Homemade Eggnog Monkey Bread (Quick, Cozy & Made in the Microwave!)

ByAmy
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If you’re looking for the easiest holiday breakfast or dessert ever, this Homemade Eggnog Monkey Bread is about to become your new December tradition. It’s warm, gooey, festive, and ready in under 10 minutes thanks to one simple shortcut: microwaving the monkey bread right in a Pyrex bowl. I learned this recipe as a simple monkey bread in 7th grade home economics and resurrected it as a parent. Then, I put my own spin on it based on the viral tiktok cinnamon rolls with heavy cream and basically, arrived at perfection. This recipe is SO good and SO easy. It’s the perfect holiday breakfast because it requires absolutely zero effort and still seems fancy and put together!

This recipe uses refrigerator cinnamon rolls (yes, the classic tube!) along with a buttery brown sugar coating and a splash of eggnog that gives the whole dish a creamy, custardy holiday flavor. Whether you’re making it for Christmas morning, a family movie night, or a last-minute holiday party, this monkey bread is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. It is one of the recipes that I get asked for most often, because people can’t believe 1) how quickly I whip them up and 2) how absolutely addicting and amazing they are.

Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Monkey Bread

  • Quick & effortless — no rising time, no baking, no messing with rolling dough
  • Eggnog soaked — the eggnog seeps into the cinnamon rolls as they cook, making every bite so, so, good and moist and festive
  • Microwave method — perfect for busy mornings or when the oven is full of holiday goodies
  • Kid friendly + holiday worthy — tastes like cinnamon rolls meets bread pudding meets Christmas magic

Ingredients

  • 1 tube refrigerated cinnamon rolls
  • 1/3 cup butter, melted
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • Eggnog (enough to pour 1/3–1/2 way up the roll mixture in the bowl)

How to Make Eggnog Monkey Bread (Microwave Method)

1. Prep the Cinnamon Rolls

Open your tube of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into four pieces. Set aside.

2. Create the Buttery Coating

In a medium bowl, melt 1/3 cup butter and stir in 1/3 cup brown sugar until combined.
Add the cinnamon roll pieces and toss until everything is coated in that sweet, buttery goodness.

3. Build the Monkey Bread

Place a microwave safe round Pyrex baking dish on your counter.

To create a ring shape:

  • Put a small bowl or juice glass in the center of the Pyrex to act as your “donut hole.”
  • Spoon the coated roll pieces around it, forming a circle.

4. Pour in the Eggnog

Carefully pour eggnog over the roll pieces until the liquid reaches about 1/3–1/2 of the height of the mixture. This is what gives the final dish its soft, bread-pudding-meets-cinnamon roll texture.

5. Microwave

Cover the bowl and microwave for 3–4 minutes, depending on your microwave strength.
The monkey bread should look puffed and set, with the eggnog absorbed.

6. Invert & Serve

Remove the inner cup/glass carefully. Place a plate over the bowl, flip it upside down, and lift the bowl away to reveal your beautiful, glossy eggnog monkey bread ring.

Serving Ideas

Tips for Success

  • Don’t overfill with eggnog — just 1/3–1/2 up the rolls is perfect.
  • Microwave times vary — start at 3 minutes and add 15 seconds at a time if needed.
  • The ring shape helps it cook evenly — keep the center bowl in place until after cooking.

This Homemade Eggnog Monkey Bread is one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again during December (or any time you can get your hands on eggnog). It’s fast, warm, festive, and perfect for busy mornings when you still want something special on the table. Whip it up for Christmas breakfast, cozy weekend mornings, or anytime you’re craving something cinnamon-sweet with a holiday twist.

Print Recipe

Eggnog Monkey Bread

This quick and cozy Eggnog Monkey Bread is made with refrigerated cinnamon rolls, a buttery brown sugar coating, and a splash of eggnog for the ultimate festive treat — all cooked right in the microwave!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time3 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Breakfast, Dessert
Keyword: cinnamon roll monkey bread, eggnog monkey bread, microwave monkey bread

Ingredients

  • 1 tube refrigerated cinnamon rolls
  • 1/3 cup butter melted
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • Eggnog enough to pour 1/3–1/2 of the way up the roll mixture

Instructions

  • Open the tube of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into four pieces.
  • In a medium bowl, melt 1/3 cup butter and stir in 1/3 cup brown sugar.
  • Add the cinnamon roll pieces to the butter mixture and mix until fully coated.
  • Grease a microwave-safe Pyrex bowl.
  • Place a small bowl or juice glass in the center of the Pyrex to create a ring shape.
  • Spoon the coated cinnamon roll pieces around the center bowl.
  • Pour eggnog over the rolls until it reaches about 1/3–1/2 the height of the mixture.
  • Cover and microwave for 3–4 minutes, or until the monkey bread is puffed and cooked through.
  • Remove the center glass carefully.
  • Invert the monkey bread onto a plate and serve warm.

Notes

Start with 3 minutes in the microwave and add additional time in 10–15 second increments if needed.
Drizzle with the icing from the cinnamon roll tube for extra sweetness.
A light dusting of nutmeg or powdered sugar adds a festive finishing touch.
Make sure not to overfill with eggnog — too much liquid will affect cooking time.

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