Indulge in the Best Fluffy Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls: A Delicious Holiday Treat

Prepare to fall in love with these exceptionally special and utterly delicious eggnog cinnamon rolls! Elevating the classic comfort of a cinnamon roll, this recipe infuses the festive spirit of real eggnog directly into both the light, airy dough and the rich, creamy cream cheese icing. Each bite is a harmonious blend of warm spices, featuring both fragrant nutmeg and comforting cinnamon, creating a truly unforgettable holiday treat.

With their incredibly light and fluffy texture, irresistibly soft and gooey cinnamon-spiced centers, and a generous blanket of rich, creamy eggnog-infused icing, these eggnog cinnamon rolls are truly impossible to resist! What sets them apart is their perfectly balanced eggnog flavor—it’s not overpowering, yet distinct enough that you’ll know you’re not eating just any ordinary cinnamon roll. Even if you’re typically on the fence about eggnog, I promise these rolls will convert you. They strike that ideal balance, offering a hint of holiday cheer without overwhelming your palate. They embody everything you crave in a sweet roll, with an added layer of festive magic.

These delightful rolls are the ultimate breakfast indulgence or a standout addition to any holiday brunch spread. Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, ready in no time thanks to a little overnight preparation. Make your morning baking even easier and stress-free by letting these incredible cinnamon rolls complete their first rise in the refrigerator overnight. This smart trick frees up your precious holiday morning, allowing you to enjoy the festivities with family and friends.

Table of Contents

• Ingredients You’ll Need for Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls
• How to Make Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls: Step-by-Step Guide
• Tips to Help Your Dough Rise Faster
• Make Them Overnight: Easy Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls
• More Expert Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls
• Try These Other Delicious Sweet Roll Recipes
• Full Eggnog Cinnamon Roll Recipe Card

Ingredients You’ll Need for Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls

Ready to embark on a baking adventure? Gathering your ingredients is the first exciting step towards creating these festive treats. Here’s a detailed look at everything you’ll need to get started on these incredible eggnog cinnamon rolls. The full, printable recipe with precise measurements can be found at the end of this article.

For the dough, you’ll need staple baking items like all-purpose flour, active-dry or instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt, which form the structural base of these soft rolls. The star ingredients are, of course, unsalted butter and genuine eggnog, which provide richness and that signature holiday flavor. A large egg adds moisture and helps with the dough’s tender texture.

The filling is a classic blend of melted unsalted butter, more granulated sugar, aromatic ground cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg. The nutmeg is particularly important here, as it complements the eggnog’s flavor profile beautifully. For the luxurious cream cheese frosting, ensure you have softened cream cheese, room temperature unsalted butter, powdered sugar (also known as confectioner’s sugar) for sweetness and smooth texture, a splash of eggnog to tie it all together, vanilla extract for warmth, and a tiny pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Having all your ingredients pre-measured and ready before you start will make the baking process much smoother and more enjoyable!

How to Make Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls: Step-by-Step Guide

Crafting these delectable eggnog cinnamon rolls is a rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a perfect batch every time:

1. Prepare the Dough: Begin by melting your unsalted butter in a small saucepan. Once fully melted, stir in the eggnog and heat the mixture for just a minute or two, aiming for a temperature between 120-130°F (49-54°C). This warmth is crucial for activating the yeast without scalding it. In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), combine a portion of the all-purpose flour with the active-dry or instant yeast, granulated sugar, salt, and the egg. Pour in the warmed eggnog mixture. Using a mixer with a dough hook attachment, or by hand, begin to knead the dough. Gradually add the remaining flour, a little at a time, until the dough comes together. You’re looking for a smooth, elastic dough that is tacky to the touch but no longer sticks to your hands or the sides of the bowl. Knead for about 8-10 minutes to develop the gluten, which will give your rolls their signature fluffy texture.
2. First Rise: Once your dough is perfectly kneaded, form it into a neat ball. Lightly grease the mixing bowl, place the dough back in, and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Find a warm, draft-free spot for your dough to rise. Allow it to rise until it has visibly doubled in size, which typically takes about 1 hour. A warm environment, ideally around 75-80°F (24-27°C), will encourage a faster and more consistent rise. This initial rise is vital for developing the airy structure of your cinnamon rolls.
3. Fill with Spices and Slice: After the first rise, gently punch down the dough to release the air. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a large rectangle, approximately 12×17 inches. Ensure the thickness is even for consistent rolls. Brush the entire surface of the dough with melted unsalted butter, leaving a small border around the edges. In a separate small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg, then sprinkle this flavorful mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Starting from a long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. This tight roll helps create those beautiful, distinct cinnamon swirls. Once rolled, use a sharp knife or unscented dental floss to slice the log into 12 equally sized rolls, about 1 ½ inches wide.
4. Second Rise (Proofing): Arrange the sliced rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a small amount of space between each roll to allow for expansion. Cover the baking dish again with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Let these shaped rolls rise a second time in a warm place until they appear puffed up and almost doubled in size, usually taking about 20-30 minutes. This second rise, known as proofing, is essential for achieving ultra-soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls.
5. Bake to Perfection: While your rolls are enjoying their final rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have sufficiently puffed up, place the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are a beautiful golden brown. Be careful not to over-bake, as this can lead to dry rolls and compromise those wonderfully gooey centers that everyone loves.
6. Top with Creamy Icing: While the rolls are baking or cooling slightly, prepare your decadent cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, room temperature unsalted butter, powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons of eggnog, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and lump-free. Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, allow them to cool for 5-15 minutes in the pan. Spread the luscious eggnog cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls. The warmth of the rolls will slightly melt the icing, allowing it to seep into every crevice, creating an even more delightful experience.
7. Enjoy! These Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls are undoubtedly best enjoyed freshly baked and still warm, with that frosting melting into every cre gooey swirl. Serve them immediately with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and savor every delicious moment!

Tips to Help Your Dough Rise Faster

A successful dough rise is key to light and fluffy cinnamon rolls. While simply covering your dough with a towel or plastic wrap and letting it rest on your kitchen counter usually works, cooler ambient temperatures, especially during fall and winter, can significantly slow down the rising process. To ensure your dough rises efficiently and you don’t have to wait all day, here are a few warmer suggestions for creating an ideal environment for yeast activation:

• Oven Method: This is a popular and effective method. Preheat your oven to its lowest possible setting for just a few minutes (typically 2-3 minutes), then immediately turn it off. The goal is to create a warm, not hot, environment. Place your covered dough on the center rack and close the oven door. The residual warmth will help the yeast activate faster. Be sure the oven is off and not too hot – you should be able to comfortably place your hand inside.
• Microwave Method: For a quick proofing box, heat 1 cup of water in your microwave for 2 minutes until it’s steaming hot. Remove the cup of water, but keep the microwave door closed. Immediately place your covered dough into the warm, steamy microwave and close the door. The warmth and humidity will provide an excellent environment for your dough to rise rapidly.
• Other Warm Spots: Don’t limit yourself to the oven or microwave. Yeast thrives in consistent warmth. I’ve successfully risen bread dough on top of a warm oven (while something else was baking), near a running dryer machine, or even on a chair positioned above a heater vent. The key is to find a spot that offers gentle, consistent warmth without being excessively hot, as too much heat can kill the yeast. Always ensure your dough is covered to prevent drying out.

Make Them Overnight: Easy Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls

Holiday mornings are often hectic, but your breakfast shouldn’t be! To significantly reduce the time and effort required on the morning you plan to serve these delectable eggnog cinnamon rolls, you can absolutely prepare them the night before. This overnight method is my go-to strategy for special occasions like Christmas morning, allowing for a fresh, warm batch of rolls with minimal morning fuss.

After you have completed the shaping of the rolls and placed them evenly in your 9×13-inch baking pan, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap. Ensure the plastic wrap is sealed well to prevent the dough from drying out. Then, transfer the covered pan to the refrigerator for up to approximately 12 hours. The cold temperature of the fridge will slow down the yeast activity, allowing the dough to slowly ferment and develop flavor overnight.

The next morning, about 1-2 hours before you plan to bake them, remove the rolls from the refrigerator. This step is crucial! They need ample time to completely come back to room temperature. During this period, they will also continue to rise a little more, completing their second proof. Skipping this step can result in dense, under-risen rolls. So, be sure to factor in this crucial resting time when planning your holiday morning schedule. Once they have come to room temperature and visibly puffed up, they are ready for baking, providing you with warm, fresh, and perfectly fluffy eggnog cinnamon rolls with minimal fuss.

More Expert Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls

Achieving bakery-quality eggnog cinnamon rolls at home is entirely possible with a few insider tips and tricks. Here’s some extra advice to help you master this festive recipe:

• Eggnog Type Matters: For this recipe, I specifically used traditional full-fat eggnog, the kind commonly found in grocery stores during the holiday season. The richness and consistency of full-fat eggnog contribute significantly to the flavor and texture of both the dough and the frosting. I have not tested this recipe with low-fat or dairy-alternative eggnogs, so results may vary if you choose to substitute.
• Freshly Grated Nutmeg: While ground nutmeg from a jar will certainly work, for the most vibrant and aromatic flavor, I highly recommend using freshly grated nutmeg. A small grater (like a microplane) and a whole nutmeg seed will yield a distinctly more potent and nuanced spice, truly enhancing the eggnog flavor in these rolls.
• Accurate Flour Measurement: The amount of flour needed can be surprisingly variable due to factors like climate (humidity levels can affect flour absorption) and, crucially, how you measure your flour. Always measure flour by weight using a kitchen scale for the most accurate results (455 grams for 3 ½ cups is a good target). If measuring by volume, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off, rather than scooping directly, which can compact the flour. Add only enough flour until your dough clears the sides of the mixing bowl and feels smooth and elastic. It should still be tacky to the touch, meaning it leaves a slight residue on your fingers but doesn’t stick and come off completely. Avoid adding too much flour, as this will result in dry, dense rolls. For more on proper flour measuring, check out this helpful guide.
• Rolling Surface: I find that rolling the dough out directly on a clean, un-floured countertop works best. The slight tackiness of the dough helps it adhere slightly to the counter, which prevents it from springing back and makes it easier to roll into a neat rectangle and achieve a tight spiral. However, if your dough feels excessively sticky, a lightly floured surface is perfectly acceptable. Just use flour sparingly to avoid toughening the dough.
• Alternative Overnight Method: Instead of shaping the rolls and then refrigerating, you can also let the bulk cinnamon roll dough complete its first rise in the fridge overnight. In the morning, simply take the cold dough out, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes (it will still be quite firm), then roll out, fill, slice, and proceed with the second rise and baking. This method offers flexibility if your schedule changes.
• The Dental Floss Trick for Slicing: Using unscented dental floss is by far my favorite and the most effective way to slice cinnamon rolls! It creates perfectly clean cuts without squishing the dough or distorting the beautiful spirals. To do this, slide a piece of floss under the rolled log, cross the ends over the top, and pull them tightly in opposite directions to cut through the dough. (Here’s a quick video to see this technique in action.) A very sharp chef’s knife or kitchen shears can also work, but floss yields superior results for presentation.

Try These Other Delicious Sweet Roll Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed the process of making these eggnog cinnamon rolls and are looking for more sweet roll inspiration, here are some other fantastic recipes to explore:

• No-Knead Cinnamon Rolls
• Peanut Butter and Jam Sweet Rolls
• Lemon Cinnamon Rolls
• Chocolate Hazelnut Sweet Rolls

Full Eggnog Cinnamon Roll Recipe Card