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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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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
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
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.
Watch the How-To Reel
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 – 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 packet Fleischmann’s® Rapid Rise Yeast
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 cup high quality eggnog, warmed (you can also use whole milk)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, at room temperature
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
- 1/4 cups high quality eggnog, warmed
- 2 ounces white chocolate chips melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
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.
(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
Hi there! Making these for Christmas and completed the recipe up to step 4 but did not let them rise at room temp as directed in foot note. Just wanted to Make sure I’m understanding it correctly. Cut, place in tray and refrigerate. Then let rise upon taking it out of fridge? I’m so excited to try them and don’t want to fail??merry Christmas!
Hey Liza,
Yes, that is correct! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Hi! This looks amazing Ans I was planning on making them this weekend. If I choose to prepare and freeze, do I let them rise after first and then freeze or do you freeze Ans then rise? Thanks so much! I love all of your recipes!
Hey Katie,
You will want to let them rise in step 2 but then cover and keep in the fridge at step 4. I hope you love the recipe! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Hi! I’m so excited to make these to have on Christmas morning ?
Can you let these sit in the refrigerator in overnight as well? Would I need to change anything in the recipe if I let them sit overnight?
Hey Ana,
Totally fine to make ahead and keep in the fridge, I have the exact instructions listed above. I hope you love the recipe! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Instead of using eggnog for the frosting, I can use whole milk instead? I have the recipe printed out and ready to bake for Christmas morning 🙂 Can’t wait!
Hey Lexi,
Yes, whole milk will work well here! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
These were delicious! Followed the recipe exactly! Yummy!
Hey Carla,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am so glad it worked out for you! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
What if the dough does not double in size? I have had it out several hours and barely rose. Thank you!
Hey Stacey,
Was there anything you may have adjusted in the recipe? What kind of yeast did you use? Let me know how I can help! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Can these be made without Eggnog?
Hey Stephanie,
You can use whole milk in place of the eggnog. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Have you ever made these with bread flour? I’ve never made cinnamon rolls with AP flour so I’m a little worried about the consistency. Thanks!
Hey there,
I haven’t made these with bread flour before, but I am sure it would work well. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
I’m a little confused about rising time. In your comments above the recipe you state that you don’t have to let the dough rise. But in the directions (#2) you say to let the dough rise for an hour?
Hey Sue,
Sorry for the confusion, you will want to follow the instructions and let the dough rise. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
hello, do you think you can sub with eggnog made from almond milk?
Hey Carrie,
Yes, I think that would work well. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
These look amazing and I will certainly be making them for Christmas! I had a question about the make ahead portion and wanted to clarify, When it states “Do not let the rolls rise at room temp” does that mean just the second time letting it rise? So I will let it rise the initial time for an hour and then the second time do not let it rise for the 20-30 minutes and just put them in the oven?
Hey Jessica,
Yes, sorry for confusion, you will do the initial rise, but once you have them assembled and rolled up you can place your covered baking dish in the fridge. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Can I make this with a non dairy eggnog?
Hey Tran,
Yes, that will workout well. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Hi!! These look so great! Do you think an eggnog alternative would work okay? I have coconut, soy and almond milk egg nog! Thanks so much!
Hey Jena,
Yes, any of those would work. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Do you think using soy eggnog work okay? I don’t have regular eggnog in the fridge right now!
Hey Molly,
Yes, that would work just fine. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
I loved these when I made them! They are so delicious and the eggnog flavor is just right without being overpowering.
Question, if I wanted to make Orange Cinnamon Rolls could I substitute orange juice for the egg nog or is that going to be the wrong consistency?
Thanks!
Hey Stacie,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am thrilled that it worked out for you! Sorry I’ve never tried these with orange juice. Happy Holidays! xTieghan