Eggnog Cupcakes are the ultimate way to usher in the holiday spirit, combining the creamy, spiced nostalgia of classic eggnog with the light, fluffy texture of a perfectly baked cupcake. Imagine the scent of warm nutmeg and cinnamon drifting through your kitchen as these beauties come out of the oven, ready to be crowned with a cloud of luscious eggnog frosting. Each bite is cozy, festive, and irresistibly rich, making them a must-have dessert for seasonal gatherings or as a sweet gift for friends and neighbors. If you’re searching for the best way to transform a beloved holiday drink into an unforgettable treat, Eggnog Cupcakes will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Eggnog Cupcakes are delightfully simple yet thoughtfully chosen to deliver pure holiday magic in every bite. Each one plays a special role—whether it’s adding structure, softness, warmth, or that unmistakable eggnog flavor—so don’t skip them!

All-purpose flour: Your cupcake’s foundation, providing structure and a tender crumb.
Baking powder: Assures your cupcakes rise beautifully in the oven.
Baking soda: Adds a little extra lift for light, fluffy cakes.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the spices.
Ground nutmeg: Delivers that signature eggnog warmth and aromatic spice.
Ground cinnamon: Lends cozy, subtly sweet notes that blend perfectly with nutmeg.
Unsalted butter, softened: Infuses richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and helps achieve that golden edge on each one.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and create a moist, airy crumb.
Vanilla extract: Brings a round, comforting sweetness to every bite.
Rum extract (optional): Adds a fun, classic eggnog twist without the alcohol—feel free to skip or substitute as desired.
Eggnog: The star ingredient infuses every cupcake with velvety texture and festive flavor.
For the Frosting:
Unsalted butter, softened: Makes the base for a smooth, creamy frosting.
Powdered sugar: Brings sweetness and structure to the topping.
Eggnog: Doubles down on seasonal flavor and gives the frosting its dreamy consistency.
Ground nutmeg: Another sprinkle for aromatic, spicy depth in the frosting.
Rum extract (optional): Keeps the eggnog theme going strong—totally your call!
Pinch of salt: Balances all that sweetness and keeps flavors bold.

How to Make Eggnog Cupcakes

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Muffin Tin

Set the scene for baking success by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners, which ensures your Eggnog Cupcakes pop right out and look festive and inviting from the start.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground nutmeg, and cinnamon. This whisking brings all the leaveners and spices together, guaranteeing every cupcake is as fluffy and flavorful as the next.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light, creamy, and pale—about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key for super tender Eggnog Cupcakes, as it incorporates air into the batter, giving you that signature cupcake lift.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla and rum extract (if using). The eggs provide structure and moisture, while the extracts weave in delightful flavor notes.

Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Eggnog

Add the dry mixture and eggnog to the butter mixture in alternating batches, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently just until combined—this layering technique keeps your cupcakes fluffy, never dense.

Step 6: Fill and Bake

Divide the cupcake batter evenly among the prepared liners—an ice cream scoop makes this extra easy. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then lift out to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 7: Make the Eggnog Frosting

While the cupcakes cool, whip up your luscious frosting. Beat the butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar. Pour in the eggnog, sprinkle over nutmeg, add the rum extract if using, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable—pure holiday bliss!

Step 8: Frost and Finish

Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe or spread the frosting on top. For a classic eggnog touch, finish with a little extra ground nutmeg sprinkled over each cupcake. Stand back and admire your creation before serving!

How to Serve Eggnog Cupcakes

Garnishes

A gentle snowfall of ground nutmeg on top is the classic finish, but a touch of cinnamon or even a tiny star-shaped sugar decoration turns your Eggnog Cupcakes into edible holiday ornaments. For an extra decadent flair, nestle a mini cinnamon stick or white chocolate shaving onto the swirl of frosting.

Side Dishes

While Eggnog Cupcakes are outstanding on their own, they play beautifully with other festive bites. Arrange them on a dessert tray surrounded by gingerbread cookies, candied pecans, or chocolate-dipped fruit. If you’re serving after dinner, a cup of hot coffee or spiced tea is the perfect sidekick.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, place each cupcake in a pretty holiday wrapper and arrange on a raised cake stand for eye-catching elegance. Pack them into festive bakery boxes for gifting—maybe with a ribbon and a handwritten tag. For extra fun at parties, let guests dress up their own Eggnog Cupcakes with bowls of sprinkles, colored sugars, or decorative picks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Eggnog Cupcakes keep well for up to two days at room temperature in an airtight container. If your kitchen is on the warm side or you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge; just let them come to room temp for the best texture.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then bundle in a freezer bag for up to three months. The frosting can also be frozen separately—just give it a whip after thawing to restore fluffy perfection before icing.

Reheating

To refresh chilled or previously frozen cupcakes, allow them to thaw at room temperature. Give them a quick 5-10 seconds in the microwave if you want to serve them slightly warm (frost afterward if you’re adding the topping fresh).

FAQs

Can I use homemade eggnog for these cupcakes?

Absolutely! Homemade eggnog will infuse your cupcakes with extra warmth and personality. Just make sure it’s well blended and not too thick, so your batter stays smooth and moist.

Is it possible to make Eggnog Cupcakes without the rum extract?

Yes, you can skip the rum extract and still enjoy delicious, perfectly spiced cupcakes! They’ll have all the cozy eggnog flavor without the subtle boozy note, making them extra kid-friendly.

What’s the best way to frost these cupcakes for a professional look?

A piping bag fitted with a star tip creates beautiful, bakery-worthy swirls atop your Eggnog Cupcakes. If you don’t have piping tools, simply pile on generous spoonfuls of frosting and use the back of a spoon to create dreamy swoops.

Can I make mini Eggnog Cupcakes with this recipe?

Absolutely! Simply divide the batter into mini muffin tins, reducing the bake time to about 10–12 minutes. Keep a close eye—mini cupcakes bake up quickly!

What adjustments should I make for high-altitude baking?

At higher elevations, reduce baking powder and baking soda by about 1/8 teaspoon each, slightly increase your oven temperature, and add a tablespoon or two more eggnog. This helps maintain proper rise and moisture.

Final Thoughts

With their rich, spiced flavor and dreamy frosting, Eggnog Cupcakes are destined to become a new holiday classic in your kitchen. Whether you’re baking them for a celebration or just because you adore all things cozy, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone who tries them. Don’t wait for the holidays—give these cupcakes a spot on your dessert menu any time you want a little extra festivity!