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Easy Fluffy Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls…with sweet vanilla white chocolate frosting…just the holiday breakfast you’re looking for. Buttery, soft, and fluffy dough made with spiced eggnog for a seasonal twist. Swirled with cinnamon sugar and frosted generously with vanilla spiced eggnog frosting. There’s nothing not to love, every bite is melt in your mouth delicious. These are a great make-ahead breakfast rolls the whole family will love, perfect for your holiday celebrations!

overhead photo of Easy Fluffy Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls

The holidays just would not be the holidays without cinnamon rolls for breakfast. Like a lot of families, it’s tradition to have cinnamon rolls for our Christmas Eve breakfast…as well as a few times throughout the months of November and December.

Growing up, my brothers and I would bake the canned cinnamon rolls. I remember them being our favorite breakfast of the year. I mean, what kid doesn’t love a cinnamon roll, right? Some of my favorite holiday memories involve cinnamon rolls, I remember them being soft, fluffy, and so delicious. Of course, back then I didn’t know that homemade cinnamon rolls were even a thing

My mom loved to bake, and even dabbled in some homemade breads, but never cinnamon rolls. When I started cooking and baking in middle school one of the first recipes I decided to tackle was homemade cinnamon rolls. Trying out cinnamon rolls felt a little ambitious, but also so delicious. The funny thing is, that very first attempt at cinnamon rolls was actually quite similar to these.

prep photo of dough on counter

We had leftover eggnog in the fridge but I had no idea how to use a splash of eggnog in place of milk in my cinnamon roll dough. I decided to wing it and just go for it. I also remember being so nervous to bake with yeast. My mom had bought Fleischmann’s® Rapid Rise Yeast, which made the process of making and baking the cinnamon rolls so simple and easy. Fleischmann’s® Rapid Rise Yeast cuts down on rising time and allows you to skip the longer rise times. It contains fine granules that activate faster without the need to dissolve first. So using their rapid rise yeast made baking my first batch simple and straight forward. Crazy to think that was over ten years ago…and I’ve been making cinnamon rolls every holiday season since.

With every season, my holiday roll recipe changes slightly. I like to add a different extra special touch each year. But for the most part, I stick pretty close to the classic cinnamon sugar flavor we all love most. With the help of my little sister, Asher, this year I’m taking inspiration from my very first cinnamon roll and we’re recreating them together.

Asher was very excited. She’s always helping me with the baking recipes, but her favorite recipe is cinnamon rolls. She loves them, and I love our tradition of baking them together every holiday season.

prep photo of rolling the rolls

Let’s jump into the details.

First, I want to note that even if you don’t like eggnog, you will still love these rolls. I don’t ever drink eggnog, but I love creating fun holiday recipes using this spiced nog. It makes for the most delicious sweet treats and these rolls are some of the best.

The dough is the simplest to make. Simply mix flour with Fleischmann’s® Rapid Rise Yeast, and a pinch of salt. Add warmed holiday nog (use a high-quality variety), a touch of brown sugar, eggs, and salted butter. Then mix until smooth and let the dough rest for ten to fifteen minutes. Then it’s time to shape the rolls. And that’s the beauty of Fleischmann’s® RapidRise® yeast! We get to skip an entire hour-long rise, but yet we will still get the softest, fluffiest cinnamon rolls!

rolls before baking

For the filling, I spread the dough with butter, then sprinkle on a simple mix of brown sugar and cinnamon.

I like to use brown sugar for a nice depth of flavor. And I go heavy on the cinnamon and ginger for sweet, cinnamon, ginger swirls throughout.

These are the softest, most fluffy cinnamon rolls, the flavor is beyond amazing. It’s like Christmas in a roll!

rolls after baking

Shaping these easy fluffy eggnog cinnamon rolls…

Roll the dough, cut into rolls, and place them into a baking dish.

If you want to enjoy warm rolls fresh out of the oven you can do a quick rise and bake right away. Then simply frost, eat, and enjoy! Cinnamon rolls in under two hours. Perfect for baking up super last minute. OR, you can cover the rolls and let them sit in the fridge overnight, then bake up in the morning. It’s just a matter of what works best for your time frame!

While the rolls are baking, I like to make the frosting. Just mix eggnog with melted white chocolate and a splash of vanilla. Then add a little powdered sugar to sweeten them up.

side angled photo of Easy Fluffy Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls

As the rolls bake, your home will be filled with scents of Christmas. It’s a magical smell and immediately gets everyone excited for breakfast…or just a mid-afternoon snack. These rolls are great any time of day.

As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, frost, serve, and enjoy every last sweet and delicious bite. They’re soft, fluffy, heavy in the cinnamon swirl, and perfectly spiced with light holiday nog flavors.

And gooey, SO gooey. These rolls are beyond good and our family’s favorite holiday breakfast. Hope you all enjoy too!

Easy Fluffy Eggnog Cinnamon Roll on plate

Lastly, if you make these Easy Fluffy Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!

Easy Fluffy Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls on serving plates

Looking for other easy holiday breakfast? Here are my favorites: 

Baked Cinnamon Crème Brûlée French Toast with Raspberry Preserves

Cider Pumpkin Waffles with Salted Maple Butter

Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake

Lastly, if you make this Easy Fluffy Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!

Easy Fluffy Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls

Author: Tieghan Gerard
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rest 1 hour 40 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 12 Cinnamon Rolls
Calories Per Serving: 745 kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

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Watch the How-To Reel

Ingredients

Filling

  • 1/2- 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

Frosting

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • 1. To make the dough. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 3 ½ cups flour, the yeast, brown sugar, and salt. Add the eggnog, eggs, vanilla, and butter. Using the dough hook, mix until the flour is completely incorporated, about 4-5 minutes. If the dough seems sticky, add the remaining ½ cup of flour a little at a time. It's better to have a stickier dough rather than a dry dough, so add flour 1 tablespoon at a time.
    2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
    3. Meanwhile, make the filling. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, and cinnamon. Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment. 
    4. Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Turn out the dough, punch it down, and roll it into a rectangle about 10 x 16 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar, and then the white chocolate chips, evenly over the butter and lightly push into the butter. Starting with the long edge closest to you, carefully roll the dough into a log, keeping it fairly tight as you go. When you reach the edge, pinch along the edge to seal. Using a sharp knife, cut into 12-15 rolls. Place the rolls into the prepared baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise 20-30 minutes.
    5. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
    6. Meanwhile, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggnog, melted white chocolate, and vanilla until combined. Add the powdered sugar and mix well. Spread the frosting onto the warm rolls. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

To Make Ahead: prepare the rolls through step 4. Do not let the rolls rise at room temp. Cover the rolls and place in the fridge (up to overnight). When ready to bake, remove the rolls from the fridge 30 minutes prior to baking, then bake as directed. 
To Prepare and Freeze: assemble the rolls through step 4, then cover the pan and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the rolls overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a few hours. Once thawed, bake as directed. 
To Bake and Freeze: bake the rolls as directed and let cool completely. Cover well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and warm, then frost before serving. 
To Use Active Dry Yeast: Mix 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast with the warm eggnog/milk and the brown sugar. Let sit 5-10 minutes, until bubbly and foamy on top. Add the flour and follow the directions as listed for the remainder of the recipe. 
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Easy Fluffy Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls | halfbakedharvest.com

(This post is sponsored by Fleischmann’s®. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep HBH cooking!)

This post was originally published on November 24, 2020
3.79 from 1902 votes (1,813 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Absolutely loved these!!!! The dough didn’t look like it had risen enough initially, but when I rolled them and placed into baking dish, the additional rising they did then was what helped them turn out perfectly. Can’t wait to make again!

    Reply

    1. Hey Tori,
      Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am thrilled that it worked out for you! Happy Holidays! xTieghan

      Reply

  2. If I’m prepping the rolls the night before, do I let the dough ball rise at room temp the first time but not the second time? I wasn’t sure based on the Make Ahead instructions ? thanks, I’m looking forward to making these for Christmas breakfast!

    Reply

    1. Hey Elizabeth,
      You can prepare these through step 4, so you will let the dough rise in step 2, but once you have them in the dish, pop them in the fridge. I hope you love the recipe! Happy Holidays! xTieghan

      Reply

  4. 5 stars
    My first time ever to use yeast…this recipe was so easy to follow which i did to a T…. just out of the oven, frosting drizzled…Wow…so, so delicious! I can do it! Thanks Half Baked Harvest

    Reply

  5. Quick question: is it best to bake and freeze or prepare and freeze? Is there a difference in taste? Would love to make these for my mom ahead of time for Christmas morning and wondering which way I should do it? Thanks!

    Reply

    1. Hey Lauren,
      I would prepare and freeze:) I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan

      Reply

    1. Hey Angie,
      I would knead until your dough forms into a smooth ball. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan

      Reply

  7. Looks delicious! I don’t have a dough hook for my standup mixer. Do I have to do something special/differently with beaters?

    Reply

    1. Hey Beth,
      You will want to knead the dough by hand. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan

      Reply

  8. Made these today and they were AMAZING!!!! Actually very easy to make and such fun!! I ended up delivering some to both of my adult daughters and they devoured them. Can’t wait to make them again. BTW I didn’t have any white chocolate chips so I made a cream cheese icing instead and put some eggnog in it to water it down a bit. Delish. Thank you Tieghan, you are very talented.

    Reply

  9. 5 stars
    These are so yummy! I made these and froze some. Today we had some from the freezer, and I believe I could taste the eggnog even a little bit stronger. I love that because I love eggnog. So glad you have this recipe. Will be making again and again! By the way, I noticed that dental floss has been recommended for slicing, which is good. The same can be said for strong thread.

    Reply

    1. Hey Jeffery,
      Sorry for the confusion, there’s no ginger! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions. Happy Holidays! xTieghan

      Reply

  11. 5 stars
    Ok – Im on a HBH cinnamon bun recipe roll! Today I tried these and they are amazing!! I do just keep to a simple icing of conf sugar, milk and vanilla. But using the eggnog and salted butter really do make this dough so rich and flavorful!

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much Brooks! I am really glad this recipe turned out so wonderful for you! Thank you for trying it! xTieghan

      Reply

  12. 5 stars
    Didn’t have white chocolate chips so I used butterscotch with some trepidation but it worked well and they turned out delicious. I will be making these again with white chocolate for certain.

    Thanks for sharing the recipe

    Reply

  13. 5 stars
    These were so good!!! We LOVED the subtle hint of eggnog flavor! The flavor was perfect for this time of year! 🙂 This was my first time making cinnamon rolls, and i was surprised at how easy they were! Looking forward to making these again!

    Reply

  14. 5 stars
    I wasn’t sure what to expect since this was my first time making cinnamon rolls, but these came out amazing and were easy to make!!! The only ingredient I didn’t have on hand for the frosting was white chocolate chips, so I used cream cheese instead and the frosting still came out great. I’ll be making these again for Christmas morning!

    Reply

    1. Hey Courtney,
      You can skip the white chocolate and use cream cheese in it’s place. I haven’t tested this but I think if you play around with it a bit it will work. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions. Happy Holidays! xTieghan

      Reply