Soft, fluffy, and warmly spiced, Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate seasonal treat. Imagine a swirl of cinnamon and nutmeg wrapped in tender dough, all soaked in rich eggnog flavor and topped with a luscious glaze. These rolls bring a festive twist to classic cinnamon rolls, perfect for chilly mornings or cozy holiday brunches.

The sweet scent of these rolls baking is pure holiday magic. With each bite, you get creamy eggnog richness, the warm bite of cinnamon, and a silky glaze that melts into every swirl. Whether you’re hosting guests or indulging in a quiet winter morning, these Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls make it feel like a celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

These rolls combine two seasonal favorites: classic cinnamon rolls and holiday eggnog. The result is an irresistibly soft, pillowy pastry with a creamy, custard-like twist. The dough is easy to work with, the filling is indulgent, and the glaze? Dreamy. Here’s why you’ll love them:

Perfect holiday breakfast or dessert
A fun and flavorful twist on a classic
Freezer-friendly for prep-ahead ease
Fills your kitchen with irresistible aroma

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into baking these festive beauties, gather your tools. Here’s what you’ll need and why each is essential:

Mixing Bowls: A large and medium bowl for combining wet and dry ingredients.
Whisk & Silicone Spatula: The whisk helps blend the eggnog and yeast mixture smoothly, while the spatula is ideal for gentle mixing and folding.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precision is key to get the perfect dough consistency and balanced spice.
Stand Mixer with Dough Hook (Optional): Saves time and effort during kneading, though hand kneading works too.
Rolling Pin: For evenly rolling out the dough to the perfect thickness.
Sharp Knife or Dough Cutter: To slice clean, even rolls.
9×13 Baking Dish: Holds the rolls snugly so they rise tall and stay soft.
Plastic Wrap or Clean Kitchen Towel: For covering the dough during proofing to prevent it from drying out.

With these essentials in hand, you’re set up for cinnamon roll success.

Ingredients for the Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls

Eggnog: Adds creamy richness and signature holiday flavor to both dough and glaze.
All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure of the dough.
Active Dry Yeast: Leavens the rolls and gives them their fluffy texture.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and balances the cinnamon filling.
Brown Sugar: Deep, molasses-y flavor perfect for the cinnamon swirl.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the dough and melts into the filling.
Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Essential spices for warmth and holiday aroma.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
Egg: Binds the dough and enriches it.
Powdered Sugar: For a silky, sweet glaze.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances both the dough and the glaze.

How To Make the Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Warm and Activate the Yeast

Gently warm the eggnog until it’s lukewarm, not hot. Combine with yeast and a bit of sugar in a bowl. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and nutmeg. Add the egg, melted butter, and activated yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Knead and Rise

Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer for 8–10 minutes. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

Mix softened butter with brown sugar and cinnamon. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll into a rectangle on a floured surface.

Step 5: Roll and Slice

Spread the filling evenly, then roll the dough tightly from the long edge. Slice into 12 even rolls and place in a greased 9×13 baking dish.

Step 6: Final Rise

Cover and let the rolls rise for another 30–40 minutes. They should be puffy and nearly doubled.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 22–28 minutes until golden brown.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

Whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, and eggnog into a smooth glaze. Drizzle over warm rolls and serve.

Serving and Storing Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls

Serve these rolls warm with extra glaze drizzled over the top. They’re perfect alongside a hot cup of coffee or mulled cider. For storing, keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze unglazed rolls and reheat before glazing.

To reheat, warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for about 8 minutes.