If you’re searching for the ultimate cozy treat to serve during the holidays (or any time you crave that creamy, sweet, creamy-spiced goodness), look no further than Eggnog Muffins. These delightful pastries wrap all the nostalgic flavors of classic eggnog into a moist, tender muffin, crowned with a sweet glaze and hint of nutmeg. Whether for a festive breakfast, a wintery brunch, or simply an afternoon indulgence by the fireplace, Eggnog Muffins are sure to be the talk of your table and the hug your morning coffee never knew it needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Eggnog Muffins is how easily they come together with everyday pantry staples, but every ingredient pulls its weight to make these muffins unforgettable. The creamy eggnog creates unmistakable richness, the nutmeg delivers classic holiday spice, and a touch of vanilla rounds it all out—every bite is pure joy!
- All-purpose flour: Forms the perfect, sturdy base for moist and fluffy muffins.
- Baking powder: Brings plenty of lift, so your Eggnog Muffins rise up tall and proud.
- Baking soda: Ensures just enough tenderness and helps them brown beautifully.
- Salt: Keeps the sweetness in check and elevates all those warm flavors.
- Ground nutmeg: The holiday magic for that classic eggnog signature spice in every muffin.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffins while helping create their golden tops.
- Large eggs: For structure, binding, and added moisture—tender muffins every time.
- Vanilla extract: A must for warmth and enhancing the eggnog essence.
- Eggnog: The star that brings creaminess, depth, and festive cheer with every pour.
- Powdered sugar (optional glaze): Thickens up a luscious, sweet drizzle to finish them off.
- Eggnog (for glaze): Extra eggnog in the glaze dials up the richness and flavor.
- Pinch of nutmeg (for glaze): That final aromatic sprinkle for irresistible bakery charm.
How to Make Eggnog Muffins
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab your favorite 12-cup muffin pan and either line it with cheerful cupcake liners or give it a gentle greasing. This step ensures your Eggnog Muffins release like a dream—no sticking, no fuss.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and that all-important ground nutmeg. Combining your dry ingredients separately helps avoid pesky lumps and guarantees an even distribution of spice and leavening—all crucial for bakery-style muffins.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale—about 2-3 minutes. This step traps air in the batter and ensures your Eggnog Muffins come out as soft and airy as a holiday cloud.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in your eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly between each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, letting it perfume the batter. These steps build flavor and create that smooth, glossy base to set the stage for your eggnog finale.
Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Eggnog
With a gentle hand, add a third of the dry ingredients to your creamed mixture, then pour in half the eggnog. Alternate additions, beginning and ending with the flour mixture, stirring until just combined. Overmixing can toughen your muffins, so fold gently for the most tender Eggnog Muffins imaginable.
Step 6: Fill and Bake
Spoon the batter evenly into your prepared muffin tin—each cup should be about three-quarters full. Slide them into the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The aroma will be pure holiday bliss!
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Let your Eggnog Muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. If you love a sweet finish, whisk together powdered sugar, a few tablespoons of eggnog, and a pinch of nutmeg for a simple glaze. Drizzle it generously over the cooled muffins for a gorgeous, festive sheen.
How to Serve Eggnog Muffins
Garnishes
A simple dusting of ground nutmeg or cinnamon over the glaze adds an extra festive sparkle, while a few white chocolate curls or a sprinkle of sparkling sugar give your Eggnog Muffins serious holiday curb appeal. Even a dollop of whipped cream can take these muffins from morning treat to show-stopping dessert.
Side Dishes
Serve Eggnog Muffins alongside fresh fruit, a bowl of creamy Greek yogurt, or crispy bacon for a holiday brunch that’s equal parts indulgent and balanced. These muffins also shine with a steaming mug of coffee, chai latte, or a glass of classic eggnog—if you just can’t get enough.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging Eggnog Muffins on a rustic wooden board with fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary for a centerpiece worthy of any gathering. For a giftable treat, tuck a few into a pretty bakery box tied with ribbon, or stack them tall on a cake stand to wow your guests. You can even bake them in festive liners or mini-muffin tins for sweet, bite-sized party snacks!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Eggnog Muffins keep well covered at room temperature for up to two days, or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you’ve glazed them, allow the glaze to set before stacking, or layer with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Eggnog Muffins for longer storage! Cool them completely (and if glazed, let the glaze harden), then wrap each in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature or zap in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Reheating
To rewarm, pop Eggnog Muffins in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes, or heat each (unwrapped) in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. The muffins will turn soft and fragrant, just as if they were freshly baked! Reheating is especially helpful if you keep them in the fridge or freezer.
FAQs
Can I make Eggnog Muffins without the glaze?
Absolutely! The muffins are delicious with or without the optional glaze. The glaze provides a little extra sweetness and a festive finish, but the base muffin is flavorful and moist all on its own.
What kind of eggnog works best for these muffins?
Traditional dairy eggnog works wonderfully, but you can also use store-bought or homemade. For a dairy-free twist, feel free to substitute your favorite vegan or almond-based eggnog—the results will still be delicious and festive.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit?
Of course! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries make fantastic additions for extra crunch or a pop of color. Just fold in about half a cup of your chosen mix-in at the very end before portioning the batter.
How can I make mini Eggnog Muffins?
Simply use a mini muffin tin and adjust your bake time to about 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. These bite-sized versions are especially fun for parties and cookie trays!
Why did my muffins turn out dense?
Dense muffins are usually caused by overmixing the batter or not measuring the flour correctly. For best results, measure your flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling off, and always mix until just combined for a fluffy, tender crumb.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add something special to your holiday breakfast or impress your loved ones with the ultimate winter treat, Eggnog Muffins are your answer. Gently spiced, incredibly soft, and brimming with festive flavor, these muffins are more than just a sweet bite—they’re a warm memory in the making. Give these Eggnog Muffins a try and watch them become a new seasonal favorite!
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Eggnog Muffins Recipe
- Total Time: ~35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Eggnog Muffins are soft, warmly spiced, and full of holiday flavor. Perfect for festive mornings or cozy winter treats, they bring the nostalgic richness of classic eggnog into every bite!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or grease lightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternate adding dry ingredients and eggnog, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- Bake Muffins: Divide the batter evenly among muffin cups. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Glaze: Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar and eggnog until smooth. Drizzle over cooled muffins and sprinkle with a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Muffins
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday, Winter
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
