Eggnog Cupcakes
Eggnog Cupcakes are a festive, creamy, and perfectly spiced dessert that captures the sweet and comforting flavor of the holiday season in one bite. Made with the rich taste of eggnog, warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, and topped with smooth eggnog frosting, these cupcakes are the perfect treat for winter gatherings. They’re soft, fluffy, and filled with the nostalgic flavors you’d expect from a glass of homemade eggnog only now in a dessert form!

Whether you’re making them for Christmas parties, holiday dinners, or simply to enjoy on a cozy evening, Eggnog Cupcakes bring the warmth and cheer of the season right to your table. The best part is, they’re easy to make and smell incredible as they bake. Each bite feels like a little celebration, making them a must-try for anyone who loves baking during the holidays.
You Should Try the Eggnog Cupcakes
If you’ve never baked with eggnog before, this recipe is the perfect place to start. These cupcakes are rich and buttery, yet light and moist, thanks to the addition of eggnog and a hint of vanilla. The frosting is silky smooth and perfectly balanced not too sweet but full of that creamy eggnog goodness. Plus, they look beautiful when topped with a dusting of nutmeg or a tiny cinnamon stick for decoration.
You should try these Eggnog Cupcakes not just because they taste amazing, but also because they’re so much fun to make. You can bake them with family or friends, decorate them together, and share them as a homemade gift. These cupcakes are also great for holiday bake sales or festive dessert tables. Every bite is full of Christmas spirit, and they’re sure to make everyone smile.
Holiday cupcakes
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Eggnog Cupcakes
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Eggnog Cupcakes
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup eggnog
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons eggnog
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Eggnog Cupcakes
Step One
The first thing you need to do is preheat your oven Start by preheating the oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake cases and set aside.
Step Two
Now, mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This keeps the batter light and fluffy.

Step Three
Then, cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy about 2-3 minutes. This helps create a soft cupcake texture. Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step Four
Mix the dry and wet ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture with the egg wash, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until fully combined, then add the sour cream for extra moisture.
Step Five
Now it’s time to bake the cupcakes: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake cases, filling each case about two thirds full. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cupcakes completely: Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Step Six
Prepare the frosting Cream the butter until creamy, then add the powdered sugar, egg white, nutmeg, and vanilla. Beat on medium high speed until smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Step Seven
Finally, frosting Spread or pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes. For a festive touch, sprinkle with extra nutmeg or decorate with cinnamon sticks or holiday sprinkles.
Kitchen Equipment Needed :
To make these Eggnog Cupcakes, you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls one large, one medium
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cupcake pan
- Paper cupcake liners
- Cooling rack
- Toothpick for testing doneness
- Ice cream scoop optional, for even batter portions
Tips for Perfect Eggnog Cupcakes
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix only until combined to keep the cupcakes fluffy.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch more nutmeg or cinnamon if you like a stronger holiday flavor.
Decorate Creatively: Top with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or festive sprinkles for extra fun.
Double the Batch: These cupcakes are so good that one batch might not be enough!
Serving Suggestion
I like to serve these cupcakes with hot drinks for breakfast like tea or coffee, but during the day I like to serve them with international drinks like Smoothie or Lemonade as well.

Frequently Asked Question
Can I freeze eggnog cupcakes ?
Yes! Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature and frost them fresh when ready to serve.
What can I do if I don’t have cupcake liners ?
Grease your cupcake pan lightly with butter or nonstick spray and dust with flour. The cupcakes should come out easily.
What’s the best way to transport frosted cupcakes ?
Use a cupcake carrier or a large box with a lid. Place the cupcakes snugly so they don’t move around. You can also refrigerate them before traveling to firm up the frosting.
Can I make eggnog cupcakes without eggs ?
Yes. You can replace each egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon of vinegar mixed with 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
Eggnog Cupcakes
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy12
servings15
minutes20
minutes280
kcal35
minutesThese Eggnog Cupcakes are soft, fluffy, and full of warm holiday flavor! Made with creamy eggnog, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then topped with smooth eggnog frosting, they’re the perfect festive treat for Christmas or winter celebrations. Easy to make, kid-friendly, and sure to bring a little holiday cheer to your kitchen!
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup eggnog
2 tablespoons sour cream
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons eggnog
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- The first thing you need to do is preheat your oven Start by preheating the oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake cases and set aside.
- Now, mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This keeps the batter light and fluffy.
- Then, cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy about 2-3 minutes. This helps create a soft cupcake texture. Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Mix the dry and wet ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture with the egg wash, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until fully combined, then add the sour cream for extra moisture.
- Now it's time to bake the cupcakes: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake cases, filling each case about two thirds full. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cupcakes completely: Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the frosting Cream the butter until creamy, then add the powdered sugar, egg white, nutmeg, and vanilla. Beat on medium high speed until smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Finally, frosting Spread or pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes. For a festive touch, sprinkle with extra nutmeg or decorate with cinnamon sticks or holiday sprinkles.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the batter Once the flour is added, stir gently until just combined. Overmixing can make cupcakes tough instead of tender.
- Fill liners evenly Use an ice cream scoop or spoon to fill each cupcake liner two-thirds full so they all bake evenly.
- Cool completely before frosting. If your cupcakes are even slightly warm, the frosting can melt and slide off.
- Add powdered sugar slowly When making frosting, add sugar one cup at a time to avoid lumps and get the right consistency.
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