Eggnog Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Eggnog Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, sweet, moist and full of eggnog flavor. A great Christmas party dessert!

When it comes to holiday recipes, like pumpkin in fall, peppermint seems to rule the season. We see peppermint flavored recipes popping up everywhere. Recipes like Peppermint Patty cocktails, Peppermint Brownie Cookies and Peppermint Pretzel Bark. And while peppermint is one of my favorite flavors during the holiday season, eggnog is a close second.

Unlike peppermint that you can usually find all year round, eggnog is one of those things that you have got to take advantage of during the holiday season. 

Which is exactly what we’re doing today with these Eggnog Cupcakes. The cupcakes are soft and moist with a hint of eggnog flavor and nutmeg. The frosting is creamy and full of maple flavor. It’s a cozy flavor combo that you’re sure to love. 

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make them: 

Eggnog Cupcake Ingredients: 

Since this is a recipe for cupcakes, you’ll find all the usual suspects: flour, eggs, baking soda, baking powder, sugar, vanilla and salt. There are a few ingredients that you don’t always find in cupcakes though and they are:

• OIL: These cupcakes call for oil, as opposed to butter, because it makes the cupcakes more moist and tender. They’ll also stay softer a bit longer than those made with butter. Use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable. Olive oil will have too much flavor. 
• CINNAMON: Ground cinnamon will add a warm flavor to the cupcakes. 
• NUTMEG: Most eggnogs contain nutmeg so I added a bit more to these cupcakes to really bring out the flavor. 
• EGGNOG: Use your favorite eggnog in this recipe. 

For the Frosting: 

CREAM CHEESE/BUTTER: It is best if these are softened and at room temperature. They will whip the best when making the frosting. 

POWDERED SUGAR: Powdered sugar is good to use when making frosting because it makes for a smoother consistency. 

MAPLE SYRUP: Will add sweetness and maple flavor to the frosting. 

Step by Step Photos and Instructions: 

Making eggnog cupcakes is easy! Follow along as I walk you through the process with these step by step photos and instructions. 

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• STEP #1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place liners in a cupcake pan. Set aside. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg together in a bowl. Set aside. 
• STEP #2: Use a handheld mixer (or stand mixer) cream together oil and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla. 
• STEP #3: Mix in half of the flour mixture, just until combined. Beat in the eggnog then gradually add in the remaining flour. Mix just until combined, don’t over mix or the cupcakes will become tough. 
• STEP #4: Fill cupcake liners 2/3 of the way full with cupcake mixture. About 1/3 cup. Bake for 18 – 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few crumbs on it. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
• STEP #5: After cupcakes have cooled, make the frosting. Cream together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Beat in maple syrup and then gradually add powdered sugar unit becomes a thick spreadable mixture. Frost cupcakes. Top with sprinkles if desired and serve. 

Storage and Leftovers: 

Because of the cream cheese in the frosting, keep these cupcakes covered in the refrigerator. Take them out for 30 minutes or so before eating so they have a chance to soften. Eat within a few days for the best flavor. 

Love eggnog too? Here are some more recipes highlighting the holiday favorite that are perfect for the season: 

Eggnog Cheesecake Bars : crust and smooth eggnog cheesecake make them irresistible. 

This Eggnog French Toast Casserole is one of my favorite breakfasts to make during the Christmas season. It’s so easy too!

Eggnog Icebox Cake is THE easy Christmas dessert you’ve been looking for. No baking required! 

Note: Originally published in 2009. Updated with a modified recipe, new photos, step by step photos and nutrition information in 2023.