Best Eggnog Frosting
If you’re craving the cozy flavor of classic holiday eggnog, this eggnog frosting is exactly what you need. Creamy, sweet, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg—and yes, you can make it boozy or non-alcoholic. Whether you’re frosting cupcakes, layering between cookies, or decorating a Christmas yule log, this eggnog buttercream frosting brings festive flavor in just five minutes.
While most holiday frostings are either too sweet or too soft, this one’s just right. It’s pipeable, holds its shape beautifully, and can be adjusted for cookies, cupcakes, or cakes. And the best part? You can use store-bought or homemade eggnog—whatever you’ve got in the fridge!
A few years ago, I made a Christmas Yule Log Cake with this exact eggnog buttercream frosting and it was a showstopper. That soft, custardy flavor mixed with a hint of booze… absolute magic. Since then, it’s become my go-to frosting for December cupcakes (have you tried my eggnog cupcakes?), holiday cookie sandwiches, and even filling macarons. Trust me—it’s the one frosting everyone talks about after the party.
Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Buttercream Frosting
- Tastes like Christmas in a bowl – Rich eggnog flavor with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of vanilla.
- Ready in 5 minutes – Simple ingredients, no fuss, just festive perfection.
- Pipeable & adjustable – Firm enough for cupcakes, soft enough to spread on cake layers.
- Customizable – Add bourbon, rum, or keep it alcohol-free for the kiddos.
Best Eggnog Buttercream Frosting Recipe, Eggnog Buttercream,
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Unsalted butter – Room temperature for smooth whipping. Salted butter works too—just skip the added salt.
- Powdered sugar – Use sifted icing sugar for the smoothest frosting.
- Eggnog – Homemade or store-bought. If using boozy eggnog, reduce the quantity slightly for stiffness.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the custardy, creamy notes.
- Salt – A pinch balances the sweetness.
- Nutmeg + cinnamon (optional) – Boost the eggnog spice flavor with ¼ tsp of each.
Step-by-step: How to Make Eggnog Frosting
- Cream the butter – In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream room-temperature butter for 1–2 minutes until smooth.
- Add flavor – Mix in vanilla extract and salt (plus cinnamon and nutmeg, if using).
- Add the eggnog – Start with 2–3 tablespoons and mix on low speed to combine.
- Incorporate powdered sugar – Add in three batches, mixing slowly to avoid sugar clouds. Once all sugar is in, whip for 2–3 minutes on high until fluffy.
- Adjust consistency – For a stiffer frosting (ideal for piping): use only 2–3 tbsp eggnog. For a softer frosting (great for spreading): use up to ¼–½ cup eggnog.
- Frost and decorate! Pipe onto cupcakes, spread over layer cakes, or slather between cookies.
Tips for Success
- Too soft? Add more powdered sugar or chill for 10–15 mins before piping.
- Too stiff? Add a teaspoon of eggnog at a time until spreadable.
- Make ahead – Stores well in the fridge for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature and re-whip before using.
- Pipe like a pro – Use a large star tip for beautifully swirled cupcakes.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes! Just use non-alcoholic eggnog or skip the booze entirely.
Absolutely. Homemade adds depth, but any good-quality store-bought version works.
Store in the fridge for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Yes—but use gel food coloring to avoid watering it down.
Cakes, cupcakes, sugar cookies, sandwich cookies, gingerbread bars, macarons—you name it.
Eggnog Frosting Buttercream
This rich and creamy eggnog frosting is full of holiday flavor! Perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. Made in just 5 minutes with real eggnog, butter, and powdered sugar.
Video
Ingredients
- 226 g (1 cups) Unsalted butter room temperature
- 450 g (4 cups) Powdered sugar (1 lb is about 4 cups)
- 60 ml (¼ cup) Eggnog
- 2 tsp Vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp Salt
Method
- In a stand mixer, cream butter until smooth (1–2 minutes). Add vanilla, salt, and optional spices. Add eggnog and mix to combine.226 g Unsalted butter, 60 ml Eggnog , 2 tsp Vanilla extract, ¼ tsp Salt
- Gradually add powdered sugar in 3 batches. Whip on high speed for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. Adjust consistency by adding more eggnog or sugar as needed.450 g Powdered sugar
- Use immediately or store in the fridge for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
Tips for Success
- Too soft? Add more powdered sugar or chill for 10–15 mins before piping.
- Too stiff? Add a teaspoon of eggnog at a time until spreadable.
- Make ahead – Stores well in the fridge for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature and re-whip before using.
- Pipe like a pro – Use a large star tip for beautifully swirled cupcakes.
Equipment you will need
Nutrition
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Really great frosting!! I used it for gingerbread brownies; it was a good combination and the frosting was almost better than the brownies themselves. Everyone loved it!
Will this be enough to fill and frost an 8″layer cake? Please respond quickly bc I want to make it right away!!
Gina this should be enough to fill and lightly frost a 2-layer x 8-inch cake. Personally, I like more frosting so I would use more than this recipe. I hope that helps.
Thank you for getting back to me so fast! I truly appreciate it ?
I love all things eggnog, so I’ll just double the recipe (unless you have a different idea?)
I’m actually going to make it tomorrow.
This turned out great! Although, the recipe didn’t say whether the butter should be softened or not – based on the video, I assumed it should be softened. The recipe also mentioned adding salt, but salt wasn’t listed in the ingredient list. I eyeballed the amount (about 1/4 tsp), and it turned out well. Thanks!
Thank you, Jenna. Yes, the butter for frosting is room temperature and 1/4 tsp salt is perfect. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. Just fixed those two. Happy you enjoyed this buttercream
Yum, yum! This eggnog buttercream frosting looks so delightful! Perfect for frosting holiday cakes, cupcakes, and bars. Thank you so much for the recipe!
Thank you, Denay. Definitely perfect for the holidays.
Wow your frosting is totally calling my name. I love eggnog! I can’t wait to try this on the holidays.
Thank you, Heidy. I hope you do.
Since I’m the only one in the family who appreciates the delicious flavor of eggnog, I’m planning to make some for myself — from your recipe. Now, the family does like other dishes being spiked with the eggnog flavor. This frosting would be fantastic on the next cake I plan on making.
Thank you, Marisa. yes, of course you should make some for your self.
Such beautiful looking cupcakes. I love that you added eggnog to the frosting. A great addition for the Holidays.
Thank you, Stephanie. Yes, love eggnog in the buttercream.
Brilliant frosting idea using eggnog. I love how smooth and neat the frosting is made over those cupcakes. Perfect for this holiday season
Thank you, Jyothi.
I love eggnog so much and enjoy putting it in pretty much everything… And in frosting?? There’s seriously nothing better! I could eat sooo many of those cupcakes…. Plus, more frosting out of the bowl 🙂
Thank you, Seus. I know what you mean. I have a hard time stopping at one