Few things say Christmas morning like the smell of fresh cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. Soft, gooey, and filled with spiced sweetness, they’re the ultimate treat to enjoy with family before unwrapping gifts. Whether you love classic icing-topped rolls, festive flavors like cranberry orange, or creative twists like cookie butter or pecan praline, these 23 Christmas cinnamon roll recipes will fill your home with warmth and joy. They’re easy to make, cozy to share, and perfect for slow mornings by the fire.
1. Classic Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet — these are the classic rolls everyone loves. The dough rises overnight for that bakery-style texture. Spread butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar before rolling up and slicing. Bake until golden, then drizzle with vanilla icing. Use a stand mixer to save time, or knead by hand for that homemade charm.
2. Overnight Cinnamon Rolls
Make these the night before so you can bake them fresh in the morning. Prepare the dough, shape the rolls, then refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bring them to room temperature and bake. It’s an effortless way to wake up to a house filled with the scent of cinnamon.
3. Cream Cheese Frosted Rolls
Add tangy cream cheese frosting for a richer taste. It balances the sweetness perfectly. Mix softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Spread while warm so it seeps into every swirl. The frosting also makes them look bakery-worthy without much work.
4. Maple Pecan Cinnamon Rolls
Maple syrup gives these rolls a warm, cozy flavor, while toasted pecans add crunch. Use real maple syrup in both the filling and glaze for the best flavor. They pair beautifully with coffee or hot cocoa — a true Christmas breakfast treat.
5. Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Add diced apples to your cinnamon-sugar filling and drizzle with caramel sauce after baking. The result? Gooey, sweet rolls that taste like apple pie in breakfast form. Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the perfect flavor balance.
6. Orange Glazed Cinnamon Rolls
Bright and citrusy, these rolls feel festive and fresh. Add orange zest to the dough and glaze. The sweet tang makes them lighter than traditional rolls — perfect for pairing with Christmas brunch.
7. Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls
Spread chocolate hazelnut spread instead of butter and sugar for an indulgent twist. Bake until gooey inside and crisp on the edges. Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a holiday touch. Perfect for chocolate lovers.
8. Cranberry White Chocolate Rolls
Dried cranberries and white chocolate make a beautiful and festive filling. The tart-sweet mix feels just right for Christmas morning. Top with a cream cheese glaze to balance the flavors.
9. Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls
Mix molasses, ginger, and cloves into your filling for that classic gingerbread flavor. These rolls smell incredible while baking. Drizzle with vanilla icing or top with crushed gingersnaps for texture.
10. Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls
Pumpkin purée adds softness and subtle sweetness. Combine with pumpkin pie spice for that warm, cozy flavor. These rolls are perfect if you still crave autumn comfort during Christmas breakfast.
11. Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
These look as good as they taste. Red velvet dough filled with cinnamon sugar and topped with cream cheese frosting creates a festive dessert-like breakfast. They’re great for gifting or making with kids.
12. Sticky Toffee Cinnamon Rolls
Swap regular icing for rich toffee sauce. The buttery caramel flavor coats each roll beautifully. Serve warm straight from the pan for a sticky, satisfying treat that pairs well with coffee.
13. Nutella and Banana Rolls
Spread Nutella and add thinly sliced bananas before rolling. The mix of creamy chocolate and fruit feels like dessert. Bake until golden and serve immediately — the bananas caramelize perfectly inside.
14. Cinnamon Roll Wreath
Shape your rolls into a ring before baking for a festive centerpiece. Decorate with icing drizzle and cranberries. It’s a creative way to make your breakfast double as a table decoration.
15. Brown Butter Pecan Rolls
Brown butter adds a nutty depth to the icing. Toast your pecans before sprinkling on top for extra crunch. The flavor combination is simple yet rich — perfect for holiday mornings.
16. Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Short on time? Cut up canned rolls, layer them in a baking dish, and pour custard over the top. Bake into a casserole-style dish that’s easy to serve and share.
17. Mocha Cinnamon Rolls
Add instant coffee and cocoa powder to your icing for a mocha twist. The coffee cuts the sweetness just enough. It’s ideal for adults who like their holiday breakfast with a hint of espresso.
18. Cookie Butter Rolls
Spread cookie butter inside your rolls for a spiced, caramel-like flavor. Add a simple caramel glaze on top. These taste indulgent but take minimal effort since the spread does all the flavor work.
19. Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Combine apple pie filling with cinnamon sugar for a cozy flavor combination. The soft rolls soak up the syrup from the apples, making them extra gooey. Serve warm with ice cream for dessert-style breakfast.
20. Chocolate Peppermint Rolls
Perfect for the holidays, these rolls combine chocolate filling with crushed peppermint candy. The minty flavor feels festive and refreshing. They’re a hit with kids and adults alike.
21. Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake
Turn cinnamon rolls into a baked French toast casserole. Cut up baked rolls, mix with eggs and milk, then bake again. The result is a fluffy, custardy treat that serves a crowd easily.
22. White Chocolate Raspberry Rolls
Raspberries add tartness that pairs beautifully with sweet white chocolate. The pink glaze makes these look special without much effort. A great choice for festive brunches.
23. Pecan Praline Cinnamon Rolls
Pour praline sauce made from brown sugar, butter, and cream over your baked rolls. Add extra pecans for crunch. It’s rich, nutty, and perfect for sharing after a big family breakfast.
Conclusion
There’s nothing like waking up to warm cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning. These 23 recipes bring sweetness, comfort, and creativity to your holiday table — from classic cream cheese frosting to inventive twists like praline, peppermint, or orange glaze. Simple to prepare and guaranteed to please, they’ll fill your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and make every morning feel a little more magical.
Hannah Collins is a passionate home cook and food storyteller who believes every recipe tells a little love story. At TastyWriter, she shares simple, delicious recipes made for real kitchens and busy days — from cozy comfort dishes to creative new favorites. When she’s not cooking, you’ll find her photographing food, testing family recipes, or sipping tea while dreaming up her next tasty idea.
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