Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for holiday breakfasts and brunches
Soft, fluffy, bakery-style texture
Rich eggnog flavor throughout
Warm cinnamon-spiced filling
Topped with a sweet eggnog glaze
Great for make-ahead preparation
Family-friendly and festive
A delicious seasonal twist on classic cinnamon rolls

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough

¾ cup eggnog, warmed
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
3 to 3½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt

For the Filling

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Eggnog Glaze

1½ cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons eggnog
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of ground nutmeg

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm eggnog, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Add the egg, melted butter, and salt. Mix until combined.
Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle approximately 12×18 inches.
Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then sprinkle evenly over the butter.
Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log.
Cut into 12 equal rolls and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, eggnog, vanilla extract, and nutmeg to make the glaze.
Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls.
Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 rolls
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Cook Time: 22–25 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 35 minutes

Variations

Cream Cheese Eggnog Rolls: Add softened cream cheese to the glaze.
Maple Eggnog Rolls: Replace part of the glaze liquid with maple syrup.
Pecan Cinnamon Rolls: Sprinkle chopped pecans over the filling.
Raisin Eggnog Rolls: Add raisins or dried cranberries to the filling.
Orange Eggnog Rolls: Add orange zest to the glaze for a citrus twist.
Extra Spiced Rolls: Increase the cinnamon and add cloves or allspice.
Overnight Rolls: Assemble the rolls the night before and refrigerate overnight before baking.

Storage/Reheating

Storage

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

Freeze baked and cooled rolls in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or heat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought eggnog?

Yes. Store-bought eggnog works perfectly and provides consistent flavor.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare them the night before and refrigerate before the second rise.

What if I don’t have active dry yeast?

Instant yeast can be substituted in equal amounts and mixed directly with the dry ingredients.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes. Freeze the shaped rolls before the second rise and thaw before baking.

How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

The tops should be golden brown, and the centers should be fully cooked and fluffy.

Can I add nuts to the filling?

Absolutely. Pecans and walnuts are excellent additions.

What type of eggnog works best?

Traditional full-fat eggnog provides the richest flavor and texture.

Can I make these without the glaze?

Yes. The rolls are delicious on their own, though the glaze adds extra sweetness and flavor.

Why didn’t my dough rise?

The yeast may have been inactive, or the eggnog may have been too hot or too cold.

Can I use a bread machine for the dough?

Yes. A bread machine can simplify the dough-making process by handling the mixing and kneading.

Conclusion

Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls are a festive holiday treat that combines the soft, fluffy texture of classic cinnamon rolls with the rich flavor of eggnog and warm seasonal spices. Topped with a sweet eggnog glaze, these rolls are perfect for holiday breakfasts, brunches, and special gatherings. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or prepared ahead of time, they bring warmth, comfort, and holiday cheer to every bite.

Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls

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Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy holiday rolls infused with rich eggnog flavor, filled with warm cinnamon-spiced sugar, and topped with a sweet eggnog glaze. Perfect for festive breakfasts, brunches, and cozy winter mornings.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm eggnog, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Add the egg, melted butter, and salt. Mix until combined.
Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and roll it into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then sprinkle evenly over the butter.
Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal rolls.
Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Whisk together the powdered sugar, eggnog, vanilla extract, and nutmeg to make the glaze.
Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls.
Serve warm.

Notes

Store-bought eggnog works perfectly in this recipe.
For overnight rolls, assemble the rolls and refrigerate before the second rise.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra texture.
Mix softened cream cheese into the glaze for a richer topping.
Freeze baked rolls for up to 3 months and thaw before reheating.
Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 390 kcal
Sugar: 25 g
Sodium: 220 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 60 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg