By Arina Habich. Updated April 9, 2026
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Creamy eggnog buttercream frosting is my go-to holiday frosting—it's smooth, luxurious, and tastes just like a spoonful of Christmas morning. I first paired it with homemade Gingerbread Cupcakes and knew instantly I'd found a keeper. The sweet, tangy eggnog plays beautifully against warm spices, and the frosting pipes like a dream onto cakes, cupcakes, cookies, or whatever festive treat you're decorating.
The best part? This frosting takes just 15 minutes to make. You need only butter, powdered sugar, eggnog, nutmeg, vanilla, salt, and a stand mixer—no special tricks, no long ingredient list. Whether you're baking ahead for a holiday party or frosting desserts on the day-of, this recipe fits seamlessly into your holiday lineup.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Watch how I make this recipe
Looking for a classic base frosting? Start with my vanilla buttercream frosting — then customize flavors from there.
Without a doubt, one of the most staple flavors of the holiday traditions is that creamy and smooth eggnog. This classic holiday beverage has been a beloved treat served at Christmases, holiday parties, and gatherings for generations! As a constant baker, though, I’m always trying to figure out new ways to incorporate flavorful treats with other sweets.
When I started thinking of how I could incorporate eggnog into other desserts and recipes, it became clear that the very first eggnog-themed recipe I should try is Eggnog Buttercream Frosting. And what a great idea that was! This fluffy frosting is just perfect for making holiday pastries!
Not only was this recipe incredibly easy to make, but it is just as delicious as it sounds. I tried this holiday frosting on some homemade Gingerbread Cupcakes and the pair were a perfect Christmas match! The sweet yet tangy flavors of the eggnog frosting paired with the holiday spices of the gingerbread cupcakes is so good that it’s just impossible to compare to.
This holiday eggnog frosting is not only perfect for cupcakes, but can also be piped onto holiday cakes, pies, cookies, or whatever your heart desires for festive holiday bliss! Here’s how to make show-stopping Eggnog Buttercream Frosting!
To make eggnog buttercream frosting all you need is: butter, powdered sugar, eggnog, nutmeg, vanilla, salt, and a stand mixer with a large bowl and whisk attachment. First, beat the butter by itself with the mixer until it has doubled in size. Gradually mix in the sugar. Add the remaining ingredients and whisk for another 8-10 minutes until smooth. Transfer to a metal tip-lined piping bag to pipe onto desserts and pastries.
Tools That Make It Easier
To make this festive frosting, I don’t have to use a whole bunch of tools. Just a handful of typical frosting tools and utensils. Here’s what I use to make eggnog buttercream frosting:
What You'll Need From Your Pantry
As for the ingredients? I’ve got a delightfully short and simple list of typical frosting ingredients with some holiday flair mixed in there! Here are the ingredients I use for heavenly eggnog buttercream frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter- room temperature
- 4 cups confectioners Sugar
- ¼ cup eggnog
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Before You Start: My Quick Tip
- Pull cookies when the edges are set but centers still look soft — they firm as they cool.
- Fill closer to serving or gifting so the sandwiches stay neat and tender.
Let's Make It Together
And now it’s time for the fun part! This process is so simple and easy that it only takes about 15 minutes to whip up a batch of this heavenly holiday frosting! That makes it absolutely perfect to make even in a time crunch. Which, let’s be honest, is all the time around the holidays. Here’s how to make the best and easiest eggnog buttercream frosting.
- First, measure out all of the frosting ingredients with a measuring cup and spoons.
- Prepare a Kitchenaid stand mixer with a whisk attachment.
- Next, add the butter into the large bowl of the mixer.
- Then, beat the butter for 5 minutes, or until it is doubled in size, light, and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, mixing well between each addition.
- Keep mixing until the sugar is completely combined.
- Then, add in the nutmeg, eggnog, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Mix everything together on high for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Next, cut the tip of a piping bag and insert a jumbo metal piping tip.
- Finally, spoon or scoop the eggnog frosting into the piping bag and close it off with a piping bag tie.
Storage
Once piped onto a cake or these Gingerbread Cupcakes, this eggnog frosting will stay good for as long as that pastry does. However, if you need to store leftover frosting on its own, then it needs to stay refrigerated or frozen. Here’s what you can do:
To store eggnog frosting: transfer the frosting to an airtight container or a freezer-safe Ziploc bag. Store the frosting in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 1 month. If freezing, I like to double-bag the frosting because it helps save some freezer space. Always label the date on the outside to keep up with freshness. Let the frosting come to room temperature and whip again before using.
More Recipes to Try
Want even more holiday recipes to keep the festive fun rolling through the whole season? Here are some of my favorite flavorful holiday recipes to try and some more frosting recipes for nonstop treats year-round:
Holiday recipes:
- Peppermint Cupcakes
- Christmas Hot Chocolate Bombs
- Marshmallow Snowmen
- Sugared Cranberries and Rosemary
- Holiday Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
- Chocolate Cookies with Peppermint Chips
- Gingerbread Cupcakes
- Eggnog Scones
Other sweet and satisfying glazes and frostings:
- Homemade Buttercream Frosting
- Cream Cheese Frosting
- Caramel Glaze
- Chocolate Glaze for Bundt Cakes
- Homemade Whipped Cream
- Meringue Frosting
- Homemade Strawberry Buttercream Frosting
- Chocolate Ganache
- White Chocolate Ganache
- Toffee Glaze
- Easy Bundt Cake Glaze
- Easy Bundt Cake Frosting
- Store-bought Buttercream Frosting Hacks
If you love this frosting, explore more eggnog holiday treats. Our Eggnog Fudge is an easy no-bake option that brings the same creamy eggnog flavor to your gift boxes and cookie platters.
Looking to extend the eggnog flavor beyond frosting? Our Eggnog Pancakes make a cozy holiday breakfast that captures the same festive spirit.
Eggnog Buttercream Frosting
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 4 cups Confectioners Sugar
- ¼ cup eggnog
- ½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- First, measure out all of the frosting ingredients with a measuring cup and spoons.
- Prepare a Kitchenaid stand mixer with a whisk attachment.
- Next, add the butter into the large bowl of the mixer.
- Then, beat the butter for 5 minutes, or until it is doubled in size, light, and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, mixing well between each addition.
- Keep mixing until the sugar is completely combined.
- Then, add in the nutmeg, eggnog, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Mix everything together on high for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Next, cut the tip of a piping bag and insert a jumbo metal piping tip.
- Finally, spoon or scoop the eggnog frosting into the piping bag and close it off with a piping bag tie.
Notes
Nutrition
Food Photography & Video Tips from My Studio
Here’s a peek at the tools, gear, and camera setups I use to film my recipe videos and photograph food at home. Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of different setups, and now I’m sharing what actually works for me—whether I’m filming overhead shots for YouTube or styling still photos for my blog. If you’re curious about how I create the content you see here, these posts are a great place to start.
What is in my toolbox?
3 ways camera setup for Tasty-style video recipes
Best camera for cooking videos
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