If you’re dreaming of a cozy winter dessert that tastes like the holidays in a spoonful, these Eggnog Mousse Cups are exactly what you need. Light, fluffy, and laced with the classic flavor of eggnog, they strike the perfect balance between festive and indulgent. Whether you serve them after a holiday meal or just treat yourself to a comforting dessert, these mousse cups bring a whole lot of joy in every bite.
What makes this dessert extra special is how effortlessly elegant it is. The mousse has a silky texture that melts in your mouth, and the gentle spice of nutmeg combined with a whisper of rum flavor (optional, of course) adds warmth and depth. Served in individual cups or jars, they look as pretty as they taste.
Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Mousse Cups Recipe
This dessert brings together the richness of classic eggnog with the lightness of mousse for a festive treat that doesn’t weigh you down. It’s a no-bake recipe, so you won’t need to turn on your oven during holiday chaos. And since it can be made in advance, it’s the kind of dessert that actually gives you more time to enjoy with your guests.
The texture is pillowy and soft, with just the right amount of sweet spice. You can easily dress it up with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, or even crushed gingersnap cookies on top.
Can I Use Store-Bought Eggnog for These Mousse Cups?
Absolutely, yes! Store-bought eggnog works wonderfully for this recipe, and it’s a great shortcut when you’re juggling a million things during the holidays. However, if you have homemade eggnog on hand or enjoy making it from scratch, it can elevate the flavor even more. Just make sure your eggnog is thick and creamy for the best mousse texture.
Ingredients for the Eggnog Mousse Cups
The ingredient list for these mousse cups is surprisingly short, yet each item plays a key role in building that signature holiday flavor and dreamy texture.
Eggnog gives the mousse its warm, spiced flavor and creamy base.
Heavy whipping cream helps create that soft, cloud-like mousse texture.
Unflavored gelatin is used to set the mousse just enough so it holds its shape while staying airy.
Granulated sugar adds a touch of sweetness, enhancing the eggnog without overpowering it.
Vanilla extract deepens the overall flavor and complements the eggnog.
Nutmeg is a must for that classic eggnog spice note.
Optional dark rum or rum extract if you want to bring out a grown-up holiday twist.

How To Make the Eggnog Mousse Cups
Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin
Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over a small amount of cold water in a bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to soften.
Step 2: Heat the Eggnog Mixture
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the eggnog and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is warm, not boiling. Stir in the bloomed gelatin until completely melted and incorporated. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and rum if using. Let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip it.
Step 4: Fold It All Together
Once the eggnog mixture has cooled to room temperature, gently fold it into the whipped cream using a spatula. Take your time here to keep the mousse as airy as possible.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Spoon the mousse into serving cups or jars and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set. Overnight is even better.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Right before serving, top with a swirl of whipped cream, a dusting of nutmeg, or crushed cookies if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy!
How to Serve and Store These Eggnog Mousse Cups
These mousse cups are best served chilled straight from the fridge, topped with a festive swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg. They’re great for holiday parties or cozy nights in. This recipe makes enough to serve 6 people generously.
To store, cover each mousse cup with plastic wrap or seal the containers with lids. They will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re making them ahead, wait to garnish until just before serving to keep everything looking and tasting fresh.
What to Serve With Eggnog Mousse Cups?
Gingersnap Cookies
The snap and spice of gingersnaps make a perfect crunchy contrast to the mousse’s soft texture.
Hot Chocolate
A warm mug of rich hot chocolate turns this dessert into the coziest winter treat imaginable.
Spiced Pecans
Sweet, spicy pecans add crunch and a nutty depth that pairs wonderfully with eggnog.
Cranberry Sauce
A spoonful on the side adds a tart note that complements the sweetness of the mousse.
Apple Pie
Go full festive mode by serving this mousse alongside a classic apple pie.
Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts
Pairing mousse with a warm doughnut is indulgence at its best.
Coffee or Espresso
A shot of espresso or a cup of coffee balances the sweetness and wakes up the palate.
Caramel Drizzle
A thin ribbon of warm caramel on top takes this dessert to an extra decadent level.
Want More Holiday Dessert Ideas?
If you enjoyed these Eggnog Mousse Cups, check out these deliciously creative desserts:
- Old Time Oven Peach Cobbler
- Cherry Topped Coconut Macaroons
- Ooey Gooey Bars
- Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes
- Best Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add liqueur or leave it out? Did you try chocolate on top?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Eggnog Mousse Cups
- Total Time: 20 minutes + chilling
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy and festive Eggnog Mousse Cups are the perfect no-bake holiday dessert. Made with eggnog, whipped cream, and cozy spices, they’re light, fluffy, and ideal for Christmas or winter parties. This easy mousse recipe is a crowd-pleaser with a rich yet airy texture.
Ingredients
1 cup eggnog
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
3 tablespoons cold water
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon dark rum or 1/2 teaspoon rum extract (optional)
Instructions
1. Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl and let sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
2. In a saucepan, warm the eggnog and sugar over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Do not boil.
3. Stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully melted. Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract and rum if using. Let cool to room temperature.
4. Whip the heavy cream in a chilled bowl until stiff peaks form.
5. Gently fold the cooled eggnog mixture into the whipped cream until smooth and fluffy.
6. Spoon the mousse into serving cups or jars and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
7. Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg before serving.
Notes
Use full-fat eggnog for best texture and flavor.
Make sure the gelatin is fully dissolved for a smooth mousse.
Top with crushed gingersnaps for added crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg


