There is nothing quite as comforting and festive as waking up to a warm batch of cinnamon rolls infused with the rich, creamy flavor of holiday eggnog. This Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a delightful twist on the classic treat, combining tender, fluffy dough with a sweet, spiced filling and a luscious eggnog glaze that feels like a cozy holiday hug. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to brighten any morning, these rolls bring a perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and that unmistakable eggnog charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards baking these irresistible rolls. Each item has a special role to play—from enriching the dough to packing the filling with flavor, and creating that dreamy glaze that makes each bite unforgettable.
- Bread flour (4½ cups): This gives the rolls a chewy, sturdy texture that’s perfect for holding all the cinnamon and sugar inside.
- Instant mashed potato flakes (¾ cup): Adds moisture and softness, ensuring the rolls stay tender and fresh for longer.
- Powdered milk (¼ cup): Enhances richness and contributes to a golden crust on the baked rolls.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Sweetens the dough slightly, balancing the spices in the filling.
- Instant yeast (2¼ teaspoons): The magic behind the dough’s rise and fluffiness.
- Bread salt (1 teaspoon): Just enough salt to heighten the sweet notes and deepen flavors.
- Eggnog (1¾ cups, room temperature): Infuses the dough with cozy holiday spices and a creamy texture.
- Large eggs (2, room temperature): Help bind the dough while providing richness and structure.
- Additional egg yolks (2, room temperature): Increase tenderness and color in the dough.
- Salted butter (6 tablespoons melted + ½ cup softened + ¼ cup melted): Used throughout to add moisture and that luscious buttery flavor.
- Vegetable or canola oil (1 tablespoon): Keeps the proofing pan greased to prevent sticking.
- Vanilla bean paste (1 tablespoon + ½ tablespoon): Adds a natural vanilla warmth, perfect for the filling and glaze.
- Dark brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Blends with spices for a deep, molasses-rich filling.
- Corn starch (2 tablespoons): Thickens the filling so it’s smooth and gooey without being runny.
- Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons): The star spice that envelopes each bite with warmth and sweetness.
- Ground nutmeg (¼ teaspoon + ⅛ teaspoon): Adds a subtle, fragrant spice that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and eggnog.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon + ⅛ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the depth of flavors.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): Creates the perfect sweet, smooth glaze to finish the rolls with a glossy shine.
How to Make Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing your bread flour, instant mashed potato flakes, powdered milk, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Then, stir in the warm eggnog, eggs, egg yolks, and melted butter until the dough starts to come together. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic—it should be slightly sticky but manageable. This dough, enriched with eggnog and butter, promises a moist, tender crumb that sets these cinnamon rolls apart.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Grease a large bowl with vegetable or canola oil and place your dough inside, turning it to coat in oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1½ hours. This rest is crucial as it allows the yeast to develop the fluffy texture and the scents of eggnog to develop within the dough.
Step 3: Make the Filling
While the dough is rising, combine softened butter, vanilla bean paste, dark brown sugar, corn starch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl. This rich, spiced filling is what makes each roll burst with that traditional cinnamon roll flavor but lifted with the warmth of nutmeg and vanilla that echo the eggnog’s festive notes.
Step 4: Roll and Fill the Dough
Once risen, roll the dough out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 16×20 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border on the edges. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 even slices to form your rolls, ensuring every piece gets a generous swirl of that delicious filling.
Step 5: Second Rise
Arrange the rolls in a greased baking pan, leaving a little space between each to allow for expansion. Cover again and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until they’re puffy and nearly doubled. This second rise ensures the rolls stay soft and fluffy with a melt-in-your-mouth quality once baked.
Step 6: Bake the Rolls
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 22 minutes until golden brown on top and baked through. The kitchen will fill with the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon, vanilla, and eggnog—a sensory preview of the deliciousness to come!
Step 7: Make the Eggnog Glaze
While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, eggnog, melted butter, vanilla bean paste, nutmeg, and salt until smooth. This glaze is the crowning touch, rich and creamy with a hint of spice, perfectly complementing the rolls’ pillowy softness.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow the rolls to cool slightly before drizzling the eggnog glaze generously over the top. The glaze melts slightly into the warm rolls, adding an extra layer of indulgence that’s downright addictive.
How to Serve Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To make these rolls even more festive, sprinkle a little extra ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the glaze, or add a few toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a magical snowy effect perfect for winter mornings.
Side Dishes
Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls are perfect on their own but pair wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced coffee, chai tea, or a creamy hot chocolate. If you want a more substantial brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arranging the rolls in a beautiful serving dish or layering them in a festive basket lined with a colorful cloth adds a charming touch for holiday gatherings. For a fancy brunch, place individual rolls on small plates with fresh berries and mint leaves for color and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their moisture and softness. If your kitchen is cool, a slightly warmed spot can help keep them fresh longer.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, freeze the rolls after cutting but before the second rise. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and freeze for up to one month. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, let them rise, then bake as usual for freshly baked goodness anytime.
Reheating
Reheat your cinnamon rolls in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds or in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. Adding a light drizzle of extra eggnog glaze after reheating revives that fresh-from-the-oven sweetness and moistness.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of eggnog in the dough?
You certainly can substitute regular milk, but using eggnog adds a unique creamy richness and festive spice that makes this recipe truly special. The flavor won’t be quite the same without it.
What’s the purpose of the instant mashed potato flakes in the dough?
Instant mashed potato flakes add moisture and tenderness, helping the rolls stay soft and fluffy for longer. They also contribute to the dough’s slight elasticity and chewiness which is delightful in cinnamon rolls.
Can I make these rolls vegan or dairy-free?
To adapt this recipe, you’d need to replace eggnog with a plant-based alternative spiced similarly, use vegan butter, and egg replacers. While it’s possible, the classic flavor and texture will be different, but still delicious!
How long do the cinnamon rolls need to rise?
The dough rises twice: first for about 1 to 1½ hours until doubled in size, then again after shaping for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy. Proper rising ensures soft, fluffy rolls with a tender crumb.
Can I prepare the rolls the night before baking?
Absolutely! After shaping the rolls, cover and refrigerate them overnight for a slow rise. In the morning, bring them to room temperature before baking. This is great for busy mornings or holiday brunches.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend enough giving this Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls Recipe a try, especially when the air feels crisp and festive. These rolls bring warmth, nostalgia, and a little holiday magic to your kitchen with each bite. They’re more than just a dessert; they’re an experience waiting to welcome you and your loved ones around the table. So go ahead, bake a batch, and enjoy the simple joy of breaking bread flavored by rich eggnog and warm cinnamon.
Print
Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 7 minutes (plus proofing time of approx. 2 to 2.5 hours)
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls are a festive twist on a classic favorite, infused with rich eggnog and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Soft, fluffy dough made with bread flour and instant mashed potato flakes ensures a tender crumb, while a luscious eggnog glaze adds a creamy, sweet finish perfect for holiday mornings or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Dough
- 4½ cups bread flour
- ¾ cup instant mashed potato flakes (60g, plain variety)
- ¼ cup powdered milk (35g)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (56g)
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (one packet)
- 1 teaspoon bread salt (or regular salt)
- 1¾ cups eggnog (420ml, room temperature)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 additional large egg yolks (room temperature)
- 6 tablespoons salted butter (84g, melted)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil (for coating the proofing pan)
Filling
- ½ cup salted butter (113g, softened)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- 1 cup dark brown sugar (215g, packed)
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Glaze
- ¾ cup eggnog (180mL)
- ¼ cup salted butter (56g, melted)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (240g)
- ½ cup eggnog (120mL)
- ½ tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, instant mashed potato flakes, powdered milk, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the room temperature eggnog, eggs, and egg yolks. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Pour in the melted butter and continue to knead the dough either by hand or with a mixer fitted with a dough hook until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
- First Proofing: Lightly oil a large bowl with vegetable or canola oil, place the dough inside, and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to proof in a warm, draft-free area until it doubles in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter with vanilla bean paste, dark brown sugar, corn starch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined and smooth.
- Shape the Rolls: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle about 16 by 12 inches. Evenly spread the filling mixture over the dough, leaving a small border on the edges. Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them cut side up in a greased baking pan, spacing them slightly apart.
- Second Proofing: Cover the pan again and let the rolls rise in a warm place until nearly doubled in size, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-22 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Glaze: While the rolls are baking, prepare the eggnog glaze by whisking together eggnog, melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with additional powdered sugar or eggnog if necessary.
- Glaze the Rolls: Once the rolls are finished baking, remove them from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Drizzle or spread the glaze generously over the warm cinnamon rolls.
- Serve: Serve the eggnog cinnamon rolls warm for the best taste and texture. Enjoy your festive treat!
Notes
- Using instant mashed potato flakes in the dough adds moisture and tenderness to the rolls.
- Room temperature ingredients help the dough rise better and improve texture.
- Allow proper proofing time to ensure light and fluffy rolls.
- Adjust the glaze consistency according to personal preference for thickness.
- Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat gently before serving.
