If you’re searching for a cozy, feel-good holiday breakfast, these Easy Fluffy Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls are it. Picture a pan of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls—but with a festive twist: sweet, creamy eggnog baked right into the dough and icing. It’s everything you love about traditional cinnamon rolls, with a holiday flavor that feels like a hug in every bite.

I started making these one chilly December morning when I had leftover eggnog in the fridge and a craving for something sweet. What came out of the oven was magic—pillowy soft rolls with just the right amount of spice, enriched with the creamy goodness of eggnog.

These rolls are ideal for Christmas morning, a holiday brunch, or a weekend treat in December. And don’t worry—this recipe is beginner-friendly, even if you’ve never worked with yeast dough before. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make homemade cinnamon rolls that are actually fluffy!

Whether you’re hosting guests or just treating your family, these eggnog cinnamon rolls will make the kitchen smell incredible and the morning feel extra special. Plus, they reheat beautifully, so you can even make them ahead of time.

Let’s dive into what makes these rolls a must-bake this season!

What Makes These Easy Fluffy Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls Special?

Made with real eggnog for that creamy, festive flavor
Incredibly soft and fluffy dough—light, tender, and never dry
Cinnamon-spiced filling with a hint of nutmeg to tie in the holiday spirit
Rich eggnog glaze that melts into the rolls (you’ll want to lick the spoon!)
Perfect for make-ahead—prep the night before and bake fresh in the morning

This recipe balances sweet and spice just right, with a dough that’s easy to work with and forgiving. Even if you’re not a regular baker, you’ll feel like a holiday hero when you bring these to the table. Bonus: no fancy equipment required.

Ingredient Notes

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key ingredients and why they matter:

Eggnog: The star of the show! Adds moisture, richness, and that warm holiday flavor. Use full-fat eggnog for best results.
Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise. Make sure it’s fresh and not expired. Instant yeast can be used too (just skip the proofing step).
All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the dough. Bread flour also works for extra chewiness.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and filling. Brown sugar is used in the filling for that caramel-like flavor.
Butter: Softened for the dough and melted for the filling. Unsalted is best so you can control the salt level.
Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: The warm spices that make it a cinnamon roll with a holiday flair.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor in both the dough and glaze.
Powdered Sugar: For the smooth, creamy eggnog glaze.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.

Equipment Needed:

9×13 inch baking dish
Rolling pin
Mixing bowls
Whisk and spatula

How To Make Easy Fluffy Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls

Warm the Eggnog
- Gently heat 1 cup of eggnog until it’s warm to the touch (not hot—around 100–110°F).
- Add 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) of active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture with ¼ cup melted butter, 2 eggs, 3 ½ cups of flour, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla.
- Mix and knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic (about 7–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a mixer).
- Cover and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling
- Mix ½ cup of brown sugar with 2 tablespoons of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Roll out the dough into a large rectangle (about 16×12 inches).
- Brush with ¼ cup of melted butter and sprinkle the sugar-spice mix evenly.
Roll and Slice
- Roll the dough tightly from the long edge to form a log.
- Slice into 12 rolls and place them in a greased 9×13 pan.
- Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the centers are set.
Make the Glaze
- Whisk together 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons eggnog, and ½ teaspoon vanilla.
- Drizzle over warm rolls and serve!

Storage Options

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: Keeps fresh for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.
Freezing: Freeze before glazing. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

Eggnog-Free: Swap eggnog with heavy cream + a pinch of nutmeg if needed.
Dairy-Free: Use plant-based eggnog (almond or oat milk eggnog) and vegan butter.
Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts in the filling.
Frosting Options: Cream cheese frosting instead of glaze for a tangy twist.
Overnight Prep: Assemble the rolls, refrigerate overnight, then bring to room temp and bake in the morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes! It won’t be as fluffy, but it’s a time-saver. Use sweet roll dough if possible.

Why didn’t my dough rise?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and the eggnog isn’t too hot (kills the yeast).

Can I prep these the night before?
Definitely. Assemble the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning.

What’s the best way to reheat them?
Microwave with a damp paper towel or warm in the oven covered with foil.

Can I make this without eggnog?
Yes, use a combo of milk and cream with a dash of nutmeg for similar richness.

How do I get perfect, even rolls?
Use a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss to slice the rolled dough cleanly.

Conclusion

These Easy Fluffy Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate holiday treat. Soft, sweet, and spiced just right—they bring the festive cheer straight to your breakfast table. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself (no judgment!), this recipe guarantees cozy vibes and full bellies.

Try them this weekend or save them for Christmas morning—either way, you’ll want to make these again and again. Don’t forget to share your baking pics and tag us. Happy baking and warm wishes!

Easy Fluffy Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls

Author: Sofia
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls 1x

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup eggnog (warm)
1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
¼ cup melted butter
2 eggs
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg
¼ cup melted butter (for filling)

Glaze

1 ½ cups powdered sugar
3 tbsp eggnog
½ tsp vanilla

Instructions

Warm eggnog and mix with yeast and sugar. Let foam.
Add melted butter, eggs, flour, salt, and vanilla. Knead until smooth.
Let rise for 1 hour.
Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg. Roll dough, brush butter, and spread filling.
Roll up, slice into 12, place in pan, let rise again.
Bake at 350°F for 22–25 minutes.
Mix glaze and drizzle over warm rolls.

Notes

Use full-fat eggnog for best texture.
To slice cleanly, use floss instead of a knife.

Nutrition

Calories: ~310
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 5g