Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these eggnog cinnamon rolls! They’re like a cozy hug wrapped in dough, perfect for the holiday season. I mean, who doesn’t love a warm, gooey cinnamon roll, especially when it’s infused with that rich, creamy taste of eggnog? It’s a delightful twist that makes them feel festive and special. I first whipped these up for a Christmas brunch a few years back, and they disappeared faster than I could say “rolls!” Trust me, the combination of spices and that sweet glaze takes these rolls to a whole new level of deliciousness. You’ll want to make them every year, and maybe even throughout the colder months! Get ready to impress your friends and family with this amazing treat!
Ingredients for Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these eggnog cinnamon rolls absolutely scrumptious. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base for your rolls, giving them that perfect fluffy texture.
- 1/2 cup sugar: A little sweetness goes a long way, balancing the spices and enhancing the overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup eggnog: The star ingredient! It adds that creamy richness and festive flavor we all adore.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted: For that lovely richness and to create a tender dough.
- 1 large egg: This helps bind everything together and adds moisture.
- 1 packet active dry yeast: Essential for making the rolls rise and become fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This classic spice is what gives cinnamon rolls their signature flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a warm, aromatic note that complements the eggnog beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors!
- 1 cup powdered sugar: This will be used for the glaze, giving those rolls a sweet finish.
- 2 tablespoons milk: A little liquid to help make the glaze smooth and pourable.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Because vanilla makes everything better, right?
With these simple but delightful ingredients, you’re well on your way to baking up a batch of holiday magic!
How to Prepare Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making these delightful eggnog cinnamon rolls! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a cozy batch in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture
First things first, let’s get that yeast going! In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup of warm eggnog (not too hot, just warm to touch!) with 1 packet of active dry yeast. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s nice and frothy. This is how we know our yeast is happy and ready to work its magic!
Step 2: Create the Dough
Once your yeast mixture is bubbling away, it’s time to add flavor! Mix in 1/4 cup of melted butter, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir everything together until well combined. The aroma is already amazing, right?
Step 3: Knead and Rise
Now, gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the mixture. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This is the perfect time to relax and imagine how incredible these rolls will taste!
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Once your dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Spread a layer of softened butter, sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon, and roll it up tightly from one end to the other. Slice your roll into 12 even pieces and place them in a greased baking dish. Allow them to rise for another 30 minutes—this will make them even fluffier!
Step 5: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, pop them in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid over-baking!
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
While the rolls are baking, let’s whip up a quick glaze! In a bowl, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle this sweet goodness over the top. It’s the icing on the cake—literally!
Tips for Success
To ensure your eggnog cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly, here are a few handy tips! First, make sure your eggnog is warm but not hot when activating the yeast; this helps it work its magic! When kneading the dough, don’t rush it—give it the time it needs to become smooth and elastic. Also, keep an eye on the rising times; a warm, draft-free place is ideal for letting the dough grow. If you want extra fluffy rolls, be patient and let them rise fully before baking. And finally, don’t skip the glaze—it’s what brings everything together! Enjoy your baking adventure!
Variations on Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls
Now, if you want to switch things up a bit, there are so many fun variations you can try with these eggnog cinnamon rolls! For a delightful crunch, consider adding 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling. They add a lovely texture and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the eggnog. Want to spice things up? Swap out the ground cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice for a cozy autumn twist. You could even add a swirl of chocolate chips for those sweet-toothed friends who can’t resist chocolate! And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not mix in some dried cranberries or raisins? They bring a fruity zing that complements the sweet rolls perfectly. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative!
Serving Suggestions
These eggnog cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate your experience! I love serving them fresh out of the oven with a steaming cup of coffee or spiced tea. The warm drinks complement the rich, festive flavors of the rolls perfectly. For a more indulgent touch, try serving them alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—trust me, it’s heavenly! And if you’re hosting a holiday brunch, consider adding some fresh fruit or a fruit compote to balance out the sweetness. Enjoy these rolls with loved ones and create wonderful memories!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, but let’s be honest, it can happen!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep that deliciousness intact. Place the cooled eggnog cinnamon rolls in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to warm them up. If you prefer a crispy outer layer, you can reheat them in a toaster oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. Enjoy the gooey goodness all over again!
Nutritional Information
Before we dive into the deliciousness of these eggnog cinnamon rolls, it’s important to note that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. However, here’s a rough estimate of what one roll contains:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 4g
Keep in mind, these rolls are a delightful treat, so enjoy them as part of a balanced diet. Happy baking and indulging!
FAQ About Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls
Got questions about making these delightful eggnog cinnamon rolls? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
Can I use store-bought eggnog?
Absolutely! Store-bought eggnog works perfectly for this recipe—just make sure it’s nice and creamy for the best flavor.
What if I don’t have nutmeg?
No nutmeg? No problem! You can simply use an extra pinch of cinnamon or even some allspice for a lovely warm flavor.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls and place them in the fridge overnight before baking. Just let them come to room temperature before popping them in the oven.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
Keep an eye on those rolls! They’re done when they’re golden brown on top and the kitchen smells heavenly. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Can I freeze the rolls?
You bet! After baking and cooling, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to two months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to indulge!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog or try making pumpkin cinnamon rolls for a seasonal twist!
Print
Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls: 7 Steps to Holiday Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious eggnog cinnamon rolls with a festive twist.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup eggnog
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm eggnog and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add melted butter, sugar, egg, and spices. Mix well.
- Gradually add flour and salt. Knead the dough until smooth.
- Let the dough rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
- Roll out the dough and spread a layer of butter, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Roll the dough tightly and cut into rolls.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze.
- Drizzle glaze over warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Eggnog, cinnamon rolls, holiday dessert