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- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ¼ teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon - 2 large eggs - 1 cup granulated sugar - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup eggnog - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup powdered sugar - 2 tablespoons milk - 1 teaspoon rum extract - Ground nutmeg, for garnish To make these eggnog cupcakes, we start with simple ingredients. The dry mix includes flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. These spices give our cupcakes that warm, festive flavor. Next, we focus on the wet mix. The eggs add richness, while sugar and butter provide sweetness and fluffiness. Eggnog is key for moisture and a holiday taste. Don’t forget the vanilla extract for that extra kick! For the frosting, we need powdered sugar, milk, and rum extract. This blend creates a smooth, creamy topping that pairs perfectly with the cupcakes. A sprinkle of nutmeg on top is the final touch. It adds flavor and looks pretty too! Using these ingredients, you can create a delightful treat that shines at any holiday table. Enjoy the process and let the festive spirit fill your kitchen! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with paper liners. This helps with easy removal. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Mixing these dry items first makes sure they blend well. 3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them until light and fluffy. This process gives your cupcakes a nice texture. 4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for that warm flavor. 1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to your butter mix. Alternate with the eggnog. Start and end with the dry mix for best results. 2. Mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can make your cupcakes tough. 3. Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter. This allows room for them to rise. 1. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean. 2. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is key for achieving the best texture. To get the best cupcakes, measuring flour right is key. Use a spoon to scoop flour into your measuring cup. Then, level it off with a flat edge. This method keeps your cupcakes from being too dense. For light and fluffy cupcakes, cream the butter and sugar well. You want it to look pale and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. This helps create air pockets that make your cupcakes rise. The right frosting texture is crucial for great cupcakes. If your frosting is too thick, add a bit more milk. If it’s too runny, mix in more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency. Use a piping bag with a star tip for a pretty finish. If you don’t have one, a simple spatula works too. Just spread the frosting on top and make it look nice. Ground nutmeg is perfect for topping your cupcakes. It looks festive and adds a nice touch. Just sprinkle a little on top before serving. You can also try using crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings for a fun twist. These toppings give a colorful and tasty finish to your lovely eggnog cupcakes. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh eggnog and spices for the best flavor in your cupcakes. Even Mixing: Make sure to mix the batter gently to avoid overmixing, which can lead to dense cupcakes. Cupcake Storage: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness. Decorative Touch: Consider topping your cupcakes with whipped cream before sprinkling nutmeg for an extra festive look. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your eggnog cupcakes easily. Here are two fun ideas: - Maple syrup instead of rum extract: This swap adds a sweet, warm flavor. Just use the same amount of maple syrup as rum extract. The cupcakes will still be moist and tasty. - Adding chocolate chips: Mix in a half cup of chocolate chips to the batter. This gives a nice surprise in every bite. The chocolate pairs well with the spices in the cupcakes. You can make these cupcakes fit many diets. Here are some tips: - Gluten-free options: Use a gluten-free flour mix instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure the baking powder is also gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy them. - Vegan substitutions: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use vegan butter in place of regular butter. Choose a plant-based eggnog for the wet ingredients. These changes keep the cupcakes fluffy and delicious. Make your cupcakes shine at any event with these ideas: - Pairing with holiday beverages: Serve these cupcakes with hot chocolate or spiced cider. The flavors blend nicely and create a festive mood. - Presentation ideas for festive parties: Place cupcakes on a decorative cake stand. Add sprigs of holly or cinnamon sticks for a cheerful touch. You can also use colorful liners to match your party theme. To keep your cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container. This method protects them from air and moisture. You can also use plastic wrap to cover each cupcake. At room temperature, cupcakes stay fresh for about three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them. In the fridge, they can last up to a week. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before enjoying. Freezing is a great way to save cupcakes for later. Start by letting them cool completely. Then, wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap. After wrapping, place them in a freezer bag or container. This keeps out air and prevents freezer burn. To freeze the frosting, place it in a separate airtight container. You can freeze both for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, remove the cupcakes from the freezer and let them thaw overnight in the fridge. After thawing, frost the cupcakes if you didn't freeze them with frosting. Then, serve and enjoy your festive treat! Can I use store-bought eggnog? Yes, you can use store-bought eggnog. It saves time and still gives great flavor. Look for the kind you enjoy drinking. I recommend using a full-fat version for best results. How do I know when the cupcakes are done? To check if the cupcakes are done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready. If not, give them a few more minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. Can I make the frosting in advance? Yes, you can make the frosting ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container. When you’re ready to use it, let it sit at room temperature. Then, give it a quick stir to make it smooth again. How to fix grainy frosting? If your frosting is grainy, it may need more mixing. Beat it longer to break down the sugar. If it remains grainy, add a bit more milk. This will help smooth the texture and make it creamy. What can I use instead of rum extract? If you don’t have rum extract, use vanilla extract. It won’t be the same, but it will still taste great. You can also try other flavors like almond extract for a twist. How to replace eggs in the recipe? To replace eggs, use 1/4 cup of applesauce per egg. This keeps the moisture in the cupcakes. Another option is to use a flax egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes before adding it to the batter. In this post, we covered how to make delicious eggnog cupcakes. You learned about the right ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Each part was designed to make your baking easy and fun. Remember, you can customize these cupcakes to fit your taste. Enjoy these treats at any holiday gathering! Happy baking, and may your cupcakes turn out great every time!

Festive Eggnog Cupcakes

Delicious and festive eggnog-flavored cupcakes perfect for the holiday season.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup eggnog
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon rum extract (for flavored frosting)
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  • Gradually add in the dry ingredients, alternating with the eggnog. Start and finish with the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
  • Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • For the frosting, in a medium bowl, beat the powdered sugar, milk, and rum extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
  • Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe or spread the frosting onto each cupcake.
  • Sprinkle a little ground nutmeg on top for decoration.

Notes

For a stronger flavor, you can add more rum extract to the frosting.
Keyword cupcakes, dessert, eggnog, holiday