Christmas is coming up and you know what that means: eggnog, cinnamon rolls, and holiday cheer! This recipe takes the best of both worlds to make an irresistible breakfast for Christmas morning or dessert treat after your big holiday meal. This recipe starts off simply. It’s made with frozen dinner rolls that are covered in a buttery brown sugar mixture before being baked to perfection in the oven. Then, they’re topped with a drool-worthy eggnog glaze.
Ready to make these eggnog cinnamon buns? Let’s get to it!
A cinnamon roll recipe made for the holiday season
The cinnamon roll is a classic holiday dessert. These eggnog cinnamon rolls are perfect for this time of year, and they have all the flavors that make Christmas so special. The rolls are soft, sweet, rich, and delicious with just a little bit of spice from the cinnamon. The glaze made with eggnog, powdered sugar, and vanilla extra is lick-the-whisk good.
Is enjoying eggnog on your December bucket list? If not, maybe you’ll enjoy this eggnog dessert instead.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Well, for starters, you’ll love the eggnog flavor (if you’re a fan of eggnog, that is). And instead of making everything from scratch, this recipe starts with frozen yeast dinner rolls. You’ll let them thaw and rise for a couple of hours in your pan, but this cuts down on the work that you have to do significantly. If you don’t feel like bringing down your mixer and working with lots of dough to make eggnog cinnamon rolls from scratch, this recipe is for you!
These Christmas eggnog rolls would go fantastic with our Cinnamon Hot Chocolate.
We have rounded up loads more eggnog desserts, too!
What does eggnog taste like?
Eggnog is a thick, creamy, milk-like drink that you can buy in the store during the holidays. It’s rich and full of flavor, but not really something to indulge in outside of the month of December. It’s one of those drinks that you enjoy a few times during the holidays, but it’s not something to drink on the regular.
We also have a recipe here for Puerto Rican eggnog made by my friend Joyce at My Stay at Home Adventures. It’s made with coconut cream, evaporated milk, condensed milk, rum, egg yolks, cloves, cinnamon, and vanilla, and would make a yummy addition to the eggnog glaze used for these rolls.
But if you don’t want to make homemade eggnog, the store-bought version works fine.
How do you make eggnog cinnamon rolls?
The base for this recipe is your standard cinnamon roll made with frozen dinner rolls. Place the rolls in the prepared pan and let them rise for a couple of hours.
Then, you’ll melt butter (1/2 cup or about 8 tablespoons) in a small bowl or small saucepan and add granulated sugar, a couple tablespoons of brown sugar, and a teaspoon each of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg to make a mixture to pour over the rolls for baking.
You’ll let the rolls rise for two hours before adding the butter and brown sugar mixture and then another hour afterward. This ensures your rolls will be soft and fluffy.
How to make the glaze for the cinnamon rolls
While the cinnamon rolls are baking for 30 minutes, you’ll prepare the eggnog glaze using homemade or store-bought eggnog, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Slather the glaze on all the rolls liberally while they’re still warm. Serve the eggnog rolls warm.
Can I make the glaze for these rolls without alcohol?
You bet you can make it without alcohol! Just buy eggnog that isn’t made with alcohol, and you’re all set. If you’re making your own eggnog using our recipe, just leave out the rum. It’ll still be super tasty.
Can I freeze unbaked rolls?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked cinnamon rolls for up to 2 months in a zip-top bag, aluminum baking pan covered with plastic wrap, or an airtight container. To do so, place the roll dough in a pan, let it rise according to the instructions below, add the butter brown sugar mixture, and let them sit an hour more. Cover it with plastic wrap and foil. Place them on the countertop overnight to thaw out. Once they’re ready to bake, slide them onto an oven rack at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.
How do I freeze baked cinnamon rolls?
This is super easy. You can separate them into individual servings or freeze them all in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe dish. Since the eggnog glaze is so easy to prepare, I’d wait to make that when you’re ready to eat them. Otherwise, the glaze will mostly be absorbed by the rolls and won’t seem quite as sweet or flavorful.
Preparing ahead: overnight eggnog cinnamon rolls
If you want to prep a little before the big day, go ahead and prep the rolls in the pan or baking dish up to the point of baking. Instead of baking them right away, wrap the pan in plastic wrap and set them in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to bake them the next day, let them come to room temperature for about an hour to fluff them up a bit, and then pop them in the oven as described in the recipe card below.
Once they’re done, top with the easy eggnog glaze and sprinkle chocolate shavings over the rolls. YUM! You’re ready to dig in.
P.S. The chocolate shavings are totally optional but highly recommended! A pinch of cinnamon sugar over the top can’t hurt, either.
Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Easy Eggnog Rolls
Ingredients
For the Rolls
- 14 frozen dinner rolls
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp. brown sugar
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 tsp. ground ginger
- 1 tsp. nutmeg
For the Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup Eggnog
- 1 tsp. vanilla
Instructions
- Thaw 14 frozen ( non-cooked ) dinner rolls.
- After they thaw for one hour, add them to your 10-inch cast-iron skillet.
- Cover with plastic wrap and allow to "rise" for 2 hours.
- Prepare the butter sauce. Melt the butter in a small bowl. Add the sugars and spices. Stir to combine.
- Uncover the rolls. Lather the rolls with the butter mixture and make sure to cover them evenly.
- Allow them to continue to rise for another 1-2 more hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Once the oven is preheated, place the pan in the oven to bake for 30 minutes.
- While the rolls are baking prepare the eggnog glaze. In a small bowl add your eggnog, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Mix until combined and glaze-like (thin and pourable).
- When the rolls are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly for a few minutes. You still want them to be warm.
- Add the glaze all over the top. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
Looking for more easy Christmas desserts? Check out our reindeer brownies!