Oh, the holidays! There’s just something magical about the season, isn’t there? And what better way to celebrate than with a batch of warm, gooey Eggnog cinnamon rolls? This recipe is super special to me because it combines the rich, creamy flavor of eggnog with the cozy warmth of cinnamon rolls—it’s like a hug in pastry form! I remember the first time I made these; the smell wafted through my home, wrapping everyone in a festive embrace. Trust me, once you take a bite of these delightful rolls, you’ll be hooked! They’re perfect for holiday breakfast or a sweet afternoon treat.
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup eggnog (the star of the show!)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for that sweet glaze)
- 2 tablespoons milk (to thin out the glaze perfectly)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for added flavor)
How to Prepare Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls
Making these Eggnog cinnamon rolls is a delightful journey, and I promise it’s worth every minute! Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to a kitchen filled with irresistible aromas and holiday cheer.
Step 1: Activating the Yeast
First, let’s wake up that yeast! In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup of warm eggnog (not hot, just warm enough to touch) and your packet of active dry yeast. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This is super important because it allows the yeast to activate, getting bubbly and frothy. If it doesn’t bubble, your yeast might be dead, and we don’t want that!
Step 2: Mixing the Wet Ingredients
Once your yeast is all happy, add in 1/4 cup of melted butter, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 large egg, and your lovely spices: 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. Don’t worry if it looks a bit lumpy; it’ll all come together in the next step!
Step 3: Kneading the Dough
Now, it’s time to introduce the flour! Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to your wet mixture. Start mixing with a spoon until it’s too tough, then dive in with your hands. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If it’s sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour; just don’t overdo it!
Step 4: First Rise
Time to let that dough rise! Place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest in a warm place for about 1 hour. It should double in size. This is when all the magic happens!
Step 5: Rolling and Filling
Once risen, punch down the dough (it’s oddly satisfying!) and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread a layer of softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle on 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg for extra flavor. Get creative here!
Step 6: Shaping the Rolls
Now, roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, creating a log. Once you have your log, cut it into 12 equal pieces—you can use a sharp knife or dental floss for a clean cut!
Step 7: Second Rise
Place those beautiful rolls in a greased baking dish, making sure they are close but not touching. Cover them again with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. They’ll puff up nicely during this time!
Step 8: Baking the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly. Keep an eye on them; you want them just right!
Step 9: Preparing the Glaze
While the rolls bake, let’s whip up that glaze! In a bowl, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until it’s smooth and pourable. Adjust the milk if you want it thinner!
Step 10: Glazing and Serving
Once your rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle that luscious glaze over them while they’re still warm. The glaze will melt into the rolls, making them even more irresistible. Serve them warm, and get ready to enjoy a slice of holiday bliss!
Tips for Success
To achieve the perfect Eggnog cinnamon rolls, here are my top tips! First, make sure your eggnog is warm but not hot when activating the yeast; this helps it bloom properly. When kneading the dough, feel free to add a little extra flour if it sticks, but don’t overdo it—this keeps the rolls fluffy! Also, for the second rise, be patient; letting them puff up for the full 30 minutes ensures a light and airy texture. Lastly, drizzle the glaze while the rolls are warm for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
These delightful Eggnog cinnamon rolls are a cozy treat, and here’s a quick look at their nutritional content. Each roll has approximately 250 calories, 8g of fat, 4g of protein, and 38g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on standard ingredients, so the actual numbers may vary slightly.
FAQ Section
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance. Just follow the recipe up to the second rise, then cover the rolls tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate them. When you’re ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping them in the oven. This way, you’ll have fresh Eggnog cinnamon rolls ready to go without all the fuss on the day of serving!
What can I substitute for eggnog?
If you don’t have eggnog on hand, no worries! You can use milk or heavy cream mixed with a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to mimic that festive flavor. Alternatively, a combination of milk and vanilla extract works great too! Just adjust the spices to taste, and you’ll still get delicious rolls!
How do I store leftovers?
To keep your rolls fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. They’ll taste just as delightful as when they were fresh!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy mornings
- Festive flavors that capture the spirit of the holidays
- Soft, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
- Deliciously sweet glaze adds the perfect finishing touch
- Crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings and family brunches
Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls: 10 Irresistible Holiday Treats
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- 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.
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