Christmas Morning Breakfast & Brunch Ideas

Christmas morning deserves something a little special — warm from the oven, easy to share, and joyful enough to match the day. Whether you’re planning a slow, sleepy morning in pajamas or a house full of hungry early risers, these recipes bring just the right mix of comfort + celebration. Think tender cinnamon rolls, festive scones, bright citrus, and simple breads that make the kitchen smell like magic.

Below you’ll find options you can bake ahead, treats that feel holiday-worthy without too much fuss, and a handful of savory sides for balance. Pick one centerpiece or build a whole spread! Either way, you’ll be off to a delicious start.

Make-Ahead & Easy Morning Bakes

For slow mornings and easy hosting, these bakes do most of the work for you. Many can be assembled ahead of time, and all of them fill the house with warm, cozy comfort.

Make-Ahead Favorites

Baked French Toast

Classic, cozy, and the definition of hands-off. Assemble the night before, refrigerate, and bake while the coffee brews.

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Baked Praline French Toast

The same ease with a festive twist! Caramelized pecans and brown sugar turn this into a Christmas-morning showstopper.

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Apple Cinnamon Baked French Toast

Warm spice, tender apples, and a custardy bake that feels like holiday comfort in casserole form.

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Coffee Cakes & Morning Loaves

Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Chocolate Cinnamon Swirl

Tender crumb + ribbon of cocoa and spice = instant crowd favorite.

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Sour Cream Banana Coffee Cake

Soft, nostalgic, and just sweet enough. Pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a savory side.

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Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread

Bright, tangy berries meet rich cream cheese for a festive, sliceable bread.

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Pear Bread

5 from 1 vote

Gentle sweetness, buttery crumb, and a lovely contrast to all things cinnamon-spiced.

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Quick & Fresh from the Oven

Biscuit Cinnamon Rolls

All the cinnamon-roll joy with none of the rising time. Great for last-minute bakers or smaller gatherings.

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Dutch Baby Pancake

Not make-ahead, but breathtakingly fast! A few minutes of mixing becomes puffed, golden magic in the oven.

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Cheese Danish

These irresistible pastries are made with my favorite baking shortcut – frozen puff pastry! A bakery-worthy treat that's so easy to make.

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Sweet Christmas Morning Treats

If Christmas morning calls for something warm and sweet, these pastries, muffins, and scones are just right. Some are quick wins; others feel a little special and perfect for a holiday breakfast table.

Crowd-Pleasers & Classics

Monkey Bread

Pull-apart, gooey, and impossible to walk away from.

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Sticky Cinnamon Biscuits

Like cinnamon rolls' slightly more rustic cousin. Sweet and buttery, with no yeast required.

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Cinnamon Bun Scones

5 from 1 vote

Swirled, tender, and baked in a fraction of the time traditional buns require. This one's been a staple in my kitchen for many years!

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Scones & Morning Pastries

Cranberry Orange Scones

Tart berries + bright citrus = instant holiday mood.

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Apple Cinnamon Scones

Warm spice and apple sweetness make for classic comfort in scone form.

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Kolaches

Soft dough with a sweet center using your favorite filling or a variety. They're just right for sharing on a brunch spread.

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Cinnamon-Sugar Cruffins

Laminated pastry meets muffin tin magic for stunning and flakey pastries without the fuss of croissants.

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Muffins for the Morning Crowd

Pecan Praline Muffins

Nutty, sticky-topped, and beautifully rich. Perfect for the holidays!

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Orange Ricotta Muffins

Soft and sunny with delicate citrus for a nice option with lighter flavor.

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Gingerbread Muffins

These crowd-pleasing muffins are warmly spiced and unmistakably Christmas.

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Jam-Filled Doughnut Muffins

Tender, sugar-coated, and just fancy enough for the holiday.

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Savory Breads & Biscuits

A table full of pastries is wonderful, but having one or two savory options makes everything feel more complete. These breads and biscuits bring buttery comfort and just enough contrast to balance all the sweetness. Think warm, flaky, a little salty, and perfect beside coffee cake or fruit. Even a basket of warm biscuits and jam can turn Christmas morning into a cozy brunch moment.

Savory Favorites to Add to Your Brunch Table

Herb and Cheese Quick Bread

Slice warm and serve with scrambled eggs or holiday ham. A simple but impressive savory centerpiece.

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Popovers

Light, crisp, and wonderfully airy. Perfect with jam, honey butter, or alongside scrambled eggs. Easy variations make them extra versatile.

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Three Cheese Biscuits

Tender and rich, a perfect match for honey butter, pimento cheese, or a leftover-ham slider situation.

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Classic Buttermilk Biscuits

Fluffy, golden, and endlessly versatile. Add jam or apple butter to lean sweet, or pair with sausage and eggs for heartiness.

Easy Variations: Cheddar–scallion • rosemary–parmesan • bacon–Cheddar • everything seasoning • black pepper + Gruyère • jalapeño cheddar

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Fresh Sides + Little Extras

These take only minutes but make the spread feel more complete.

• A simple fruit tray or winter citrus bowl
• Yogurt or granola for lighter brunchers
• Coffee, tea, spiced hot chocolate, or a festive punch
• Honey-butter, jams, and whipped cream cheese for spreading
• A small charcuterie-style add-on: ham, sausage, or smoked salmon

Not Sure Where to Start? Try One of These Easy Combos

Sometimes it’s nice not to choose! Here are a few simple pairings to make Christmas morning feel complete without overthinking it.

✨ Cozy & Classic
Baked French Toast + Monkey Bread + Fresh Fruit
Warm, familiar, and festive — perfect for a house full of sweet breakfast lovers.

✨ Sweet Meets Savory
Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread + Three Cheese Biscuits + Yogurt or Winter Citrus
Bright, buttery, balanced — great for grazers and coffee refills.

✨ Low Effort, Big Payoff
Biscuit Cinnamon Rolls + Cinnamon Bun Scones + Sausage or Bacon on the Side
Fast, fun, and full of cinnamon — ideal when you want festive flavor without much prep.

✨ Light + Spiced for the Season
Pear Bread + Gingerbread Muffins + Strong Coffee or Hot Cocoa
Gentle sweetness with a holiday warm-spice hit.

A Sweet Start to Christmas Morning

Christmas morning should taste like comfort. Whether you bake something the night before or pull warm pastries from the oven while the tree lights twinkle, I hope these recipes bring ease, joy, and a little sweetness to your day. Choose one centerpiece bake or mix a few for a full brunch spread. Either way, you’ll have something wonderful to share.

And remember, even if you’re serving something as simple as cinnamon rolls or waffles, you can make it extra special. Get out that wedding china you never use, set the table with holiday linens, and gather everyone to share a meal together!

Happy baking and happy holidays!