If you’re searching for an easy, festive, and heartwarming holiday bake, these Easy Christmas Eggnog Muffins are the perfect treat to brighten your season. They combine the cozy flavor of creamy eggnog with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, creating soft, spiced muffins that taste just like Christmas in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or simply craving a seasonal pick-me-up, these muffins will make your kitchen smell incredible and your family smile.
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Why You’ll Love This Easy Christmas Eggnog Muffins Recipe
There’s something magical about baking with eggnog — it’s creamy, aromatic, and instantly festive. These muffins capture that flavor beautifully while keeping things simple and approachable for any home baker.
Here’s why you’ll love them:
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Perfect holiday flavor: The combination of nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla gives a warm seasonal aroma.
- Beautiful texture: Soft, fluffy, and moist thanks to the richness of eggnog and melted butter.
- Kid-friendly: 100% alcohol-free and safe for the whole family.
- Versatile: Great for breakfast, dessert, or gifting in a holiday treat box.
Whether you serve them warm for breakfast or glaze them for dessert, these muffins are a crowd-pleaser that bring Christmas cheer to any table.
Easy Christmas Eggnog Muffins – A Wonderful Holiday Treat
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
Description
Soft, spiced muffins infused with creamy eggnog, cinnamon, and nutmeg — a cozy and festive holiday treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup eggnog (non-alcoholic or homemade)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons eggnog (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another large bowl, whisk sugar, eggs, eggnog, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth.
- Pour dry ingredients into wet and stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.
- Divide batter evenly into muffin liners, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake 17–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Mix powdered sugar and eggnog for the glaze, drizzle over muffins, and let set before serving.
Notes
Use room-temperature ingredients for a fluffy texture. Don’t overmix the batter. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze unglazed muffins for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients for Easy Christmas Eggnog Muffins
For the Muffins
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup eggnog (non-alcoholic or homemade)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
For the Eggnog Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons eggnog
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Eggnog: Use a non-alcoholic eggnog, store-bought or homemade. You can also substitute it with a mix of milk and a pinch of nutmeg if you prefer a lighter version.
- Butter: Melted butter adds richness, but you can swap it for an equal amount of vegetable oil for a slightly softer texture.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works best, but you can use a 1:1 gluten-free blend if needed.
- Spices: Adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg to your liking — or add a pinch of cloves for a deeper holiday note.
- Glaze: For a dairy-free version, substitute the eggnog with almond milk flavored with a little vanilla and nutmeg.
These swaps keep the recipe flexible for various diets while preserving the cozy Christmas flavor everyone loves.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with parchment or festive paper liners. Melt your butter and allow it to cool slightly while you measure the rest of your ingredients.
Step 2 – Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures your spices are evenly distributed and prevents any clumps.
Step 3 – Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk the sugar, eggs, eggnog, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth. The mixture should look pale and slightly creamy — this is what gives the muffins their light texture.
Step 4 – Bring the Batter Together
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are fine. Overmixing can make muffins dense rather than fluffy.
Step 5 – Fill the Muffin Cups
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to divide the batter evenly into the 12 muffin liners. Fill each cup about ¾ full to allow space for rising.
Step 6 – Bake the Muffins
Bake for 17–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The tops should be golden and lightly springy to the touch.
Step 7 – Cool and Glaze
Let the muffins cool completely on a wire rack before glazing. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and eggnog until smooth. Drizzle or brush the glaze over each muffin, then let it set for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix: Stir the batter until just combined — this keeps your muffins tender.
- Room-temperature ingredients: Allow eggs and eggnog to come to room temperature for better texture.
- Add holiday flair: Sprinkle a little extra nutmeg on top of the glaze for decoration.
- Use quality eggnog: A creamy, well-spiced eggnog makes all the difference in flavor.
- Cool before glazing: Warm muffins will absorb the glaze instead of letting it shine on top.
- Make it ahead: These muffins taste even better the next day as the flavors meld overnight.
Flavor Variations
Want to switch things up? Try one of these festive twists:
- Cranberry Eggnog Muffins: Add ½ cup dried cranberries for a tart, fruity balance.
- Eggnog Streusel Muffins: Top with a brown sugar crumble before baking for extra sweetness.
- Chocolate Chip Eggnog Muffins: Fold in mini white or dark chocolate chips for a dessert-style version.
- Nutty Eggnog Muffins: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
- Coconut Eggnog Muffins: Stir in shredded coconut and top with a light coconut glaze for a tropical holiday spin.
Serving Suggestions
These muffins are perfect for:
- Christmas morning breakfast with hot cocoa or coffee.
- Holiday brunches alongside fruit salad or scrambled eggs.
- Dessert platters or gift baskets for friends and neighbors.
- School events or office parties — festive, portable, and universally loved.
You can also warm them slightly in the microwave and enjoy with a pat of butter for a comforting afternoon snack.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep for 5–6 days — reheat in the microwave for 10 seconds before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze unglazed muffins for up to 2 months in a sealed freezer bag. Thaw overnight and glaze fresh before serving.
To keep the glaze fresh, apply it only after defrosting the muffins.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 263 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Total Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 29 g |
| Sodium | 144 mg |
| Cholesterol | 56 mg |
Values are approximate and based on standard ingredients.
FAQ About Easy Christmas Eggnog Muffins
Can I make these muffins without eggnog?
Yes! You can replace eggnog with a mixture of ¾ cup milk + ¼ cup heavy cream and a pinch of nutmeg. It won’t taste exactly the same, but it keeps the muffins moist and flavorful.
How can I make these muffins dairy-free?
Use dairy-free eggnog (available in almond, oat, or coconut varieties) and substitute plant-based butter or oil for the regular butter. The flavor remains festive and delicious.
Can I bake this recipe as a loaf instead of muffins?
Absolutely! Pour the batter into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan and bake for 40–45 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick before removing from the oven.
Why did my muffins turn out dense?
Overmixing the batter or using cold ingredients can make the muffins heavy. Mix gently and ensure eggs and eggnog are at room temperature before starting.
Can I add a glaze flavor twist?
Yes — add a few drops of vanilla extract, maple syrup, or rum extract (alcohol-free) to your glaze for extra flavor depth. You can even dust the tops with nutmeg for a festive look.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Christmas Eggnog Muffins are the ultimate festive bake for anyone who loves cozy holiday flavors. Soft, sweet, and perfectly spiced, they’re quick enough for busy mornings and beautiful enough to gift or share. Whether you’re sipping coffee by the tree or gathering around the breakfast table, these muffins capture the warm spirit of the season in every bite.
So preheat your oven, grab that carton of eggnog, and start baking — your kitchen is about to smell like Christmas morning!