Make Christmas morning magical with these 20 breakfast recipes!
Wake up to holiday magic with these 20 Christmas breakfast recipes that blend sweet and savory perfection. From cinnamon rolls dripping with icing to savory egg casserole, these recipes will make your Christmas morning unforgettable.
Christmas morning is the perfect time to create lasting memories with family. These 20 recipes combine festive flavors, easy make-ahead instructions, and Instagram-worthy presentation to make your holiday breakfast magical.
Whether you're craving fluffy pancakes or hearty breakfast casserole, these recipes cater to all tastes. With time-saving tips and creative ideas, you'll have more time to enjoy the holidays and less time in the kitchen.
From classic cinnamon rolls to modern twists like apple-cinnamon waffles, each recipe includes festive touches that will make your Christmas breakfast shine. Many can be prepped the night before, so you can savor the morning while everyone opens presents.
Why These Christmas Breakfast Recipes Work
Time-Saving Make-Ahead Options
Many recipes can be prepped the night before, including cinnamon rolls, egg casserole, and French toast bakes. This lets you enjoy Christmas morning instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Festive Flavors
From cinnamon-spiced pancakes to cranberry-orange French toast, these recipes incorporate holiday flavors that make breakfast feel extra special.
Crowd-Pleasing Variety
With 20 recipes to choose from, there's something for everyone - sweet lovers will adore the cinnamon rolls while savory fans will flip for the breakfast casserole.
Instagram-Worthy Presentation
Creative serving ideas like edible gift-wrapped pancakes and snowflake-shaped waffles make these breakfasts perfect for sharing on social media.
Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls with Icing
A festive twist on classic cinnamon rolls
Ingredients
- - 3 cups all-purpose flour
- - 1/2 cup warm milk
- - 2 tablespoons butter
- - 1 teaspoon sugar
- - 1/2 teaspoon salt
- - 1/2 cup brown sugar
- - 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- - 1/4 cup cream cheese (for icing)
Instructions
Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and butter. Add warm milk and mix until dough forms.
💡 Knead dough on floured surface until smooth.
Roll and Fill: Roll dough into rectangle. Spread with melted butter, then mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle over dough.
💡 For extra flavor, add crushed pecans to the cinnamon mixture.
Cut and Bake: Roll dough tightly, cut into 12 rolls. Place on baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes.
💡 For a festive touch, place small candy canes on top before baking.
Make Icing: In a bowl, mix cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and milk. Drizzle over warm rolls.
💡 Add a pinch of nutmeg to the icing for extra holiday flavor.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Butter
Adds rich flavor to the dough. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter or coconut oil.
Substitutions: Vegan butter, coconut oil
Cream Cheese
Provides a tangy contrast to the sweet cinnamon. Use vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free option.
Substitutions: Vegan cream cheese, Greek yogurt
Cinnamon
The star spice for these holiday rolls. Try adding nutmeg or cardamom for extra festive flavor.
Substitutions: Cinnamon blend with nutmeg, cardamom
Flour
Standard all-purpose flour works best. For gluten-free, use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Substitutions: Gluten-free flour blend, whole wheat flour
Pro Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls
Quick Assembly
Use parchment paper to roll out dough - it makes transferring to baking sheet much easier.
Flavor Boost
Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for extra holiday warmth.
Make-Ahead Tip
Rolls can be made the night before - place on baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
Presentation
Place candy canes or mini snow globes on top for festive decoration before baking.
Variations & Customizations
Cranberry Orange Twist
Add dried cranberries to the dough and use orange zest in the icing for a festive citrus flavor.
Nutty Delight
Mix chopped pecans into the cinnamon filling for added texture and flavor.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free for a safe option.
Dairy-Free Version
Substitute vegan butter and vegan cream cheese to make these rolls dairy-free.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Festive coffee mug with steamed milk and cinnamon sprinkle
- Fresh orange juice in crystal glass
- Mini breakfast pastries on silver tray
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with spiced chai or mulled wine for a holiday twist on traditional breakfast drinks.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Rolls can be made the night before - place on baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning.
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in microwave or oven for best results.
Freezer Storage
Freeze unbaked rolls for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen with additional 5-7 minutes cooking time.
Reheating Instructions
For best results, reheat in oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why are my rolls not rising properly?
A: Ensure milk is warm (not hot) and yeast is active. Let dough rise in a warm place for best results.
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?
A: Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast at a 1:1 ratio. No need to proof first.
Q: How to prevent icing from sliding off?
A: Let rolls cool completely before adding icing. For extra stability, add a small amount of powdered sugar to the cream cheese.
Q: Can I make mini rolls for appetizers?
A: Yes! Cut dough into smaller pieces for mini rolls that work great as festive appetizers.
Final Thoughts
These 20 Christmas breakfast recipes will transform your holiday mornings into magical experiences. Whether you choose the classic cinnamon rolls or try one of the many creative variations, you'll create lasting memories with your family.
With make-ahead options and festive presentation ideas, these recipes make it easy to enjoy Christmas morning instead of being stuck in the kitchen. Start your holiday with these delicious breakfasts that everyone will love!
