Quick & Easy No-Yeast Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls: Your Ultimate Holiday Breakfast Treat
Indulge in the festive spirit with these incredibly quick and easy Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls, perfect for holiday mornings. Featuring rich eggnog in both the fluffy dough and the luscious glaze, these rolls are a seasonal delight!
As the holiday season approaches, my kitchen transforms into an eggnog-infused wonderland! While I might not reach for a glass of eggnog to drink, I’m an absolute enthusiast for incorporating its unique, spiced flavor into my baking. There’s just something magical about how eggnog elevates classic treats, turning them into unforgettable festive delights. From Eggnog Muffins to these irresistible cinnamon rolls, it’s a staple in our holiday repertoire. If you’re looking to capture the essence of the holidays in a warm, comforting breakfast pastry, you’ve come to the right place.
This beloved recipe for Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls first came to life years ago, inspired by my classic Cinnamon Rolls recipe, but with a festive twist. It quickly became a family favorite, eagerly anticipated each year. These rolls are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a tradition, perfect for creating cherished memories on a cozy Christmas morning or a relaxed holiday brunch. The distinct flavor of eggnog, combined with warm spices, creates a truly special experience that embodies the joy and warmth of the season. They’re a fantastic way to kick off any holiday gathering, leaving everyone smiling and satisfied.
Why These Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls Will Become Your New Holiday Favorite
Prepare to fall in love with these holiday-inspired cinnamon rolls, not just for their incredible taste, but for the sheer ease and speed with which they come together. Here’s why this recipe stands out and is destined to become a staple in your festive baking:
- They take under 60 minutes from start to finish! Forget long proofing times. You can have fluffy, gooey, and utterly delicious homemade cinnamon rolls on your table in less than an hour, making them ideal for spontaneous holiday cravings or busy mornings.
- No yeast! Seriously, this is a game-changer. These rolls achieve their wonderfully soft and fluffy texture without any yeast involved, eliminating the need for rising and complex dough handling. This makes the recipe incredibly approachable for bakers of all skill levels, ensuring perfectly pillowy rolls every time.
- Tons of flavor. The magic of eggnog truly shines here. Infusing eggnog into both the dough and the luxurious cream cheese icing imparts a rich, subtly spiced, and wonderfully festive flavor profile. Even if you’re not a fan of drinking eggnog, the spices like nutmeg and cinnamon within it transform beautifully when baked, adding depth and warmth to every bite.
- Perfect for the Holidays: These rolls are tailor-made for holiday gatherings. Their festive flavor and comforting aroma make them an excellent addition to Christmas breakfast, Thanksgiving brunch, or any winter celebration. They’re a delightful way to share the seasonal spirit with family and friends.
- Impressive Yet Simple: Despite their gourmet taste and appearance, these eggnog cinnamon rolls are surprisingly simple to make. The straightforward instructions and quick turnaround time mean you can impress your guests with fresh, homemade pastries without spending hours in the kitchen.
Essential Ingredients for Your Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful holiday treats. Most of these items are pantry staples, but ensure you have fresh eggnog for the best flavor! Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
- Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-rich sweetness and moisture to the filling.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness in both the filling and the dough, balancing the flavors.
- Cinnamon: The quintessential spice for cinnamon rolls, offering warmth and aromatic notes.
- Nutmeg: A key spice in eggnog, it enhances the festive flavor of both the filling and the dough.
- Ground Cloves: A subtle touch of cloves adds another layer of warm spice, complementing the eggnog beautifully.
- Butter: Used generously in the filling, dough, and brushed on the rolls before baking, butter is essential for richness and flakiness. Ensure it’s melted and cooled as specified.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base for our fluffy, no-yeast dough.
- Baking Powder: Our primary leavening agent, responsible for the quick rise and soft texture without yeast.
- Baking Soda: Works alongside baking powder to create lift and tenderize the dough, especially in combination with the slightly acidic eggnog.
- Eggnog: The star ingredient! Used in the dough for moisture and flavor, and in the icing for its signature taste. Use full-fat eggnog for the richest results.
- Cream Cheese: The foundation for our decadent, tangy-sweet cream cheese icing. Make sure it’s softened for a smooth consistency.
- Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): Creates a smooth, lump-free icing that melts beautifully over the warm rolls.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the sweet flavors in the icing, adding a classic touch.
- Salt: A pinch of salt in both the filling and the dough is crucial for balancing sweetness and enhancing overall flavor.
Using quality ingredients will truly make a difference in the final taste and texture of your Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls. Choose a good quality eggnog and fresh spices for the most vibrant flavors.
Crafting Your Delicious Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these festive Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls is a straightforward process, designed for efficiency and delicious results. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a perfect batch every time. For precise measurements and a printable version, please refer to the complete recipe card below.
- **Prepare Your Pan and Butter:** Begin by preheating your oven to 425ºF (220ºC). Melt a full stick (1/2 cup) of butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Let it cool slightly, as you’ll be using this melted butter throughout the recipe. Once cooled, brush about 1 tablespoon of this butter into a 9-inch cake pan or pie plate to prevent sticking and add flavor. Set the pan aside.
- **Create the Irresistible Filling:** In a small bowl, combine your brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and a pinch of salt. These spices are key to the holiday flavor. Add 1 tablespoon of your melted and cooled butter to the mixture. Use your fingers or a fork to thoroughly mix the ingredients until it resembles wet sand. This ensures an even distribution of flavor and moisture when spread on the dough. Set this fragrant filling aside.
- **Whip Up the Quick Dough:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients for the dough: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure they are well combined. In a separate liquid measuring cup, mix the eggnog with 2 tablespoons of the melted and cooled butter. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon, mix until the ingredients just come together. The dough will look quite rough and shaggy at this stage – resist the urge to overmix, as this can lead to tough rolls.
- **Gentle Kneading for Flaky Perfection:** Turn the rough dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it only a couple of times, just until it forms a cohesive, smooth ball. The goal here is minimal handling to keep the rolls flaky and tender. Over-kneading will develop too much gluten, resulting in a less desirable texture.
- **Shape and Fill the Dough:** Using your hands or a rolling pin, press or roll the dough into a roughly 12×9 inch rectangle. This size is ideal for creating evenly sized rolls. Brush the entire surface of the rectangle with 2 tablespoons of the remaining melted butter, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Evenly sprinkle the prepared spice-sugar filling over the buttered dough, gently pressing it down so it adheres.
- **Roll and Slice:** Starting from the long edge (the 12-inch side), carefully and tightly roll the dough into a log. A tight roll helps ensure beautiful spirals. Pinch the seam gently to seal it. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 8 equal portions. For best results, slightly flatten each piece of dough before placing it in the pan; this helps contain the filling during baking.
- **Arrange and Bake:** Place one cinnamon roll in the center of your prepared cake pan or pie plate, then arrange the other seven around it, ensuring they are snug but not overly crowded. Brush the tops of the rolls with the last 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls have puffed up beautifully and their edges are golden brown.
- **Prepare the Luscious Icing:** While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the creamy eggnog icing. In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of eggnog, and vanilla extract. Mix with a spoon or electric mixer until smooth and spreadable. If the icing is too thick, add a tiny bit more eggnog (1/2 teaspoon at a time); if it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
- **Glaze and Serve:** Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, allow them to rest in the pan for about 5 minutes. This slight cooling period allows them to set slightly before you generously spread or drizzle the warm eggnog cream cheese frosting over them. Serve warm and enjoy the pure holiday bliss!
Tips for Perfect Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls Every Time
Even with an easy recipe like this, a few extra tips can elevate your baking and ensure your Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls turn out perfectly delicious:
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Since this is a no-yeast recipe, overmixing will develop gluten too much, resulting in tough rolls. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined and the dough forms a shaggy ball.
- Handle the Dough Gently: When kneading and shaping, handle the dough as little as possible. The less you work it, the more tender and flaky your cinnamon rolls will be.
- Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure your melted butter for the dough and filling is cooled, not hot. Hot butter can start to cook the flour, affecting the texture. For the icing, make sure butter and cream cheese are truly softened for a smooth, lump-free consistency.
- Achieve the Right Icing Consistency: The perfect icing should be thick enough to cling to the rolls but thin enough to drizzle or spread easily. Adjust with small amounts of extra powdered sugar or eggnog until you get your desired consistency.
- Even Rolling and Cutting: Try to roll your dough into an even rectangle and cut the rolls into equal portions. This ensures they bake uniformly and look beautiful.
- Serve Warm for Best Experience: While delicious at any temperature, these cinnamon rolls are absolutely divine when served warm, right after frosting. The warm rolls slightly melt the icing, creating an incredible gooey texture.
- Quality Eggnog: The flavor of your eggnog will greatly influence the final taste. Use a good quality, full-fat eggnog for the richest and most authentic flavor.
Storage & Reheating Your Holiday Rolls
Eggnog cinnamon rolls are undeniably at their peak when served warm, fresh from the oven, with the icing just starting to melt. However, if you find yourself with a few delicious leftovers, there’s no need to fret! Proper storage ensures you can enjoy them again later.
To store, allow any leftover rolls to cool completely, then cover them tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For optimal freshness and that “just baked” taste, you can easily re-warm a single roll (or a few) in the microwave for 15-30 seconds, or until heated through. For a crispier exterior, you can also gently warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes. If unfrosted, they can also be frozen for up to 1-2 months in an airtight container; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming and frosting.
Variations & Customization Ideas
While these Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls are perfect as is, you can always experiment with slight variations to suit your taste or add a new twist:
- Add Nuts: For extra crunch and flavor, finely chop pecans or walnuts and add them to the cinnamon filling mixture.
- Extra Spices: If you love a bolder spice profile, consider adding a tiny pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the filling.
- Boozy Eggnog: If you enjoy the adult version of eggnog, you can use a store-bought alcoholic eggnog for a more distinct flavor in both the dough and icing. Alternatively, add a tiny splash of rum extract to store-bought non-alcoholic eggnog.
- Citrus Zest: A little orange or lemon zest in the dough or icing can brighten the overall flavor profile.
- Different Glaze: If cream cheese isn’t your preference, a simple powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar + eggnog + a tiny bit of vanilla) would also be delicious.
- Mini Rolls: For smaller portions or a party platter, you can cut the log into more, smaller pieces (e.g., 12 instead of 8) and adjust baking time accordingly.
More Great Holiday Breakfast Recipes
Looking for more delicious ways to celebrate the holiday season with a fantastic breakfast or brunch? Here are some other delightful recipes that are sure to please your family and guests:
- Sheet Pan Pancakes: Effortless pancakes for a crowd!
- Eggnog Coffee Cake: Another wonderful way to incorporate eggnog into your holiday baking.
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins: A delicious autumn-inspired treat perfect for any morning.
- Crockpot Breakfast Casserole: A savory option that cooks itself overnight, making mornings stress-free.
- Eggnog French Toast: A decadent and festive twist on a classic breakfast favorite.
- Pumpkin Pancakes: Fluffy and flavorful, perfect for a cozy fall or winter morning.
- Blueberry Breakfast Cake: A sweet and fruity option that’s easy to make and universally loved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions you might have about making these delightful Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls:
- Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
- Yes, you can! You can prepare the dough and assemble the rolls, then cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while your oven preheats, then bake as directed. For the freshest taste, it’s best to prepare the icing just before serving.
- Why are my cinnamon rolls tough?
- Tough cinnamon rolls are usually a result of overmixing the dough. Since this is a no-yeast recipe, you want to mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined and it forms a shaggy ball, then knead only a couple of times until smooth. Overworking the dough develops too much gluten, which can make the rolls dense and chewy rather than light and fluffy.
- Can I use homemade eggnog for this recipe?
- Absolutely! Using homemade eggnog will likely enhance the flavor even further. Just ensure it has a similar consistency to store-bought eggnog. If your homemade eggnog is very thick, you might need to slightly adjust the liquid amount in the dough or icing.
- What if I don’t have all the spices?
- Cinnamon and nutmeg are key to the eggnog flavor, so try not to skip those. If you don’t have ground cloves, you can omit them, but they do add a wonderful depth. The rolls will still be delicious!
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- I haven’t tested this specific recipe with gluten-free flour. However, a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (one that contains xanthan gum) might work. Results may vary, and the texture might be slightly different.
Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls
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Ingredients
Filling
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon butter, melted and cooled
Dough
- 2 1/2 all-purpose flour
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups eggnog
- 6 Tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
Icing
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 Tablespoons eggnog
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425º F. Melt 1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter in a bowl, let cool (use this bowl for each step when you need melted butter).
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Brush 1 Tbsp of butter into a 9 inch cake pan or pie plate. Set aside.
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Prepare the filling. In a bowl combine brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Add 1 Tbsp melted butter. Using your fingers or a fork stir together until is feels like wet sand. Set aside.
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Prepare the dough. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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In a liquid measuring cup mix together eggnog and 2 Tbsp melted butter. Add the milk mixture to the flour mixture and stir with a wooden spoon, until everything is combined (about 30 seconds). The dough will be very rough.
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Turn onto a floured surface and kneed until just smooth (handle as little as possible for flaky rolls).
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Using your hands, press the dough into a 12×9 inch rectangle.
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Brush with 2 Tbsp melted butter. Sprinkle the filling evenly over the dough, pressing gently into the dough. Be sure to leave about 1/2 in border around the edges. Using a scarper loosen the dough from the counter, and roll (starting from the long side), into a tight cylinder. Pinch to seal.
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Using a sharp knife, cut into 8 equal pieces. Slightly flatten each piece of dough, to try to keep the filling in. Place 1 roll in the center of the prepared pan, and arrange the other 7 around it. Brush with the last 2 Tbsp of butter.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Allow the rolls to rest for 5 minutes before frosting.
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Meanwhile, prepare the icing. In a small bowl mix all of the icing ingredients together. You can adjust the eggnog and sugar level to get the desired consistency. Drizzle the icing over the cinnamon rolls.
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Remove from pan to serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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