There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls to welcome the holiday season. These Easiest Overnight Eggnog Brioche Cinnamon Rolls take a classic treat and give it a festive twist with the rich, creamy flavor of eggnog in both the dough and glaze.
Soft, pillowy brioche dough, a spiced cinnamon filling, and a sweet eggnog glaze come together in perfect harmony. Whether served on Christmas morning or as a cozy winter dessert, these rolls are guaranteed to impress. Best of all, the overnight preparation makes them a breeze to enjoy fresh out of the oven.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup eggnog, warmed
- ½ cup whole milk, warmed
- 3 large eggs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
Eggnog Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons eggnog
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine warmed eggnog and milk. Add eggs to the dry ingredients, followed by the warmed liquids. Mix until the dough comes together. Add the softened butter and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size. - Prepare the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth. - Roll and Fill the Dough:
Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough. Starting at the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log and cut into 12 even rolls. - Overnight Rest:
Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. - Bake the Rolls:
In the morning, remove rolls from the fridge and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. - Prepare the Glaze:
While the rolls bake, whisk powdered sugar, eggnog, and vanilla until smooth. - Glaze and Serve:
Drizzle the eggnog glaze over the warm rolls. Serve and enjoy!
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: Overnight + 50 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal per roll | Servings: 12 rolls
Origin and Inspiration
These Eggnog Brioche Cinnamon Rolls are inspired by traditional holiday flavors. Eggnog, a festive beverage with roots in medieval England, brings a rich and creamy element to this recipe, perfectly complementing the warm spices in the cinnamon filling. Brioche dough, known for its buttery softness, takes these cinnamon rolls to the next level, offering a tender and luxurious texture.
Why This Recipe Works
- Overnight Prep: Letting the rolls rest overnight in the refrigerator allows the dough to develop a deeper flavor and makes for a stress-free morning baking experience.
- Eggnog Infusion: Incorporating eggnog in both the dough and glaze creates a cohesive, holiday-inspired flavor.
- Brioche Base: The enriched dough with eggs and butter ensures a soft, pillowy texture that stays fresh longer.
- Perfect Balance of Sweet and Spicy: The brown sugar and cinnamon filling, combined with nutmeg, delivers just the right amount of sweetness and warmth.
Customization Ideas
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling for a crunchy texture.
- Extra Spices: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the filling for a more complex flavor.
- Festive Toppings: Garnish the rolls with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or crushed candy canes for an extra holiday touch.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: For a tangy twist, swap the eggnog glaze with a cream cheese frosting.
Pro Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, milk, and eggnog are at room temperature before mixing to help the dough combine smoothly.
- Softened Butter for Filling: Properly softened butter ensures the cinnamon sugar mixture spreads evenly across the dough.
- Cutting the Rolls: Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife to cut the log into rolls cleanly without flattening them.
- Baking Dish Choice: A ceramic or glass baking dish helps the rolls bake evenly and prevents the bottoms from burning.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to revive their soft, fresh texture.
Pairing Suggestions
- Beverages: These cinnamon rolls pair beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or chai tea. For a truly indulgent treat, serve with a glass of warm eggnog.
- Side Dishes: Add some fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait to create a balanced holiday breakfast spread.
History and Festive Connection
Eggnog is a classic holiday beverage with roots in Europe, specifically in medieval England, where warm milk and spices were mixed with alcohol to create a luxurious drink. Over time, it became a symbol of holiday cheer, often served at Christmas gatherings. This recipe takes the nostalgic flavor of eggnog and pairs it with soft, buttery brioche dough and a warm cinnamon filling, creating a dessert or breakfast option that feels like a hug during the holiday season. The overnight preparation makes it a practical yet elegant dish for Christmas morning or holiday brunch.
Detailed Flavor Profile
- Dough: The brioche dough is rich, tender, and slightly sweet, with subtle hints of eggnog for a festive touch.
- Filling: A combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a sweet-spiced filling that balances the richness of the dough.
- Glaze: The eggnog glaze is creamy and sweet with a hint of vanilla, perfectly tying together the holiday flavors.
Perfect Occasions for This Recipe
- Christmas Morning Brunch: The overnight preparation makes it a convenient choice for serving fresh and warm on busy mornings.
- Holiday Parties: These rolls are visually stunning and will be a hit on any dessert table.
- Gifting: Pack these rolls in a festive box as a homemade holiday gift.
- Cozy Winter Weekends: Treat yourself to these rolls as a luxurious weekend breakfast or dessert.
Nutritional Highlights
While these rolls are an indulgence, they’re also a hearty and satisfying treat that can be shared with loved ones. If you want to lighten them up:
- Substitute some of the butter with unsweetened applesauce in the dough.
- Use reduced-sugar alternatives for the filling and glaze.
- Opt for whole-grain flour to add fiber (note: this will slightly alter the texture).
Kitchen Tips and Tricks
- Working with Yeast:
- Use warm eggnog and milk (about 110°F/43°C) to activate the yeast effectively.
- If your dough doesn’t rise as expected, ensure your yeast is fresh and the liquids weren’t too hot or cold.
- Rolling and Shaping:
- Roll the dough evenly to ensure uniform-sized rolls.
- Avoid overfilling to prevent the rolls from unraveling during baking.
- Baking Consistency:
- Rotate the baking dish halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
- Cover with foil during the last 10 minutes if the tops are browning too quickly.
- Glazing:
- Let the rolls cool for a few minutes before glazing to avoid a runny glaze.
- For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar; for a thinner glaze, add a splash of eggnog.
Variations to Explore
- Chocolate Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent chocolate-cinnamon combination.
- Caramel Pecan Rolls: Sprinkle chopped pecans and drizzle caramel sauce on top for a nutty and sweet variation.
- Vegan Version: Substitute eggnog with plant-based eggnog, butter with vegan butter, and eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture.
- Maple Glaze: Replace the eggnog glaze with a maple syrup-based glaze for a different flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these rolls same-day instead of overnight?
A: Yes! After shaping the rolls, let them rise for 1-2 hours in a warm place until puffy, then bake as directed.
Q: Can I freeze the rolls?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the shaped rolls before baking or freeze fully baked rolls. To bake frozen rolls, let them thaw and rise overnight in the fridge before baking.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Warm leftover rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these eggnog cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate breakfast experience. For dessert, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the indulgence.
Conclusion
The Easiest Overnight Eggnog Brioche Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful blend of festive eggnog flavors, warm cinnamon spice, and buttery brioche dough. Perfect for holiday breakfasts or cozy desserts, their overnight preparation makes them easy and impressive. Customize to your liking, pair with your favorite warm drink, and enjoy the holiday cheer these rolls bring to your table. Happy baking! 🎄✨