These Eggnog Cupcakes with Bourbon-Vanilla Bean Buttercream are the perfect festive dessert for the holiday season, featuring fluffy, spiced cupcakes topped with a rich bourbon-infused buttercream. Make this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe to wow your guests at holiday parties and gatherings! 🧁❄️

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As the holiday season approaches, it's time to celebrate with festive flavors, and what better way than with Eggnog Cupcakes topped with a rich Bourbon-Vanilla Bean Buttercream?

These cupcakes are an elevated twist on classic holiday treats, capturing the cozy, spiced notes of eggnog and the bold warmth of bourbon.

Whether you're planning a holiday party or just want to indulge in a sweet treat, these cupcakes are guaranteed to impress.

Reasons Why You'll Love This Recipe

The Perfect Holiday Dessert – These cupcakes bring together two iconic holiday flavors: eggnog and bourbon. The fluffy cupcakes are infused with creamy eggnog, while the buttercream is kissed with the deep, smooth flavors of vanilla bean and bourbon, making them the perfect treat for festive gatherings.
Elevated but Easy – This recipe is straightforward, yet the combination of eggnog and bourbon feels sophisticated. It's ideal for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros looking to add something special to their holiday baking.
Customizable Flavors – Not a fan of bourbon? No problem! You can easily adjust the bourbon in the buttercream or replace it with another flavoring, like rum or additional vanilla extract. The versatility of this recipe allows you to cater it to your taste preferences.

How to Make Eggnog Cupcakes with Bourbon-Vanilla Bean Buttercream

Equipment Needed:

To make these cupcakes, you’ll need the following tools:

12-cup muffin tin
Cupcake liners
Electric hand mixer or Stand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing bowls
Silicone whisk
Silicone spatula
Piping bag with a large star tip (such as Wilton 1M)
Wire cooling rack
Oven thermometer

Step-by-Step-Instructions:

Preheat & Prepare:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Prepare the Eggnog Cupcakes:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- Make sure to measure the flour correctly to avoid dense cupcakes. I recommend spooning & leveling, read more about that here: The Foolproof Way to Measure Flour

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed.
Turn your mixer to low speed and add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smoother batter and lighter cupcakes.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the eggnog. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- I LOVE using Southern Comfort Traditional Egg Nog for this recipe. it’s rich, creamy, & spiced to perfection!
Divide the batter evenly between the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- I like to use a cookie scoop to divide my cupcake batter. It ensures even measuring and even baking.

Bake the Cupcakes:

Bake 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, then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Make the Bourbon-Vanilla Bean Buttercream:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined. Once all the sugar is added, increase the speed to medium-high and beat for another 2-3 minutes.
Add the vanilla bean paste, bourbon, and salt, and beat until well incorporated.
- If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired piping consistency.

Decorate the Cupcakes:

Fill a piping bag, fitted with a large star tip (like a Wilton 1M), with the buttercream.
- I personally love using this Ateco #848 tip for my cupcakes.
Pipe the buttercream high on top of each cooled cupcake for a beautiful, festive finish.
- Optional: Dust the tops with a light sprinkle of cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg for a holiday touch.

These Eggnog Cupcakes are light, fluffy, and topped with a decadent bourbon-vanilla bean buttercream. They’re sure to bring a little holiday cheer to any celebration! 🧁

How to Store Your Eggnog Cupcakes

To keep your cupcakes fresh and delicious:

At Room Temperature: These cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, refrigerating them might be a better option.
In the Fridge: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you’ve already frosted them, make sure the frosting is firm before covering them to avoid smudging the buttercream.
Freezing: These cupcakes (without frosting) can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature and frost them fresh.

How Long Do These Cupcakes Last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, these Eggnog Cupcakes with Bourbon-Vanilla Bean Buttercream will last for up to 5 days. Be sure to allow refrigerated cupcakes to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Looking to customize your cupcakes? Here are a few suggestions:

Eggnog: If you're out of eggnog, feel free to substitute it with a mixture of milk and heavy cream (3/4 cup total) plus 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg and a pinch of cinnamon for that signature flavor.
Bourbon: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the bourbon in the buttercream to 1 tablespoon. You can also substitute bourbon with rum for a different boozy twist, or omit it entirely and increase the vanilla for an alcohol-free version.
Vanilla Bean Paste: If you don't have vanilla bean paste on hand, you can use 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract instead. The flavor will still be rich and delicious, though you'll miss those beautiful vanilla bean specks in the buttercream.
Spices: Add a festive twist by experimenting with spices. A pinch of cardamom or a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg in the batter can deepen the warm, holiday flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make the cupcakes in advance?
A: Yes! You can bake the cupcakes up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature (or refrigerate if your kitchen is warm). You can also make the buttercream ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature and give it a quick mix before piping.

Q: Can I make these cupcakes without alcohol?
A: Absolutely! You can omit the bourbon in the buttercream and replace it with an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract. The cupcakes will still taste incredible and have all the holiday charm without the alcohol.

Q: How can I ensure my buttercream is smooth and fluffy?
A: Be sure to beat the butter until it's light and creamy before adding the powdered sugar. Also, sift the powdered sugar beforehand to avoid any lumps. If the buttercream is too thick, add heavy cream gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Tips & Tricks for Success

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and butter are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smoother batter and lighter cupcakes.
Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid dense cupcakes.
Piping the Buttercream: For a bakery-style look, use a large star tip (like Wilton 1M) and pipe the buttercream high on top of each cupcake. The bourbon-vanilla buttercream is rich and decadent, so don’t be shy!
Decorating Tips: For an extra festive touch, dust a little ground cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg over the buttercream, or add a small sprig of holly (non-toxic) or a few holiday-themed sprinkles.

Let's Make These Cupcakes Together!

These Eggnog Cupcakes with Bourbon-Vanilla Bean Buttercream are guaranteed to become a holiday favorite. They’re festive, flavorful, and fun to make! Whether you’re looking to impress at a holiday party or treat yourself to something special, these cupcakes are the perfect solution.

Don’t forget to share your creations! If you make this recipe, I’d love to see your take on it. Tag me on social media and use the hashtag #ChynaBSweets for a chance to be featured. Also, if you loved this recipe, please leave a comment below, subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious holiday treats, and share this post with your friends and family!

Happy Baking, Xoxo Chyna B 🧁❄️

More Festive Holiday Recipes you’ll enjoy:

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