
• For a lighter, fluffier cupcake, separate egg whites and yolks, whip whites until stiff peaks form, and gently fold them into the batter last.
• Experiment with dairy-free alternatives like coconut or almond eggnog to make the recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan guests, adjusting liquid ratios slightly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 238
• Sugar: 13g
• Sodium: 115mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 58mg