Looking for an easy Christmas breakfast that will make everyone smile? These Reindeer Cinnamon Rolls are just the thing! With refrigerated cinnamon roll dough and a few simple decorations, you can turn ordinary cinnamon rolls into adorable little reindeer.
They’re fun to make, look lovely on a Christmas breakfast table, and add a little festive magic to the morning. You don’t need to be a skilled baker or spend ages in the kitchen, either. Just bake, decorate, and enjoy!
Whether you’re planning a special Christmas morning breakfast, a festive brunch, or a fun holiday treat for the kids, these reindeer cinnamon rolls will be a hit.
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Why You’ll Love These Reindeer Cinnamon Rolls
- Quick and easy: Refrigerated cinnamon roll dough does most of the work.
- Fun for Christmas: Turn a simple breakfast into something extra special with a few festive decorations.
- Great for kids: Little hands can help add the pretzel antlers, candy eyes, and red noses.
- Simple ingredients: You only need a handful of easy-to-find ingredients.
- Perfect for sharing: This recipe makes eight cinnamon roll reindeer, making it a lovely option for a family breakfast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need five ingredients to make these cute Christmas reindeer!
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls: Use your favorite ready-to-bake cinnamon roll dough. You’ll need enough for eight rolls.
- Chocolate frosting: This gives the reindeer their chocolatey face and helps hold the decorations in place.
- Pretzel twists: These make the reindeer’s antlers. Break or separate them as needed to get the look you want.
- Red M&Ms: A red candy makes the perfect Rudolph-style nose.
- Candy eyes: These bring your little reindeer faces to life.
How to Make Reindeer Cinnamon Rolls (Step by Step)
These are really simple to put together, and the decorating is the fun part!
1. Bake the cinnamon rolls.
Arrange the refrigerated cinnamon rolls on a baking sheet, leaving space between them as directed on the package. Bake according to the package instructions until cooked through.
Remove from the oven and allow the cinnamon rolls to cool completely before decorating.
2. Add the chocolate frosting.
Once the cinnamon rolls have cooled, spread a layer of chocolate frosting over the top of each one using a butter knife or small spatula. This will be the reindeer’s face.
3. Make the antlers.
Place two pretzel pieces near the top of each cinnamon roll to create the antlers. Add a little extra chocolate frosting over the bottom of each pretzel to help secure it in place.
4. Add Rudolph’s red nose.
Place a red M&M near the bottom center of each cinnamon roll.
5. Finish with the eyes.
Add two candy eyes above the nose to complete each reindeer face.
Your Reindeer Cinnamon Rolls are ready to serve!
Tips for Making the Best Reindeer Cinnamon Rolls
- Let the rolls cool first: Make sure the cinnamon rolls are completely cool before adding the chocolate frosting; otherwise, it may melt and slide off.
- Use a little extra frosting: A small dab of frosting helps keep the pretzel antlers, candy nose, and eyes in place.
- Make decorating easier: Set out the pretzels, M&Ms, and candy eyes before you start. This makes it easier for everyone to join in.
- Let the kids help: Children can add the eyes and noses, or help arrange the antlers. It doesn’t matter if every reindeer looks a little different!
- Give them their own personalities: Try placing the eyes slightly differently on each roll to give your reindeer their own funny expressions.
Can I Make Reindeer Cinnamon Rolls Ahead of Time?
Make things easier by getting your decorations ready in advance. Portion out the pretzels, candy eyes, and M&Ms so you’re ready to decorate once the cinnamon rolls have cooled.
For the best appearance and texture, I’d recommend baking and decorating the cinnamon rolls on the day you plan to serve them.
When to Serve Reindeer Cinnamon Rolls
These little reindeer are perfect for more than just Christmas morning! Try serving them for:
- Christmas Eve breakfast or brunch.
- A festive family breakfast during December.
- A Christmas movie morning.
- A holiday sleepover.
- A fun breakfast before opening Christmas presents.
They’re also a lovely addition to a Christmas breakfast spread alongside fruit, hot chocolate, and other family favorites.
A little Christmas magic: Don’t worry about making every reindeer look perfect. The slightly wonky ones are often the cutest!
Reindeer Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- 8 refrigerated cinnamon rolls or the amount needed for 8 rolls
- Chocolate frosting
- Pretzel twists
- Red M&Ms
- Candy eyes
Equipment
- Butter knife or small spatula
Instructions
- Preheat the oven according to the refrigerated cinnamon roll package directions.
- Arrange the cinnamon rolls on a baking sheet, leaving space between them.
- Bake according to the package instructions, or until cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cinnamon rolls to cool completely, approximately 30 minutes.
- Spread chocolate frosting over the top of each cinnamon roll.
- Add two pretzel pieces near the top of each roll to make the antlers. Secure the bottoms with a little extra frosting.
- Place a red M&M near the bottom center of each roll to make the nose.
- Add two candy eyes above the nose.
- Serve and enjoy your festive reindeer cinnamon rolls!
Last Step: Please leave a star ★★★★★ rating and a comment below to let me know what you thought!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, is intended to serve as an estimate only, and is provided for informational purposes. The accuracy of nutritional information is not guaranteed.
