Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls

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Soft, fluffy, and swirled with a cozy blend of cinnamon and nutmeg, these Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls are everything you want in a holiday breakfast or a festive winter treat. Each roll is generously filled with a spiced brown sugar mixture and topped with a velvety eggnog glaze that melts into every spiral. The flavor is nostalgic, warm, and irresistibly rich — perfect for slow mornings, family brunches, or simply treating yourself.

What sets these cinnamon rolls apart is the addition of eggnog in both the dough and the glaze, adding a creamy, custard-like depth with hints of vanilla and spice. It’s a delightful twist on a classic recipe, offering all the comfort of traditional cinnamon rolls but with an extra layer of seasonal charm. Whether served fresh from the oven or reheated the next day, they’re guaranteed to become a new favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

• Holiday flavor in every bite thanks to eggnog and warm spices.
• Perfectly soft, pillowy dough that stays tender.
• Easy to make ahead and bake fresh in the morning.
• Ideal for festive gatherings, potlucks, or indulgent breakfasts.
• That eggnog glaze? Totally addictive.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Making Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls requires a few essential kitchen tools that make the process smoother and more enjoyable:

• Stand Mixer with Dough Hook: This saves time and energy by kneading your dough perfectly, ensuring a smooth, elastic texture.
• Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling the dough into an even rectangle for filling and shaping.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key in baking, especially with yeast-based doughs.
• Sharp Knife or Dough Cutter: For cutting clean, even rolls.
• Baking Dish (9×13 inch): Holds the rolls snugly so they rise tall and bake evenly.
• Plastic Wrap or Clean Towel: Used during the proofing process to keep the dough moist.
• Whisk and Mixing Bowls: For blending the filling and glaze ingredients without lumps.

Each of these tools helps ensure that your cinnamon rolls come out fluffy, evenly baked, and beautifully swirled.

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Preparation Tips

Before diving in, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature — especially the eggnog, butter, and eggs. This helps the dough rise more evenly. When activating the yeast, be sure the eggnog is warm but not hot (around 100-110°F) or you might kill the yeast. Take your time during the first rise; patience results in softer rolls. After rolling the dough and spreading the filling, use dental floss (unflavored!) or a very sharp knife to slice your rolls cleanly. Lastly, don’t overbake — golden tops and a soft center are key signs they’re done.

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Ingredients for this Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm eggnog (100–110°F)
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Eggnog Glaze:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup eggnog (add more to adjust consistency)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

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Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Warm the eggnog to about 100–110°F, then pour it into the bowl of a stand mixer. Sprinkle the yeast over the warm eggnog, add 1 tablespoon of the sugar, and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until foamy. This ensures the yeast is active and ready to leaven the dough.

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Step 2: Mix the Dough

Once the yeast is activated, add the remaining sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Using the dough hook attachment, begin mixing on low speed. Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Knead for 5–7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

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Step 3: First Rise

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

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Step 4: Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside. Soften the butter separately to make it easier to spread on the rolled-out dough.

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Step 5: Roll and Fill

Once the dough has doubled, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle about 12×18 inches. Spread the softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.

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Step 6: Roll Up and Slice

Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place them cut-side up into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

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Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the baking dish with a towel and let the rolls rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy and touching.

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Step 8: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 22–28 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through the center. Avoid overbaking to maintain soft, tender rolls.

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Step 9: Make the Eggnog Glaze

While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, eggnog, vanilla, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using) until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more eggnog if needed.

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Step 10: Glaze and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the rolls cool for 5–10 minutes, then drizzle generously with the eggnog glaze. Serve warm and enjoy the spiced holiday magic in every bite.

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Notes

These Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven, when the glaze is gooey and the rolls are ultra-soft. If you’re planning to serve them later, you can reheat individual rolls in the microwave for about 20 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked softness. You can also prep everything the night before and let the rolls rise in the refrigerator overnight, then bake them in the morning — ideal for holiday mornings or brunches.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

One of the most common mistakes is using eggnog that is too hot when activating the yeast, which can kill it and prevent the dough from rising. Also, don’t rush the rising times — underproofing can lead to dense, dry rolls. When slicing the log, use dental floss for clean cuts rather than a knife that may compress the dough. Finally, resist overbaking — the rolls should be just golden on top but still soft in the center.

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Storage Instructions

Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for a soft, warm texture before serving. If you’d like to freeze them, let the baked rolls cool completely, wrap them tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven or microwave before glazing and serving.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Roll, approx.)

• Calories: 340
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Sugar: 26g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 180mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of eggnog?

You can substitute whole milk with a splash of vanilla and nutmeg for a similar flavor profile.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out.

Why didn’t my dough rise?

The yeast may have been expired or the eggnog too hot, which can kill the yeast. Always check the temperature and freshness of your ingredients.

Can I freeze the rolls before baking?

Yes! Shape the rolls, place them in the pan, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed.

How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

To thicken, add more powdered sugar. To thin it out, stir in more eggnog a teaspoon at a time.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

You can knead the dough by hand for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Are these rolls overly sweet?

They’re sweet, but balanced by the warm spices and subtle eggnog flavor. You can reduce the sugar slightly if preferred.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for baking with yeast. Texture may vary slightly, but it works!

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Conclusion

Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate cozy indulgence during the holiday season. With their tender dough, spiced filling, and luscious glaze, they offer the best flavors of winter in one decadent bite. Whether you’re baking them for a festive morning or just because, these rolls are sure to bring warmth and joy to your table.

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