Egg Nog Cupcakes are a smashing hit! You can use regular egg nog or eggless nog recipe found in my blog to make these rich and tasty treats. Baker Mel and her partners Angie and Tate continue their history of loyalty to each other and those they love as this time the murder hits close to home for one of Angie’s dear friends.
This is book #15 in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series. Two strong women, Mel and Angie are great examples of true friendship. These characters are wonderful women, mothers, wives, friends and business entrepreneurs. They rise to the defense of Shelby when murder clues point her way. Mel refuses to give up until the truth is revealed.
Sugar Plum Poisoned by Jenn McKinlay
Eggnog Cupcakes
from a cozy mystery novel:
Sugar Plum Poisoned
by Jenn McKinlay
Book Outline and Tone:
Melanie and Angie have been friends for years. They go way back to high school. But that doesn’t mean the green monster of jealousy doesn’t sneak in from time to time. The novel starts with Angie’s friend Shelby arriving in town. Mel becomes jealous of their friendship. Who hasn’t been there? I know I have been shocked from time to time when I realize a good friend has other friends. How could she?
Fortunately for everyone, this jealousy is quickly squashed when Mel gets to know Shelby and realizes what a great gal she is. It is a good thing that Shelby has won over Mel because when Shelby’s manager is found dead it seems as if all clues lead to Shelby. Mel is a wonderful person to have in your corner. She jumps into the investigation and doesn’t quit until the true killer is caught.
This is absolutely one of my favorite cozy mystery series and one prime reason is how real the characters always are. While Mel investigates, Angie does all she can while still juggling life as a new mom. There is genuine care, concern and love between all of the main characters and it is easy to jump into their world each time you read from this series.
The Best Quote:
“Shelby wilted as soon as the door was closed. She turned to Mel and Angie. ‘I was too hard on him, wasn’t I? I should have asked nicely. Mama always says you catch more flies with honey than vinegar.’
‘But who wants flies?’ Angie countered. ‘No one, that’s who.’”
This quote captures Angie’s personality perfectly.
Point of View:
Third person with the reader knowing Mel’s thoughts.
The Author: Jenn McKinlay
Jenn McKinlay is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Her website not only lists all of her books but has a pretty fascinating bio page. She is a skateboarder, has been in a glider plane, and has lived both on the east coast and in the west. I would tell you more, but I would rather encourage you to check out her website. Jenn McKinlay has an active presence on Facebook, Instagram, and her website. Give her a shout out on social media and let her know what you think of her books and desserts.
What is not to like?:
This is a hard question to answer because I am enamored with this series. If I had to pick one thing…maybe I would like to have seen Mel working with her husband Joe on a mystery together.
The verdict:
Love it, absolutely love it. This series is a can’t miss. You can’t miss out on the characters and the entertaining stories. And time and time again Author Jenn McKinlay can’t miss developing an excellent cozy mystery.
Disclaimer: In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you).
Eggnog Cupcakes
Assemble the Ingredients
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Put paper liners in the cupcake tin. Or use re-usable silicone cupcake baking molds as I did.
Reusable, oven and dishwasher safe comes in many colors.
In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt, and set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and oil until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time and then the vanilla, mixing until. well blended.
Alternately mix in the dry ingredients and the eggnog, beat on medium speed until smooth.
Fill the cupcake liners two-thirds full and bake for 16 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Makes 12.
Eggnog Frosting
Assemble the Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream the butter and rum extract or rum.
Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed and adding the milk (or eggnog) as needed.
Scrape the sides of the bowl often. Beat at medium speed until light and fluffy.
Pipe onto cooled cupcakes in big swirls using a pastry bag. Grate fresh nutmeg on top and garnish with a cinnamon stick. I decided to simply sprinkle with some ground cinnamon.
Eggnog Cupcakes
Ingredients
Cupcake Batter
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tso baking powder
- ¾ tesp nutmeg
- ¼ tso salt
- 6 Tbsp butter, softened
- 1½ Tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup eggnog
Rum Buttercream Frosting
- 1 stick salted butter, softened
- 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp rum extract or 1 Tbsp. rum
- 4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
- 2 Tbsp milk or eggnog
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Cupcake Batter
- Put paper liners in the cupcake tin or use silicone baking liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt, and set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and oil until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time and then the vanilla, mixing until. well blended.
- Alternately mix in the dry ingredients and the eggnog, beat on medium speed until smooth.
- Fill the cupcake liners two-thirds full.
- Bake for 16 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Rum Buttercream Frosting
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and rum extract or rum.
- Gradually add confectioners' sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed and adding the milk or eggnog as needed.
- Scrape the sides of the bowl often.
- Beat at medium speed until light and fluffy.
- Pipe onto cooled cupcakes in big swirls using a pastry bag
- Grate fresh nutmeg on top and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
What would I do differently next time?
Not a single thing! These are perfect!
If you would like to try to make some Eggless Nog, try this fantastic recipe.
Recipes for Eggless Nog and Eggnog Steel Cut Oats from Christmas Cocoa and a Corpse by Maddie Day
