One Bowl Eggnog Cupcakes
Every holiday season, I find myself craving the comforting, rich flavors of eggnog, and what better way to celebrate than with these One Bowl Eggnog Cupcakes? Picture this: it’s a chilly winter evening, and the scent of freshly baked cupcakes wafts through my kitchen. As friends and family gather around, I can’t help but smile as I watch them indulge in these festive treats. These cupcakes are not only simple to make but also embody the essence of the holidays with their creamy texture and hints of spice. I love how every bite transports me back to cherished memories, from cozy evenings by the fire to joyous celebrations filled with laughter. So, let’s dive into the magic of baking these delightful One Bowl Eggnog Cupcakes together!
Recipe Snapshot
35 mins
15 mins
20 mins
Medium
220 kcal
2 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
10 g
Frying Pan, Oven, Whisk, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet
The Appeal of This One Bowl Eggnog Cupcakes
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
Simple One-Bowl Preparation
One of the best aspects of these One Bowl Eggnog Cupcakes is the minimal cleanup. Everything comes together in just one bowl! This means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying the flavors of the season. You simply add your dry ingredients, mix in the wet ones, and voilà! It’s a baking experience that everyone can enjoy.
Decadent Flavor
These cupcakes are a true celebration of the holiday spirit. The combination of eggnog, sour cream, and a hint of vanilla creates an incredibly moist cupcake with a velvety texture. Each bite is rich and flavorful, making them the perfect dessert for any holiday gathering. You’ll find it hard to eat just one!
Festive Decoration
What’s a cupcake without a little flair? The addition of colorful holiday jimmies and nonpareils makes these treats visually appealing. They can brighten up your dessert table and make for an Instagram-worthy moment. Plus, decorating them together can be a fun activity for the whole family!
Perfect for Holiday Gatherings
Whether it’s a Christmas party or a cozy family gathering, these One Bowl Eggnog Cupcakes will be a hit. They’re easy to transport and share, making them a great choice for potlucks or festive get-togethers. Everyone will love the joyful flavors that these cupcakes bring to the table.
Make Ahead and Store
These cupcakes can be made ahead of time, which is a lifesaver during the busy holiday season. Store them in the fridge for up to three days, and they remain delightful when served at room temperature. You can easily have a batch ready to impress your guests without the last-minute rush.
What to Buy for One Bowl Eggnog Cupcakes

When it comes to the ingredients for these One Bowl Eggnog Cupcakes, quality matters. Each component works together to create a masterpiece of flavor and texture. The key players are the all-purpose flour, eggnog, and butter, which come together to form a moist and tender cupcake. The sour cream adds a delightful richness, while the baking powder ensures they rise perfectly. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 and 1/4 cups plus 6 tablespoons
- Cornstarch: 6 tablespoons – This ingredient helps achieve that light, fluffy texture.
- Granulated Sugar: 2 cups – For the right amount of sweetness that complements the spices.
- Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon – This helps the cupcakes rise beautifully.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon – Enhances the overall flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: 16 tablespoons (2 sticks) – Must be very soft for easy mixing.
- Vanilla: 1 tablespoon – Adds depth to the flavor profile.
- Eggs: 4 large, at room temperature – These provide structure and moisture.
- Full-Fat Eggnog: 1 cup – The star ingredient that gives these cupcakes their holiday flavor.
- Full-Fat Sour Cream: 1/4 cup – Adds moisture and richness.
- Holiday Jimmies: 1/3 cup – For folding into the batter and decorating.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: 4 to 6 cups – For the frosting.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 tablespoon – For an extra boost of flavor in the frosting.
- Holiday Nonpareils: 1/4 cup – For that festive topping.
Step by Step Instructions for One Bowl Eggnog Cupcakes

Ready to bake? Let’s make these One Bowl Eggnog Cupcakes step by step! It’s a straightforward process that anyone can follow. You’ll be rewarded with delicious cupcakes that scream holiday cheer. Follow along as I guide you through each step!
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the perfect temperature for baking those cupcakes to fluffy perfection. At this point, it’s also a good idea to line two 12-mold muffin tins with paper liners. This will help with easy removal later.
In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients: flour, cornstarch, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them well until they are evenly mixed. Look for a uniform color and texture; this ensures that the flavors will be consistent throughout the batter.
Add in the softened butter and vanilla. Using a handheld electric mixer, beat the mixture until it resembles a coarse meal. You should be able to see small clumps of butter evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients.
Next, it’s time to add the eggs. Incorporate them one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. This will help to create a smooth batter. The mixture should start coming together nicely, looking rich and creamy.
Pour in the eggnog and sour cream. Mix until everything is well combined. You want to achieve a batter that is smooth and slightly thick. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are just fine.
Gently fold in the holiday jimmies using a rubber spatula. This adds not only flavor but also that festive touch we all love. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Now, divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin tins, filling each cup about halfway. This will give them enough room to rise beautifully in the oven.
Place the muffin tins in the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops turn golden brown, and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Don’t rush this step; patience pays off!
Once baked, let the cupcakes cool completely in the tins before frosting. This step is essential; you don’t want your frosting to melt!
To prepare the frosting, beat the remaining butter in a stand mixer or large bowl until smooth and creamy, which should take about 2 minutes. Gradually add in the confectioners’ sugar, mixing on low speed until smooth. Slowly pour in the eggnog and vanilla extract, beating until you achieve a slightly stiff consistency.
After the frosting is ready, refrigerate it for about 10 minutes to help it set. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost each one generously. Finally, top with an assortment of holiday nonpareils for that festive finish!
Things Worth Knowing
- Soft Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is very soft for the best texture in your batter. It allows for easy mixing and contributes to the moistness of the cupcakes.
- Room Temperature Ingredients Matter: Using eggs and eggnog at room temperature helps the batter combine more smoothly, creating a lighter cupcake.
- Don’t Overmix: Be cautious not to overmix your batter after adding the wet ingredients. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes.
- Test for Doneness: Use a toothpick or cake tester to check for doneness; it should come out clean when inserted into the center of a cupcake.
How to Switch It Up

If you want to get creative with your One Bowl Eggnog Cupcakes, here are a few ideas to switch things up a bit!
- Storage: Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh. They should last for up to three days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the un-frosted cupcakes for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before frosting and serving.
- Flavor Variations: Try adding spices such as nutmeg or cinnamon to the batter for an extra holiday kick.
- Frosting Options: Consider using cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist, or experiment with different flavored frostings.
- Festive Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Use crushed candy canes, chocolate shavings, or colored sugar for a cheerful finish.
How to Enjoy One Bowl Eggnog Cupcakes
- Perfect for Holiday Gatherings: Serve these delicious cupcakes at your holiday parties. They add a festive touch and are always a crowd-pleaser.
- Ideal Dessert for Christmas: These cupcakes are perfect for Christmas dinner or any holiday gathering, bringing joy to your dessert table.
- Pair with Hot Beverages: Enjoy these cupcakes alongside a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Store for Later: If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature before serving.
- Creative Presentation: Arrange them on a decorative platter or tiered stand for an eye-catching display during celebrations.
FAQ
Conclusion
The One Bowl Eggnog Cupcakes not only capture the essence of the holiday season with their rich flavors but also bring joy to any gathering. I encourage you to try these delightful treats and impress your friends and family with your baking skills. With their simple preparation and festive appeal, they’re sure to become a new holiday tradition in your home. Enjoy every sweet moment!

One Bowl Eggnog Cupcakes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two 12-mold muffin tins with paper liners; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients: flour, cornstarch, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until evenly mixed.
- Add the softened butter and vanilla. Beat with a handheld electric mixer until the mixture resembles a coarse meal.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth.
- Pour in the eggnog and sour cream, mixing until well combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine.
- Fold in the holiday jimmies gently using a rubber spatula.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin tins, filling each cup about halfway.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
- Beat the remaining butter in a stand mixer until smooth, gradually adding in the confectioners' sugar until smooth.
- Slowly add in the eggnog and vanilla extract, beating until slightly stiff. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
- Frost cooled cupcakes and top with holiday nonpareils.
Notes
- Soft Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is very soft for the best texture in your batter.
- Room Temperature Ingredients Matter: Using eggs and eggnog at room temperature helps the batter combine more smoothly.
- Don’t Overmix: Be cautious not to overmix; overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes.
- Test for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check that the inside of the cupcake is cooked.


