Eggnog Cupcakes

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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!

Looking for another Christmas cupcake? Paired with a caramel molasses cream cheese icing, these Gingerbread Cupcakes are sure to impress.

Celebrate Christmas with Soft & Fluffy Eggnog Cupcakes

Imagine the most amazing vanilla cupcake you’ve ever tried, then think of how much better it would be if it tasted like eggnog! This is one of those desserts that makes you fall in love at first bite. The cupcakes are incredibly moist and fluffy, and the frosting is super smooth and creamy. Neither of them skimp on the eggnog!

No matter how many extravagant treats you enjoy during the Christmas season, these simple cupcakes always come out on top. At my house, they’re a must-make every year. I like to garnish them with a sprinkle of nutmeg and a cinnamon stick so that they match the Homemade Eggnog I serve them with!

What Exactly is Eggnog?

Eggnog is a classic Christmas drink that’s made of milk, pasteurized eggs, cream, sugar and nutmeg. It also sometimes contains alcohol. I like to reflect this in my cupcakes by adding rum extract to the frosting, but you can certainly choose to leave that out if you’d prefer. Either way, this recipe will help you make the ultimate eggnog dessert!

Four eggnog cupcakes on a kitchen countertop with a glass of homemade eggnog behind them

Recipe Ingredients

Aside from the eggnog, nutmeg and rum extract, each ingredient used in this recipe is a cupcake staple. Let’s break things down between the cupcakes and the frosting.

For the Eggnog Cupcakes

  • All-Purpose Flour: Do not use self-rising flour.
  • Baking Powder: Not baking soda.
  • Nutmeg: This enhances the eggnog flavor.
  • Salt: A small amount of salt helps keep the cupcakes moist and enhances the flavor.
  • Unsalted Butter: Bring this to room temperature.
  • Sugar: To create tenderness.
  • Vegetable Oil: For extra moisture
  • Vanilla Extract: Use a high-quality extract for the best results.
  • Eggs: These act as a binder and make the cupcakes nice and fluffy.
  • Eggnog: You’ll need just over half a cup.

For the Eggnog Buttercream

  • Butter & Shortening: The use of both helps you get a stable frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: For structure and volume.
  • Eggnog
  • Rum Extract (Optional): This has a very low alcohol content, so if you do decide to use it, kids can still enjoy these cupcakes. You can also find alcohol-free rum extract at most grocery stores.
  • Nutmeg

Shop the recipe

A bunch of eggnog cupcakes with eggnog frosting arranged on a cake stand

How to Make Eggnog Cupcakes

There’s no special equipment or crazy technique involved with this recipe. It’s great for first-time bakers!

Make the Cupcakes

  1. Prep for Baking: Prepare a cupcake pan with cupcake liners and preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: Combine the flour, baking powder, nutmeg and salt in a medium-sized bowl and set the mixture aside.
  3. Cream Butter, Sugar & Oil: Add the butter, sugar and oil to a large mixer bowl and beat together until light in color and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Do not skimp on the creaming time.
  4. Add Eggs & Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until mostly combined after each. Add the vanilla extract with the second egg. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to be sure all of the ingredients are well incorporated.
  5. Start Adding Dry Ingredients: Add half of the dry ingredients to the batter and mix until mostly combined.
  6. Add Eggnog: Slowly add the eggnog and mix until well combined.
  7. Finish Adding Dry Ingredients: Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until well combined and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to be sure everything is well incorporated. Do not over-mix.
  8. Bake: Fill the liners just over halfway full and bake the cupcakes for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let Cool: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and place them on a cooling rack to cool completely.

Make the Buttercream

  1. Combine Butter & Shortening: Combine the butter and shortening in a large mixer bowl and mix until well combined.
  2. Start Adding Powdered Sugar: Add 2 cups of powdered sugar and mix until well combined and smooth.
  3. Add Rum Extract, Nutmeg & Some Eggnog: Add 2 tablespoons of eggnog, the rum extract and the nutmeg. Mix until well combined and smooth.
  4. Finish Adding Powdered Sugar: Add the remaining powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
  5. Add Remaining Eggnog: Add the rest of the eggnog and mix until the frosting is well combined and smooth.
  6. Frost Cupcakes: Frost the cupcakes with the buttercream. Sprinkle them with a little nutmeg and garnish them with a cinnamon stick, if desired.
A Christmas eggnog cupcake with the liner removed and a cinnamon stick on top

Can I Make These in Advance?

If you’d like, you can prepare the cupcakes a day or two before you make the frosting and serve them. Once they’ve cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If the frosting is on them, they should be kept in the fridge instead.

Handy Tips & Tricks

Before you get started on your Christmas cupcakes, be sure to check out the helpful tips below.

  • Cream the Butter Mixture Well: Continue beating the butter, sugar and oil together until the mixture lightens in color and fluffs up in texture. This process is much easier when the butter is at room temperature.
  • Don’t Over-Mix the Cupcake Batter: Stop mixing your batter as soon as all of the ingredients are well incorporated. If you over-mix it, it will affect the texture of the cupcakes.
  • Avoid Over-Filling the Liners: These cupcakes rise quite a lot, so you only want to fill the liners just above the halfway point.
  • Let the Cupcakes Cool Completely: Make sure the cupcakes have cooled all the way down to room temperature before you top them with buttercream. This keeps the frosting from melting on the cupcakes.
A close-up shot of Christmas eggnog cupcakes topped with a sprinkle of nutmeg

How to Store Homemade Cupcakes

Since these cupcakes have eggnog in the frosting, you’ll want to keep them chilled. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I recommend bringing them to room temperature before enjoying them.

Are These Freezer-Friendly?

You can definitely keep your eggnog cupcakes in the freezer if you’d like. First, freeze them for about 1 hour on a baking sheet. Once the frosting has hardened, wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap and freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Unwrap and thaw out frozen cupcakes in the fridge before enjoying them.

Print
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A Christmas eggnog cupcake with the liner removed and a cinnamon stick on top
Recipe

Eggnog Cupcakes

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 18 minutes
  • Yield: 12
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American

Description

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!


Ingredients

For the Eggnog 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 Eggnog Buttercream

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

Instructions

Make the Cupcakes

  1. Prepare a cupcake pan with cupcake liners and preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C).
  2. Combine the flour, baking powder, nutmeg and salt in a medium-sized bowl and set aside.
  3. Add the butter, sugar and oil to a large mixer bowl and beat together until light in color and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Do not skimp on the creaming time.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until mostly combined after each. Add the vanilla extract with the second egg. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to be sure all ingredients are well incorporated.
  5. Add half of the dry ingredients to the batter and mix until mostly combined.
  6. Slowly add the eggnog and mix until well combined.
  7. Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until well combined and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to be sure all ingredients are well incorporated. Do not over mix the batter.
  8. Fill the cupcake liners just over 1/2 full and bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Remove cupcakes from the oven and place cupcakes on a cooling rack to cool.

Make the Buttercream

  1. Combine the butter and shortening in a large mixer bowl and mix until well combined.
  2. Add 2 cups of powdered sugar and mix until well combined and smooth.
  3. Add 2 tablespoons of eggnog, the rum extract, nutmeg and salt and mix until well combined and smooth.
  4. Add the remaining powdered sugar and mix until well combined and smooth.
  5. Add remaining eggnog and mix until well combined and smooth.
  6. Frost the cupcakes with buttercream and sprinkle with a little nutmeg, if desired.

Notes

  • Makes 12-14 cupcakes
  • To Store: Keep eggnog cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before enjoying.
  • To Freeze: First, freeze for about 1 hour on a baking sheet. Once the frosting hardens, wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Unwrap and thaw in the fridge or on the counter before enjoying.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Cupcake
  • Calories: 302
  • Sugar: 45.6 g
  • Sodium: 58.4 mg
  • Fat: 8.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55.6 g
  • Protein: 2.4 g
  • Cholesterol: 36.8 mg

Categories

More Festive Eggnog Dessert Ideas

If you love eggnog as much as I do, you have to try the tasty treats below!

Recipe updated 11/15/19. Download the previous version of these Eggnog Cupcakes.

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Have a question? Use the form below to submit your question or comment. I love hearing from you and seeing what you made!

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90 Comments
  1. Catherine

    I halved this recipe, to make 12 cupcakes. They turned out delicious – moist and tender (with a great crumb). A few items to note 1) I used half and half instead of water in the recipe; 2) Maybe my cupcake holders were large (although I did get just 12 cupcakes from half the recipe), but these needed more than the 16-18 minutes indicated in the recipe (you just have to keep checking), and 2) They tasted like eggnog, although I think much of the flavor came from the nutmeg. Still I would recommend this recipe. The egg whites give the cupcakes their fluffiness and are well worth the trouble!

  2. Katlyn Painter

    Just made these for a Christmas party and they are delicious! I was a little worried about the amount of nutmeg but honestly, it was perfect.






  3. BakingMama

    I will admit I have never actually made this recipe as a cupcake – I use it to make eggnog cake pops (dipped in white chocolate and crushed candy canes on top) and always get comments about how good they are! The flavor is just perfect!






  4. Emily

    Just made these – so soft and fluffy and melt-in-your-mouth good! I didn’t have shortening, so I just used butter in the frosting. I will definitely be making these again and again.






  5. Kathy Stroud

    I made these eggnog cupcakes gluten free, I subbed the all purpose flour for Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 gluten free flour and used Lactaid eggnog and they turned out GREAT.






  6. Ann

    I made these back in 2014 and really enjoyed them. I had the older version of the recipe printed and the main thing I am not sure if I want to change from the original is using whole eggs instead of the 3 egg whites. One of my favorite vanilla cakes uses egg whites and its so moist and fluffy. Lmk your thoughts. Also you still have 4tbsp of egg nog for the icing listed but in other places in your instructions it looks like it is now 2tsps. Thank you!






    1. Lindsay

      So I may be misunderstanding your comment but I wouldn’t just change out the egg whites or whole eggs. Which ever recipe you use, you want to follow that one so you get the proper results. Both are great recipes. I would say the old one might be slightly more dense. I’m not sure what you mean about the amount of eggnog in the buttercream.

    1. Lindsay

      If the frosting would be sitting out for more than a day, you can. Just bring them back to room temperature prior to serving.

  7. Kaylyn

    I’m making these for a cupcake sale in a couple of days and I’m just wondering if the butter in the buttercream is unsalted? Thanks!

    1. Lindsay

      You could really use either. I updated the recipe to say unsalted, but adding a pinch of salt. It’s really a preference, but I like having some salt in there. So you could use salted butter or add your own salt.

  8. Oksana

    My daughter visiting me in Toronto from Whistler B C made this recipe together !Since she loves eggnog so much! These eggnog cupcakes are out of this world so good!!!

  9. Allison

    These were delicious!! The cupcakes came out so moist and had delicious flavor! 100% would recommend this recipe 🙂






  10. Nina YF

    These are absolutely delicious! My dad has celiac disease so I substituted gluten-free one to one flour and they turned out great still. I also did not have any rum extract so I used just a tiny pinch of actual spiced captain Morgan rum.   I am bringing these over to my mom’s for Christmas tomorrow! The perfect holiday treat






  11. Amanda Ortiz

    Made these for Christmas movie night at my moms a few days ago and omg are they scrumptious! I read comments first just to see if all butter would be ok since we are not a Crisco lovin family. Came out amazing! I’ll definitely be making these for Christmas.






  12. Megan

    Made these tonight with almond nog and they were delicious! I will say that the icing recipe made more than twice the amount we needed for the amount of cupcakes the recipe makes. I’m not a huge fan of the taste of shortening in icing so next time I will probably just use the 1/2 cup butter and 2 cups powdered sugar with 2 tbsp eggnog. Thanks for the recipe!

  13. Jamie

    These cupcakes were a total disaster! They made a huge mess in my pans! I have been making cupcakes for years and have never experienced a recipe like this

    1. Lindsay

      I’m sorry you had trouble with them. I know a lot of others have really enjoyed them. If you’d like to try a different version of an eggnog cupcake, I have a newer recipe here.

  14. Camille M Marano

    Just made these and they came out great! Tweaked the recipe a bit…used 2 whole eggs and a little less butter plus extra vanilla and cinnamon. Added lil straws on top like a real egg nog drink adorable! Oh and also added RUM 🙂






  15. Evelyn B

    Would Light Eggnog work okay in this recipe? I think I’ll have to make these for my husband before eggnog disappears till next year! Thanks.

  16. Erin

    These were great! I am not a van of vanilla, and these are nothing like vanilla.
    I was in a rush so I used a GF white cake mix, (can’t eat gluten) but substituted the eggnog in the amounts suggested in the recipe and added the other ingredients as suggested.
    The frosting with the nutmeg really brings the egg nog flavor out. 
    This recipe is a keeper. ????

  17. Tracy

    These had a light eggnog flavor and were delightful. My pans were greasy buttery messes after they came out of the oven from all of the butter chunks in the batter and in a panic I had to taste one to see if it was a disaster. The liner completely stuck to the cake and was a mess. I went ahead and finished the cupcakes and after cooling they no longer stuck. I did not put the rum flavor in the icing as I just love eggnog flavor. Everyone enjoyed them and I did not refrigerate them and they were fine. I expected more of a fluffy cake and these were more dense and compacted – but still tasty.

  18. Dawn

    In your recipe it said 3/4 cup (120ml) eggnog and 1/4 cup (120ml) milk. Is it the right measurements 1/2 cup is equivalent to 120 ml? Do I follow the metric measurements or cups?

  19. Tk

    Made these for Christmas Day and I agree with all the comments! At first, I was freaked out that I wasn’t creaming the butter and sugar first but when the butter melted, it made the cupcakes lighter. I also thought the icing tasted too much like shortening, but after refrigerating and with the cupcake, it was great. Cupcakes did stick to the liner and I almost cried, but after they had cooled completely, this didn’t happen. Long sorry short? They were a big hit and fabulous flavor!! Next time, iMAY increase the butter in the shortening/butter ratio, but definitely keeping in my recipe book! Thank you!

    1. lifeloveandsugar@gmail.com

      It is correct, but you could reduce it if you wanted a thinner frosting. You won’t end up with as much frosting though.

  20. Jessica Mantz

    I tried these last year and loved them! I’ll be making them for the office this year. 🙂 love your site! <3

  21. Lisa

    Just made these…seems like to much butter. Butter was seeping thru the cupcake liner. Texture seems off. Very heavy.
    Icing turned out great.

  22. Kelley Starbird

    Hello! I made these cupcakes tonight and they were delicious! Wonderful eggnog flavor. The only problem was that they came out very heavy and dense like a muffin, not light and fluffy. Do you think I could use cake flour in place of the all purpose in this recipe? I am thinking this may lighten it up.

    1. lifeloveandsugar@gmail.com

      Hmm, I think some people do tend to find these a little denser than they expect. I’m not sure about the cake flour. I haven’t tried it. It could create other changes in the final cupcake.

  23. Kristen

    Just got done making these and of course, I had to sample one before delivering them to the masses. Amazing flavor!!! The icing is ridiculous. Thanks for a great recipe! Merry Christmas!

    1. lifeloveandsugar@gmail.com

      I’m not totally sure what your question is, sorry. The shortening is used in the icing, but can be replaced with butter if you prefer.

      1. emily

        Hi when I made the icing and placed it in the icing bag it went straight through! Wasn’t thick is there any way I can fix that?

      2. lifeloveandsugar@gmail.com

        Hmm, that’s strange. The icing should be very thick. Did you add the full amount of powdered sugar? Or extra eggnog? Either way, you can always add more powdered sugar to thicken it up.

  24. Christi Noyes

    Hey there! I made these recently and the cupcakes turned out YUMMY! My only question/critique is that I made the icing as directed (with shortening) and it was HORRIBLE. Tasted like sugared grease. I’m going to make them again for Christmas Eve guests but I will be using butter exclusively. Any idea why the shortening didn’t work out well? Seriously, the icing tasted fake and awful to the point I would have redone it on the spot if I’d had more softened butter and more time to remake it. Advice?

    Thanks,
    Christi

    1. lifeloveandsugar@gmail.com

      Hmm, I’m assuming you used the half butter and half shortening, and not all shortening. Certainly I’d agree that all shortening tastes like grease, but usually half and half is great. I think all butter is too buttery. That said, everyone has different preferences and some people just really don’t care for shortening and using all butter is better. If that’s your preference, definitely do that. 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed the cupcake!

  25. Heather

    Bummed…. I was really looking forward to these cupcakes. It appears there is way too much liquid in this recipe. The mixture was soupy with butter chunks. Perhaps creaming the butter & sugar first would be better. But that still doesn’t make up for all the liquid. They had okay eggnog flavor, but stuck to the paper. 🙁

    1. lifeloveandsugar@gmail.com

      I’m sorry they didn’t turn out as expected. The little butter chunks are actually normal and ok for this recipe. They melt into the cupcakes as they bake. This recipe is actually a modification of my vanilla cupcakes so there shouldn’t be too much liquid. That batter isn’t as thick as some. Perhaps some measurements were off? Either way, I’m sorry they didn’t turn out. 🙁

  26. Melissa

    Hi!

    These sound amazing! For the frosting, can i get away with just using more butter instead of the shortening? I not used to baking with shortening. Thanks in advance!

    🙂

  27. Emma

    Sorry if this is a dumb question, but can I just use dark rum instead of rum extract? Should I use the same amount if I do?

    1. lifeloveandsugar@gmail.com

      Yes, you can. Extract is going to have a stronger flavor for a smaller amount though. You won’t be able to add too much of the actual rum or it will mess with the way the cupcake bakes. I suggest trying a tbsp. Hopefully you’ll be able to taste it enough.

  28. Amy @ Amy's Healthy Baking

    I loved seeing the pictures of the boxes you put together! Such a sweet and thoughtful idea. You crammed them so full of stuff — I wish I could see the kids’ eyes light up when they open them! They’ll love and remember you forever, even if they don’t know who you are. 🙂 And I’m totally obsessed with eggnog right now too. It’s the only flavor I want to bake with this winter! Oh well… Pinned!

  29. Julianne+@+Beyond+FRosting

    I am dying to see Mocking Jay! It came out the night before we left for our trip. I am in love with thee cupcakes! I just made an eggnog cupcake last week and they are crazy good! Since your homemade cupcakes are my favorite, I will be trying this one too!

  30. Lindsey@American+Heritage+Cooking

    Your cake looks so incredibly moist! And that frosting is just gorgeous! Love these cupcakes!

  31. Jocelyn+@BruCrew+Life

    I am on a total eggnog kick right now…I need a good cupcake to round that out!!! We usually get the Dean’s eggnog, but now I’m totally going to look for the Southern Comfort and see which I like best! Your cupcakes always look so amazing!

    1. lifeloveandsugar@gmail.com

      Thanks girl! I don’t think I’ve ever had Dean’s. I’m going to have to try that too! 🙂

  32. Jessica+@+A+Kitchen+Addiction

    While I’m not a huge fan of drinking eggnog, I love baking with it! These cupcakes look incredible!

  33. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom

    Lindsay, love these cupcakes!! I also love eggnog and these are perfect for the holidays! I agree wholeheartedly. . we are so fortunate as a country and love that you are helping out with Operation Christmas Child boxes. That’s what the season is really about, yo. And love that you’re getting your tree up now! We’ll be putting ours up right after Thanksgiving! Hope you have a great Thanksgiving, Lindsay!

  34. Tanya+Schroeder

    I’m glad you are getting your tree now too because I just put up our Christmas decorations. I was wondering if it was a bit early. But to heck with it! Now I’m ready for the Egg Nog! I actually haven’t tried the Southern Comfort brand, but may have to now. These look incredible (but I expected nothing less)!

  35. Renee@Two+in+the+Kitchen

    I love all the fund raising you do for worthy causes Lindsay. And my husband and I also just saw MackingJay and I very much enjoyed it! I thought Jennifer Lawrence did a fabulous job with all the raw emotions she had to show in this installment of the series and I couldn’t agree more that the Hunger Games movies have all been done well. And these cupcakes look heavenly!! I am ready for Christmas!! 🙂

  36. Laura @ Laura's Culinary Adventures

    I just saw Mockingjay, and even though I read the books too, I was surprised at how dark it was. These cupcakes make a little more excited for Christmas! Yum!

  37. Julie+@+Julie's+Eats+&+Treats

    You sound like you have a marvelous weekend with all those activities! We officially have our tree up, decorated and the Christmas lights on the house! Now I need to make some of these divine cupcakes!

  38. Beth @ The First Year

    After I saw the trailer for Insurgent, I was like “well, that looks weird!” But I’m a huge fan of series movies too!

  39. Tori@Gringalicious.com

    I’m excited about Christmas too! We’ve got our tree up and everything! These are perfect for getting into the festive mood. Can’t wait to try them.

  40. Mir

    Yep, the Twilight movies were terrible. In comparison, the other YA novel movie adaptations are so much better!
    These cupcakes would never disappoint anyone. They’re so fluffy and gorgeous! Love that they’re eggnog.

Lindsay
About Lindsay

I'm a wife and a mom to twin boys and a baby girl! And I've got a serious sweets addiction! Bring on the treats!

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“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29