If you’re looking for a holiday treat that feels cozy, festive, and just a little bit fancy, you’re going to fall in love with this Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe. I absolutely love how these rolls come out soft and fluffy with that rich eggnog flavor woven right into the dough—and topped off with the smoothest cream cheese icing you can imagine. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself making it again and again whenever the season calls for a sweet indulgence.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique Eggnog Flavor: The addition of eggnog to the dough and filling adds that perfect holiday twist.
Soft, Pillowy Texture: Thanks to careful kneading and rising, these rolls practically melt in your mouth.
Cream Cheese Icing: A luscious, creamy finish that balances sweet and tangy beautifully.
Perfect for Gatherings: Impress your friends and family with a recipe that’s both approachable and special.

A top view of a white dish filled with six cinnamon rolls covered in a thick layer of smooth, creamy white icing. The icing is spread unevenly, showing glimpses of the brown cinnamon swirls beneath. The icing is sprinkled with small pieces of golden-brown crumb topping, adding texture and contrast to the soft rolls. The dish sits on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing, holiday eggnog cinnamon roll recipe, festive cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting, soft eggnog cinnamon buns, holiday breakfast recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe lies in the balance of familiar ingredients and that festive eggnog twist. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll want to gather before diving in.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a few whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small pile of white granulated sugar, a small pile of packed brown sugar, cubed unsalted butter, a white ceramic bowl of warm milk, a white ceramic bowl of warm eggnog, a small white bowl of ground cinnamon, a white ceramic bowl of sifted powdered sugar, a white ceramic bowl of smooth cream cheese, and a small white bowl of pure vanilla extract placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing, holiday eggnog cinnamon roll recipe, festive cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting, soft eggnog cinnamon buns, holiday breakfast recipes

Milk: Warming it helps activate the yeast just right, so don’t skip this step.
Eggnog: Adds sweetness and that unmistakable holiday flavor to both the dough and filling.
Active dry yeast: Make sure it’s fresh and proof it in warm milk to get a good rise.
All-purpose flour: Spoon and level for accuracy to keep the dough tender and moist.
Sugar (both granulated and brown): Granulated for dough sweetness, brown sugar for a rich, caramelized filling.
Unsalted butter: Room temperature is key for smooth mixing and spreading.
Eggs: Room temperature eggs blend more evenly for tender dough.
Ground cinnamon: The heart of the filling’s warm, spicy flavor.
Cream cheese: Softened, for the luscious icing that ties it all together.
Powdered sugar: Sifted to make your icing silky smooth.
Pure vanilla extract: A little splash enhances all the sweet flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love experimenting with this recipe depending on the occasion and who I’m baking for—you can easily tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs, and I encourage you to do the same.

Non-Alcoholic Option: Use eggnog without alcohol so everyone, including kids, can enjoy these festive treats.
Spice It Up: Mix a pinch of nutmeg or cloves into the cinnamon filling for an even more warming flavor—my family goes crazy for this subtle kick.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap in a quality gluten-free flour blend and give extra attention to the dough’s hydration.
Nutty Twist: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling adds delightful crunch and texture.

How to Make Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast and Warm Up the Dairy

Start by microwaving the milk until it’s around 110°F — warm but not hot. Sprinkle the yeast and a pinch of sugar over the milk and let it sit for about 10 minutes until you see it get foamy. It’s a sure sign your yeast is alive and kicking. While that’s happening, warm your eggnog separately to the same temperature. This process really sets the foundation for wonderfully soft rolls.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Eggnog Dough

In a large bowl, sift your flour then add sugar, salt, cubed butter, and beaten eggs. When your yeast is ready, add it along with the warm eggnog. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook, start mixing on low until the dough begins to form, then increase to medium speed and knead for 5 minutes. The dough should be tacky but not sticking excessively to your hands — here’s where the “window pane” test comes in handy: stretch a thin piece of dough between your fingers, and if light shines through without tearing, you’re golden.

Step 3: First Rise in a Warm Spot

Spray a large bowl with nonstick spray, place your dough inside, then cover it with a clean kitchen towel. I pop mine in an oven preheated to 200°F, then immediately turn the oven off and crack the door open just a tad. This warm (but not hot) hoodie is perfect for the dough to rise—give it about an hour until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Filling

While the dough is rising, beat together butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon with a pinch of salt at high speed for about 2 minutes. The goal is to aerate the mixture so it’s nice and easy to spread over your rolled-out dough.

Step 5: Roll Out and Fill the Dough

Once your dough has doubled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/4 inch thick and forms a large rectangle. Spread your cinnamon filling all the way to the edges—don’t be shy! This ensures every bite bursts with that divine cinnamon-sugar goodness.

Step 6: Shape and Cut Your Rolls

Starting with the short edge, carefully roll up your dough into a log. Use a serrated knife to trim both ends for neatness, then measure and cut the log into 12 even rolls (I find cutting into quarters, then thirds works perfectly). Place these rolls in a greased 9×13 pan, cover with a towel, and let rest for 20 minutes. Don’t forget to pour some eggnog around the rolls in the pan — that extra moisture helps keep them soft while baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the rolls for about 28–33 minutes. Look for a light golden brown top and check that the center temperature hits above 160°F for a perfectly baked roll. I always use an instant-read thermometer here—it saves me from guesswork and underbaked dough!

Step 8: Whip Up the Eggnog Cream Cheese Icing

While the rolls cool slightly, beat cream cheese and butter together on high speed until fluffy. Slowly add sifted powdered sugar, vanilla, and eggnog, starting slow and finishing on high speed to create a smooth, creamy icing. Spread this over the warm (not hot) rolls—the icing will melt just right and pool deliciously in the crevices. For extra fun, I sprinkle a few gingersnap crumbs on top as a festive garnish.

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Pro Tips for Making Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Perfect Yeast Activation: Always make sure your milk and eggnog are warm but not hot—around 110°F is ideal to wake the yeast without killing it.
Don’t Rush the Rise: I’ve learned that giving the dough plenty of time to double ensures soft, airy rolls rather than dense ones.
Window Pane Test: This is my go-to method to check if the dough is kneaded enough—it prevents over- or under-kneading disasters.
Warm Icing Spread: Spreading the icing while rolls are warm (but not piping hot) helps it melt smoothly without becoming too runny.

How to Serve Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

A single cinnamon roll with a thick layer of creamy white icing spread over the top, sprinkled with small brown crumbs. The roll shows a golden-brown dough base with dark cinnamon swirls visible around the sides and center. It sits on a white plate with a slightly textured rim, placed on a wooden surface. In the background, there are soft-focus miniature Christmas trees and festive decorations with red and green colors, creating a cozy holiday feel. A silver fork rests near the plate on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing, holiday eggnog cinnamon roll recipe, festive cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting, soft eggnog cinnamon buns, holiday breakfast recipes

Garnishes

I love topping these cinnamon rolls with crushed gingersnap cookies for an added crunch and a little festive flair. A sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg or a dusting of cinnamon also looks beautiful and adds a subtle note of warmth that complements the eggnog.

Side Dishes

For a breakfast or brunch spread, I like pairing these cinnamon rolls with fresh fruit like berries or sliced oranges to balance the sweetness. A steaming mug of coffee, chai tea, or hot cocoa is the perfect companion to enjoy alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged the rolls in individual ramekins or printed mini flags on toothpicks to stick into each roll—it’s a fun touch that makes guests feel special. You could also make smaller rolls for bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These rolls store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. I usually cover them tightly with plastic wrap, then a lid to keep them soft and fresh—sometimes I place a damp paper towel over the rolls inside the container for extra moisture.

Freezing

I freeze my unbaked rolls after shaping them but before the second rise—wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, I thaw overnight in the fridge and then let them come to room temperature and rise before baking. This method keeps them tasting freshly made.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I pop the rolls in a 300°F oven (covered loosely with foil so they don’t dry out) for about 10–15 minutes. If you have leftover icing, warm it slightly and spread a fresh coat on top for that just-made magic.

FAQs

Can I make this Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix the ingredients by hand using a rubber spatula to combine them, then knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-8 minutes. Use the window pane test to know when it’s ready—don’t rush it, and your arms will get a good workout!
What if I don’t have eggnog on hand?

You can substitute equal parts of milk with a touch of sugar and a dash of nutmeg and vanilla extract for a simple homemade version, or just use warmed milk alone for a more traditional cinnamon roll without the eggnog flavor.
How do I know when my rolls are fully baked?

Look for a light golden color on top, and check the internal temperature with a thermometer—it should register above 160°F. The dough shouldn’t feel wet or doughy when touched gently.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Yes! After the first rise, punch down the dough and cover it tightly, then refrigerate overnight. The next day, roll, fill, cut, and allow the rolls to rise before baking. This is a great way to save time on busy mornings.

Final Thoughts

This Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is one of those sweet little joys that turns an ordinary morning into a special occasion. I love the way the eggnog adds a seasonal depth to the dough, and the cream cheese icing always makes my kitchen smell like holiday magic. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, I promise these rolls will fill your home with warmth and smiles. So grab your rolling pin and get ready for a truly delicious baking adventure—you’re going to nail it.