EGGNOG CUPCAKES

Eggnog Cupcakes are the perfect holiday treat that combines the rich, creamy flavor of traditional eggnog with the light, fluffy texture of a homemade cupcake. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, these cupcakes capture the essence of the festive season in every bite. Topped with a luscious eggnog buttercream frosting, they offer a delightful balance of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas or simply embracing the flavors of winter, these eggnog cupcakes are sure to become a holiday favorite for family and friends.

Ingredients:

For the cupcakes:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 teaspoon rum extract (optional, for added flavor)

For the eggnog buttercream frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup eggnog
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of ground nutmeg
• Optional: ground cinnamon or nutmeg for sprinkling on top

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.
2. Make the Cupcake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and rum extract (if using).
3. Add the Dry Ingredients and Eggnog: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the eggnog. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Fill the Cupcake Liners and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Make the Eggnog Frosting: While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar, adding the sugar gradually until smooth. Add the eggnog, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a bit more eggnog; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
6. Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, spread or pipe the eggnog frosting onto each cupcake. Sprinkle with a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top for a festive touch.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the cupcakes as a sweet holiday treat, and enjoy the comforting flavors of eggnog in every bite!

These Eggnog Cupcakes are a perfect way to bring the flavors of the season into your baking. With their soft texture, spiced eggnog flavor, and rich frosting, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering!