Easy Eggnog Cupcakes

Introduction

These Easy Eggnog Cupcakes capture the essence of the holiday season with their warm, spiced flavor and creamy eggnog buttercream frosting. Perfect for festive gatherings, these cupcakes are both delightful and simple to make.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon 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
• 1/2 cup eggnog
• 1/4 cup milk (or additional eggnog for more flavor)

For the Eggnog Buttercream Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup eggnog (more if needed for consistency)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• A pinch of ground nutmeg (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes) using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Add the Dry Ingredients and Eggnog: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the eggnog and milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. Fill the Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
6. Bake the Cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
7. Make the Eggnog Buttercream Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the eggnog and vanilla extract (if using), and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more eggnog; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
8. Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them with the eggnog buttercream. You can use a piping bag or spread the frosting with a spatula.
9. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle a pinch of ground nutmeg on top of the frosted cupcakes for a festive touch. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 cupcakes
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes (including cooling time)

Variations

• Spiced Variation: Add a dash of ground cloves or allspice to the batter for extra warmth and complexity.
• Frosting Variation: For a lighter frosting, you can use whipped cream instead of buttercream. Simply fold in some whipped cream into the eggnog for a fluffy texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you need to keep them longer, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
• Reheating: These cupcakes are best enjoyed at room temperature. If refrigerated, allow them to sit out for about 30 minutes before serving to return to room temperature.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought eggnog? Yes, store-bought eggnog works perfectly for both the cupcake batter and the frosting.
2. Can I make these cupcakes in advance? Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day or two ahead of time and frost them just before serving.
3. Can I freeze the cupcakes? Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container.
4. What if I don’t have ground nutmeg? You can substitute ground nutmeg with additional cinnamon or simply leave it out.
5. Can I use buttermilk instead of milk? Yes, buttermilk can be used in place of milk to add a slight tanginess to the cupcakes.
6. How do I know when the cupcakes are done? Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
7. Can I add a filling to these cupcakes? Yes, you can fill these cupcakes with a cream cheese or custard filling before frosting.
8. What should I do if the frosting is too thick? If the frosting is too thick, gradually add more eggnog until you reach your desired consistency.
9. How do I achieve a smooth frosting? Beat the frosting on high speed until it’s light and fluffy to ensure a smooth texture.
10. Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, margarine can be used, but butter typically provides a richer flavor.

Conclusion

These Easy Eggnog Cupcakes are a perfect holiday treat, combining the classic flavors of eggnog with the festive appeal of cupcakes. With a creamy, nutmeg-spiced frosting, they’re sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. Enjoy the festive season with these delightful, spiced treats that capture the essence of the holidays in every bite!

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