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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

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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

Easy Fluffy Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls | halfbakedharvest.com
3.79 from 1903 votes
12 Cinnamon Rolls
calories 745kcal
Prep20 minutes
Cook25 minutes
Rest1 hour 40 minutes
Total2 hours 25 minutes
These are a great make-ahead breakfast rolls the whole family will love, perfect for your holiday celebrations!
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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

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. 

Nutrition

Calories: 745kcal

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

Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.

Easy Fluffy Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls | halfbakedharvest.com

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

Meet Tieghan Gerard

I'm Tieghan, the recipes you'll find here are inspired by the people and places I love most. I try to live simply, eat seasonally, and cook with whole foods. My hope is to inspire a love for amazing food, as well as the courage to try something new!

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3.79 from 1903 votes (1,813 ratings without comment)

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545 Comments

  1. angie didoshak says:

    The recipe calls for Rapid Rise Yeast and your said to let it sit for 10 – 15 min to rise, but in the recipe to print it says to leaves for 60 min to rise, just wondering which one I use?

    1. halfbakedharvest says:

      Hey Angie,
      You can let it rise for as little as 15 minutes or as much as an hour. I hope you love the recipe. Please let me know if you have any other questions and Happy Holidays! xTieghan

  2. Amanda says:

    Is it ok to use eggnog that already has alcohol in it for this recipe?

    1. halfbakedharvest says:

      Hey Amanda,
      Sure you could use that! I hope you love the recipe. Please let me know if you have any other questions and Happy Holidays! xTieghan

  3. Dee Nargi says:

    5 stars
    These are incredible thank you for this great recipe

    1. halfbakedharvest says:

      Thank you Dee! xTieghan

  4. Rahul Yadav says:

    5 stars
    These look to have a wonderful light texture and sound absolutely yummy too!

    1. halfbakedharvest says:

      Thank you! xTieghan

  5. Jen says:

    Dumb question, but do you just add the year packet in with the other dry ingredients listed, and just add the warm eggnog and other ingredients to it? Or do I have to activate the yeast first with water and then add it? Can’t wait to try! Thanks!

    1. halfbakedharvest says:

      Hey Jen,
      If you are using instant yeast you just add it right in. If you are using active yeast you will need to activate it following the instructions in the recipe notes listed above:) I hope you love the recipe. Please let me know if you have any other questions and Happy Holidays! xTieghan

  6. Staci says:

    Any chance you can post with grams in addition to cups for measurements? Thanks so much love your recipes!

    1. halfbakedharvest says:

      Hey Staci,
      Just click “metric” under the list of ingredients:) I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions. Happy Holidays! xTieghan

  7. Kendra Elizabeth Mikatarian says:

    5 stars
    We made this for Saturday brunch, and they were a HIT! So perfectly crisp on the outside and soft inside. We prepped the dough the night before so they were ready to pop in the oven in the morning 🙂 YUM!

    1. halfbakedharvest says:

      Thank you so much Kendra! xTieghan

  8. Tylyn says:

    What kind of eggnog do you use/recommend?

    1. halfbakedharvest says:

      Hey Tylyn,
      I like the Organic Valley Eggnog. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions. Happy Holidays! xTieghan

  9. Meg says:

    Would boiled custard work instead of egg nog?

    1. halfbakedharvest says:

      Hey Meg,
      I have not tested this, but 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

  10. Kaye says:

    Hi Tieghan, is it really 937.5g flour based on metric measurement? Sounds like too much flour ?

    1. halfbakedharvest says:

      Hi Kaye! I am sorry about the mistake, it should be 420-480 grams. I hope you love this recipe! xTieghan

  11. Hedy DECAMPO says:

    4 stars
    My daughter and I made these rolls and they are delicious! We used untaxed, unflavored floss to cut the rolls and it worked perfectly. We made the rolls the night before and baked them in the morning. The only issue I had with the recipe is the metric conversion. I like to bake using weight measurements because it’s easier and more consistent. 3-1/2 to 4 cups of flour does weigh 937.5 grams…it’s almost double the amount. The brown sugar weight was off as well. If we had not been careful, it would have been a disaster. Otherwise, this is a really delicious recipe! Thanks!

    1. halfbakedharvest says:

      I am really glad this turned out well for you, Hedy! Thank you for trying them! I am really sorry about the flour, I will fix! Thank you! xTieghan

  12. Jess says:

    5 stars
    I have never gotten cinnamon rolls right but I made these and they turned out amazing! My picky husband even loved them. Only difference is that I made the chai frosting from the half baked harvest recipe book. Such a yummy thanksgiving breakfast!!

    1. halfbakedharvest says:

      Thank you so much Jess! I am really glad this recipe turned out so well for you! xTieghan

  13. Kathy says:

    Can I make the dough in a bread maker and if so, do I follow the dough recipe you have?

    1. halfbakedharvest says:

      Hey Kathy,
      Sorry I have never tested this recipe in a bread maker so I am unsure of the results. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions. Happy Holidays! xTieghan

  14. Pamela says:

    First time making cinnamon rolls. Gonna serve them with vanilla espresso martinis to start the thanksgiving celebrations;). Didn’t see the dental floss comment till now so will try that next time. Can’t wait! Thanks and will letcha know how they taste;)

    1. halfbakedharvest says:

      I hope these turned out amazing for you Pamela! Thank you so much for trying them! xTieghan

  15. Brooke K Holland says:

    Loved it! I omitted the white chocolate (didn’t have it on hand) and laid down a pumpkin puree over the butter for filling. Made for a Happy Thanksgiving morning and a cold rainy Maine Coast day.

    1. halfbakedharvest says:

      Amazing! I am really glad these turned out so well for you, Brooke! xTieghan