Yuletide Eggnog Cupcakes

Directions

1. 1

   Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°. Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners.
2. 2

   In a large bowl, cream butter and 1-1/4 cups sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, nutmeg and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with eggnog, beating well after each addition.
3. 3

   With clean beaters, beat egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high after each addition until sugar is dissolved. Continue beating until stiff glossy peaks form. Fold into batter.
4. 4

   Fill prepared muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 18-22 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.
5. 5

   For frosting, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until blended. Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar and eggnog until smooth. Frost cupcakes. Sprinkle with nutmeg. Refrigerate leftovers.