If you are searching for a delightful and festive treat that brings the warm, creamy flavor of classic eggnog into a fun and bite-sized form, look no further than this Easy Eggnog Cupcakes Recipe. These cupcakes combine all the comforting spices and richness you love about eggnog, wrapped up in soft, fluffy cake, and topped with a luscious spiced eggnog buttercream frosting. Whether you are preparing for a cozy winter night in, a holiday party, or just want to infuse your dessert table with some seasonal cheer, these eggnog cupcakes will quickly become your go-to favorite.

Easy Eggnog Cupcakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Eggnog Cupcakes Recipe is in how simple yet carefully selected the ingredients are. Each plays a crucial role in building that perfect balance of moisture, spice, and creamy sweetness that makes these cupcakes truly special.

Yellow cake mix: The base for tender, fluffy cupcakes that bake evenly every time.
Eggnog: Brings rich, creamy flavor and a festive touch straight into the batter and frosting.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cupcakes moist and soft without overpowering flavor.
Large eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cupcakes.
Ground nutmeg: Adds that signature warm spice essential to any eggnog recipe.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors while adding a smooth, sweet aroma.
Unsalted butter (softened): Creates a creamy base for the decadent buttercream frosting.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting to perfection and gives it a silky texture.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavors.

How to Make Easy Eggnog Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with your favorite cupcake liners to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple preparation sets the stage for perfectly shaped cupcakes that are easy to remove after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Cupcake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggnog, vegetable oil, eggs, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture for about 2 minutes until it turns smooth and fluffy. This is where the magic begins — the batter will have that inviting texture that promises soft, moist cupcakes infused with holiday flavor.

Step 3: Fill and Bake

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each one about two-thirds full to allow room for rising. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This is a crucial check to avoid under or overbaking, ensuring your cupcakes emerge tender and perfectly cooked.

Step 4: Cool Completely

Once baked, transfer the cupcake tin to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time is essential before frosting so that the buttercream doesn’t melt and slide off. Trust me, cooling patiently pays off with a flawless finish.

Step 5: Prepare the Spiced Eggnog Buttercream Frosting

For the frosting, begin by beating the softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar to avoid a dusty mess, then mix in eggnog, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat everything together until the frosting is light and fluffy — this frosting is the crowning glory of the Easy Eggnog Cupcakes Recipe, adding both flavor and elegance.

Step 6: Frost and Garnish

Once your cupcakes are fully cooled, use a piping bag or a spatula to frost generously. For a final festive touch, sprinkle a little extra ground nutmeg on top. This will elevate the look and deepen that wonderful seasonal spice aroma.

How to Serve Easy Eggnog Cupcakes Recipe

Garnishes

Beyond a simple dusting of nutmeg, feel free to get creative with garnishes. Toasted pecans or cinnamon sticks add texture and a beautiful rustic look. You can even place a light sprinkle of edible gold glitter for that extra holiday sparkle. The key is to highlight the warm, spiced character of eggnog while making the cupcakes visually irresistible.

Side Dishes

These cupcakes make a fantastic centerpiece dessert but also pair wonderfully with other seasonal treats. Consider serving them alongside gingerbread cookies, warm mulled cider, or even a scoop of cinnamon ice cream. The complementary flavors bring out different notes in the cupcakes and make any celebration feel complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can turn your Easy Eggnog Cupcakes Recipe into a showstopper. Try arranging the cupcakes on a tiered cake stand, surrounded by fresh pine sprigs or holly berries for a Christmas vibe. Wrapping each cupcake with festive cupcake wrappers or placing a small cinnamon stick beside each one adds charm and a professional touch that guests will admire.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Easy Eggnog Cupcakes, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure to keep them well-covered to prevent the frosting from drying out and the cupcakes from becoming stale. This way, you can enjoy the same fresh flavor even after the party winds down.

Freezing

These cupcakes freeze beautifully. To freeze, place the unfrosted cupcakes on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can also freeze fully frosted cupcakes by placing them in a single layer on a tray first. Frozen cupcakes can last up to three months and are perfect for preparing ahead of holiday celebrations.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your Easy Eggnog Cupcakes Recipe slightly warm, allow frozen cupcakes to thaw at room temperature. To gently warm, place them in a microwave for about 10 seconds, but be cautious not to melt the frosting. A light warming enhances the cozy, comforting flavors without compromising texture.

FAQs

Can I use homemade eggnog for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade eggnog works wonderfully in this Easy Eggnog Cupcakes Recipe and can add a rich, personalized flavor. Just make sure it’s well chilled and properly spiced to match your taste preferences.

Can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?

You can adapt the recipe by using dairy-free margarine for the frosting and choosing a vegan eggnog alternative. Keep in mind that this may change the texture slightly, but the festive spirit will still shine through.

How long will these cupcakes stay fresh?

Properly stored, your Easy Eggnog Cupcakes Recipe will remain fresh for up to four days in the refrigerator. For best taste and texture, try to consume them within this time frame.

Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?

Yes, doubling the ingredients works great if you’re expecting a crowd. Just be sure to bake in batches to allow proper airflow and even cooking, or use multiple pans as needed.

What if I don’t have ground nutmeg on hand?

While ground nutmeg is a signature flavor in eggnog, you can substitute with cinnamon or allspice if necessary. These spices will maintain that warm, holiday vibe your Easy Eggnog Cupcakes Recipe is known for.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about turning a beloved holiday classic like eggnog into a beautifully spiced, soft cupcake. This Easy Eggnog Cupcakes Recipe is a simple yet impressive way to bring festive cheer into your baking, guaranteed to delight friends and family alike. I can’t wait for you to try it and make these cupcakes part of your seasonal traditions!

Easy Eggnog Cupcakes Recipe

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4 from 53 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Easy Eggnog Cupcakes are a festive holiday treat with the rich, creamy flavor of classic eggnog baked right in. Topped with a spiced eggnog buttercream frosting, these soft, fluffy cupcakes are perfect for Christmas parties, dessert tables, or cozy winter nights.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cupcakes:

1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup eggnog
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup eggnog
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
Mix cupcake batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggnog, vegetable oil, eggs, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and fluffy.
Fill cupcake liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
Bake cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
Cool cupcakes: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Make frosting: Beat the softened unsalted butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well. Then incorporate eggnog, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat the frosting until it is light and fluffy.
Decorate cupcakes: Pipe or spread the spiced eggnog buttercream frosting onto the cooled cupcakes. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra ground nutmeg on top for garnish.

Notes

You can use either store-bought or homemade eggnog according to your preference for the recipe.
These cupcakes can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American