Eggnog Cupcakes

Your favorite festive beverage is reborn as a light, soft, and moist cupcake in this easy recipe. These Eggnog Cupcakes are a true Christmas miracle – both the cake on the bottom and the frosting on top are filled with eggnog flavor! Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in, these cupcakes bring the spirit of the season to your dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The rich taste of eggnog shines through in every bite, making these cupcakes a festive treat.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Great for Christmas parties, family gatherings, or as a sweet gift for friends.
• Moist Texture: Thanks to the eggnog and butter combination, each cupcake is incredibly soft and moist.
• Great for Decorating: The festive look of these cupcakes makes them perfect for any holiday display.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delightful Eggnog Cupcakes, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Cupcake liners
• Muffin tin
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer or whisk: Helps achieve a light and fluffy batter by thoroughly mixing ingredients.
• Muffin tin: Provides the perfect shape and size for your cupcakes, ensuring even baking.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

• 1 1/4 cups (163g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 6 tbsp (84g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cups (155g) sugar
• 1 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp (150ml) eggnog

For the Frosting

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (95g) shortening
• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
• 4 tbsp (60ml) eggnog
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (alcohol-free), optional
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• pinch of salt

How to Make Eggnog Cupcakes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking powder
3. Nutmeg
4. Salt

Whisk together until well combined.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat together:
1. Unsalted butter
2. Sugar

Use an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. Add vegetable oil and mix until smooth.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add:
1. Eggs (one at a time)
2. Vanilla extract

Mix until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture while alternating with eggnog. Mix just until combined; do not overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners. Bake for about 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Down

Once baked, remove from oven and let cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 8: Prepare Frosting

In a clean bowl, beat together:
1. Unsalted butter
2. Shortening

Add powdered sugar gradually while mixing. Then add eggnog and mix until smooth. Optionally include vanilla extract.

Step 9: Frost Your Cupcakes

Once cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with your prepared frosting using a spatula or piping bag. Sprinkle with nutmeg as desired.

Enjoy your homemade Eggnog Cupcakes at any festive occasion!

How to Serve Eggnog Cupcakes

Eggnog Cupcakes are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply indulging at home, these cupcakes can be dressed up or down for any occasion.

Festive Platter

• Arrange the cupcakes on a decorative platter and sprinkle some extra nutmeg on top for a festive touch.

Coffee Pairing

• Serve with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or hot chocolate to balance the sweetness of the cupcakes.

Ice Cream Delight

• Top each cupcake with a scoop of vanilla or nutmeg ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Holiday Gift

• Package them in a decorative box tied with a ribbon; they make perfect homemade gifts for friends and family.

Brunch Treat

• Include them as part of a brunch spread alongside other pastries and fruit for a sweet addition to your meal.

How to Perfect Eggnog Cupcakes

To ensure your Eggnog Cupcakes turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. This helps achieve an even bake and perfect rise.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature butter and eggs for better mixing and texture. This ensures that everything blends smoothly.

• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents overly dense cupcakes.

• Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix until just combined to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to tough texture.

• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your cupcakes to cool completely before adding frosting. This prevents melting and helps maintain shape.

Best Side Dishes for Eggnog Cupcakes

Eggnog Cupcakes pair well with various side dishes that enhance their festive flavor. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the richness of the cupcakes.

2. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses provides savory contrast, making it an excellent accompaniment to the sweet flavor of eggnog cupcakes.

3. Spiced Nuts
   Roasted spiced nuts offer a crunchy texture that complements the soft cupcake.

4. Mini Quiches
   Savory mini quiches filled with vegetables or cheese create a delicious contrast with sweet treats.

5. Chocolate Fondue
   Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip fruits or marshmallows for added sweetness alongside your cupcakes.

6. Gingerbread Cookies
   These classic cookies bring out holiday flavors, making them perfect companions to your eggnog treats.

7. Pumpkin Soup
   A warm bowl of pumpkin soup adds heartiness and pairs surprisingly well with sweet desserts.

8. Savory Scones
   Light savory scones can balance out the sweetness while offering an enjoyable texture contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking Eggnog Cupcakes, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Incorrect measurements: Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precise ingredient measurements. This ensures the right texture and flavor.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes instead of light and fluffy ones.
• Neglecting to preheat: Always preheat your oven before baking. This helps your cupcakes rise properly and cook evenly.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allow your cupcakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and ensures better presentation.
• Using warm ingredients: Make sure all ingredients, especially butter, eggs, and eggnog, are at room temperature. This helps with proper mixing and texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Eggnog Cupcakes in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Eggnog Cupcakes

• Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Eggnog Cupcakes

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat cupcakes for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat each cupcake on medium power for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Use a double boiler method by placing cupcakes on a plate over boiling water for a few minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Eggnog Cupcakes:

Can I make Eggnog Cupcakes ahead of time?

You can prepare the cupcakes in advance. Store them in the refrigerator or freeze them for later enjoyment.

What can I substitute for eggnog?

You can use a combination of milk, vanilla extract, and nutmeg as an alternative if you don’t have eggnog on hand.

How do I know when my Eggnog Cupcakes are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are ready!

Can I customize my Eggnog Cupcakes?

Absolutely! You can add spices like cinnamon or even chocolate chips for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

Eggnog Cupcakes are a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. Their light texture and rich flavor make them perfect for any festive gathering. Feel free to customize them with different spices or toppings to suit your taste!