Save to Pinterest Soft, spiced muffins blending the rich flavors of eggnog and classic holiday cookies, these festive treats are perfect for cozy winter gatherings or gifting.
I first baked these muffins to share with friends at a Christmas brunch, and they quickly became a seasonal favorite that everyone requests year after year.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
- Ground nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground cloves: 1/4 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (115 g), softened
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup (150 g)
- Light brown sugar: 1/4 cup (50 g), packed
- Eggs: 2 large
- Pure vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Eggnog: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Crushed holiday cookies: 1/2 cup (e.g., shortbread, sugar cookies, or gingerbread)
- Melted butter: 2 tablespoons
- Granulated sugar (for topping): 2 tablespoons
- Ground cinnamon (for topping): 1/4 teaspoon
- Powdered sugar: 1/2 cup (60 g)
- Eggnog (for glaze): 1–2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Prepare muffin tin:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Cream butter and sugars:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add eggs and vanilla:
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with eggnog, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, do not overmix.
- Divide batter:
- Divide batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Make the topping:
- For the cookie crumble topping, combine crushed cookies, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle over each muffin.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool muffins:
- Allow muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make glaze (optional):
- For the optional glaze, whisk powdered sugar with eggnog until smooth and drizzle over cooled muffins.
Save to Pinterest Our family loves making these together every December, and decorating them has become a festive tradition in our kitchen.
Required Tools
12-cup muffin tin, mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, measuring cups and spoons, wire rack
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk including eggnog and butter. May contain tree nuts or soy if using certain cookies. Always check ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 265 calories, 11 g total fat, 38 g carbohydrates, 4 g protein
Save to Pinterest Share these muffins with loved ones for a cozy, sweet finish to any winter party. They also make a delightful homemade gift!
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I get moist muffins?
Using softened butter and incorporating eggnog ensures the muffins stay light and moist. Avoid overmixing the batter for best results.
- → Can I substitute the holiday cookies in the topping?
Yes, any favorite holiday cookies like shortbread, gingerbread, or sugar cookies work well for the crumble. Spiced cookies add extra flavor.
- → Is homemade eggnog suitable for this?
Absolutely! Homemade or premium eggnog enhances the depth and richness in the finished muffins.
- → Are these muffins freezer-friendly?
Yes, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature or briefly warm before serving.
- → How can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar for thickness or extra eggnog for a pourable glaze.
- → What is a good drink pairing?
Hot cocoa or mulled wine are great choices to complement the spices and sweetness in these festive muffins.