Try these Gooey Eggnog Cinnamon Buns for Christmas #HolidayBaking

As the holiday season approaches, it's time to embrace the joy of festive baking. I’ve added a twist to a classic favourite and created this cozy treat for cold winter mornings, Gooey Eggnog Cinnamon Buns. Picture soft, fluffy dough infused with eggnog, swirled with a cinnamon filling, and a pecan, butter, brown sugar glaze. This holiday delight captures the essence of Christmas in every bite!

In this post, I'm going to walk you through the process of making these Gooey Eggnog Cinnamon Buns. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let's get ready to bake!

The Magic of Eggnog

Eggnog is a holiday classic renowned for its creamy texture and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This beloved drink is not just for sipping during holiday parties; it serves as an excellent base for desserts.

When you combine the creamy richness of eggnog with the fluffy indulgence of cinnamon buns, you create an extraordinary treat that brings warmth and nostalgia to your holiday gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Gooey Eggnog Cinnamon Buns

Here's what you'll want to have ready to create these cinnamon buns:

For the Dough:

• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast

• ½ cup warm water (110 degrees F)

• 1 teaspoon white sugar

• ½ cup eggnog

• 2 tablespoons white sugar

• ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

  
  

For the Filling:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (for spreading over rolled dough)

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

  
  

For the Glaze:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter

• 3/4 cup brown sugar

• 3/4 cup chopped pecans

  
  
  
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let's walk through the baking process so you can enjoy these cinnamon buns fresh from your oven.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Pour water into a medium sized bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar and active dry yeast; stir until dissolved. Let stand until foamy, about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, warm eggnog in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just starts to bubble around the edges; whisk often, do not let the eggnog boil. Remove from the heat and stir in 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/4 cup unsalted butter until melted. Let cool until lukewarm.

Lightly whisk eggs into yeast mixture, add cooled milk mixture, and 1 1/2 cups flour; stir until well combined.

Mix in remaining 2 1/2 cups flour (1/2 cup at a time), mixing well after each addition, until dough comes together. (I used my stand mixer and dough hook for this)

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, and elastic, about 8 minutes.

Once you're done kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm area for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Create the Glaze

While your dough is rising, prepare the glaze for the bottom of your baking pan by melting 3/4 cup butter in a saucepan on low-medium heat, add 3/4 cup brown sugar. Whisk until smooth.

Grease a 9x13-inch pan. Pour glaze mixture into the pan. Add pecans on top.

Step 4: Roll It Out

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Spread the softened butter evenly across the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix generously over the top to cover. Leave about a quarter inch around rectangle to seal dough.

Step 5: Roll and Cut

Carefully roll the dough tightly from the bottom of rectangle, forming a long log. Slice the log into 13-14 pieces and arrange them in the prepared baking dish, leaving some space between each roll.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the cinnamon rolls again and allow them to rise for an additional 30 minutes until puffy.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon buns for about 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown

Step 8: Cool on Parchment Paper

Carefully flip your slightly cooled baked buns onto parchment paper. Let the glaze pour over the buns. Enjoy warm!

Tips for Success

1. Plan Ahead: If you want to enjoy these buns on Christmas morning, prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight to save time.

   
   

2. Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best results. Expired yeast can make your buns dense.

   
   

3. Customize: Consider adding raisins or dried cranberries to the filling for extra texture and flavor.

   
   

4. Serve Warm: These cinnamon buns are best enjoyed warm, gooey, and straight from the oven!

   
   

Sweet Festive Tradition Awaits

With their delightful warm spices and rich flavors, these Gooey Eggnog Cinnamon Buns promise to be a cherished tradition in your home.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients and get started! Experience the joy of baking these gooey, sweet treats this holiday season. I'm confident this will be a recipe you'll return to year after year.

Happy baking! Wishing you a holiday filled with joy, laughter, and the wonderful taste of gooey cinnamon buns!