Cinnamon Roll Casserole for Holidays

There’s something magical about waking up on a holiday morning to the smell of cinnamon, butter, and warm sugar drifting through the house. Cinnamon roll casserole is the ultimate festive breakfast—soft, gooey, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. Unlike individual cinnamon rolls that require shaping and rolling, this casserole brings all the cinnamon-sugar goodness together in a effortless dish that’s perfect for Christmas morning, holiday brunch, or cozy winter weekends.

This recipe has become a favorite across Pinterest because it’s fast, family-friendly, and instantly festive. Whether you’re hosting loved ones, preparing early-morning breakfast before opening gifts, or contributing a dish to a holiday potluck, cinnamon roll casserole delivers all the nostalgia and indulgence of traditional cinnamon rolls with far less work.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know—ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips, variations, troubleshooting, storage, serving ideas, FAQs, and more—to help you create the perfect holiday cinnamon roll casserole. Get ready for a warm, fluffy, icing-drizzled centerpiece that sets the tone for a cozy and memorable holiday celebration.

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Why Cinnamon Roll Casserole Is a Holiday Favorite

Stress-Free for Busy Mornings

Holiday mornings are full of excitement—family gatherings, visiting guests, gift exchanges, and early wake-up calls. This casserole is incredibly quick to prep, leaving more time for festivities.

Feeds a Crowd Easily

Instead of baking multiple batches of cinnamon rolls, the casserole format cooks everything at once, making it ideal for groups.

Cozy Holiday Flavors

Warm cinnamon, soft dough, sweet icing, and optional seasonal flavors like nutmeg, ginger, orange, or maple make this dish instantly festive.

Kid-Friendly

Children love cinnamon rolls in any form, and this casserole is easy for little hands to scoop and enjoy.

Perfect for Pinterest Holiday Trends

Breakfast casseroles perform extremely well around the holidays, especially recipes that blend nostalgia, ease, and seasonal comfort—this one hits all three.

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Ingredients for Holiday Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Main Ingredients

• Refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (with icing)

• Eggs

• Milk or heavy cream

• Pure vanilla extract

• Ground cinnamon

• Granulated sugar or brown sugar

• Melted butter

Optional Seasonal Add-Ins

• A pinch of nutmeg

• A pinch of ginger

• Orange zest

• Chopped walnuts or pecans

• Diced apples

• Pure maple syrup (alcohol-free)

• Cranberries (fresh or dried)

Toppings

• Cream cheese icing

• Vanilla glaze

• Maple drizzle

• Powdered sugar dusting

• Whipped cream for serving

These ingredients create a cozy, festive flavor while staying family-friendly and alcohol-free.

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How to Make Cinnamon Roll Casserole for the Holidays

This casserole is surprisingly easy, and the result is a beautifully baked, warm breakfast that feels special.

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. You can also line it with parchment for easier cleanup.

Step 2: Cut the Cinnamon Rolls

Open the cinnamon roll dough and cut each roll into 4–6 smaller pieces. Scatter them evenly in the baking dish.

Step 3: Create the Custard Mixture

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:

• Eggs

• Milk or heavy cream

• Vanilla

• Cinnamon

• Sugar

• Melted butter

This custard makes the casserole rich, soft, and decadent.

Step 4: Pour Over the Dough

Slowly pour the custard mixture over the cinnamon roll pieces, ensuring everything gets soaked.

Step 5: Add Optional Holiday Ingredients

Sprinkle chopped nuts, orange zest, cranberries, or diced apples if using. These additions give extra festive flavor and texture.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in a preheated oven until puffed, golden, and fragrant. The center should be set but still soft.

Step 7: Add Icing

Once baked, drizzle the icing that came with the dough or use your own glaze. Serve warm and enjoy the holiday magic.

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Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Use Heavy Cream for Extra Richness

Milk works beautifully, but heavy cream gives a velvety texture perfect for holiday indulgence.

Add Holiday Spices

A touch of nutmeg or ginger makes the casserole taste like Christmas.

Let it Rest After Baking

Allowing it to sit for 10 minutes helps the casserole firm up slightly while staying soft and gooey.

Bake Until Just Set

Overbaking makes it dry. Pull it out when the center is set but still tender.

Use Two Cans for Extra Thickness

For a taller, bakery-style casserole, use two tubes of cinnamon roll dough.

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Delicious Holiday Variations

Christmas Morning Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Add orange zest and cranberries, then drizzle with vanilla icing.

Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Fold in diced apples for flavors reminiscent of apple pie.

Maple Nut Casserole

Drizzle maple syrup over the top and add chopped pecans or walnuts.

Gingerbread Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Add ginger, nutmeg, and a little molasses to the custard mixture.

Caramel Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Drizzle caramel sauce on the warm casserole before serving.

Vanilla Snowfall Casserole

Top with powdered sugar for a snowy holiday effect.

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Serving Ideas for Holiday Breakfast or Brunch

Serve Warm

Cinnamon roll casserole is best enjoyed warm from the oven.

Pair with Fresh Fruit

Berries, mandarins, or fruit salad brighten the richness of the dish.

Add Protein Sides

Serve with eggs or plant-based sausages for a balanced holiday breakfast.

Hot Drinks

Pair with hot cocoa, herbal tea, coffee, or steamed milk for kids.

Make a Holiday Brunch Spread

Include pastries, fresh fruit, coffee, yogurt parfaits, and this casserole as the star.

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Make-Ahead Instructions

Prep the Night Before

Assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning.

Freeze Before Baking

Assemble and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake.

Bake Ahead and Reheat

Bake the casserole fully, refrigerate, then warm individual portions in the microwave or oven.

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How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Reheating

• Oven: Warm at low heat

• Microwave: 20–25 seconds

• Air fryer: Quick re-crisp at 300°F

Freezing

Freeze baked portions without icing. Defrost and reheat before adding fresh glaze.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

Casserole Is Too Dry

Reduce baking time or use milk with higher fat content.

Casserole Is Too Wet

Bake longer, or use slightly less milk.

Cinnamon Rolls Don’t Puff

Yeast dough may have been old, or oven wasn’t fully preheated.

Topping Soaks In Too Much

Wait a few minutes before drizzling icing to help it stay visible.

Center Sinks After Baking

This is normal and part of the casserole’s soft texture.

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How to Make Homemade Holiday Glaze

Vanilla Glaze

• Powdered sugar

• Milk

• Vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting

• Cream cheese

• Butter

• Powdered sugar

• Small amount of milk

Maple Glaze

• Powdered sugar

• Milk

• Maple extract

Orange Icing

• Powdered sugar

• Milk

• Orange zest

• Orange juice

Each glaze adds a different seasonal twist.

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Flavor Enhancements for Holiday Magic

Add Orange or Lemon Zest

Bright citrus complements cinnamon beautifully.

Top with Holiday Sprinkles

Fun for children and adds visual cheer.

Use Pure Maple Syrup

Adds warmth and depth without using alcohol.

Add Warm Spices

Small amounts of cloves, nutmeg, or cardamom elevate the holiday flavor profile.

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Holiday Occasions Perfect for Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Christmas Morning

Effortless, comforting, and perfect for early wake-ups.

Winter Brunch

Ideal for cozy indoor gatherings.

New Year’s Breakfast

Sweet start to a fresh new year.

Potlucks and Parties

Easy to transport and always the first dish emptied.

Gift for Neighbors

Bake in a disposable dish and share holiday warmth.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter. The casserole will still turn out soft and delicious.

Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough?

Absolutely. Cut homemade dough into chunks and proceed as usual.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes. Reduce the sugar in the custard or skip the icing.

Can I bake this in a smaller dish?

Yes—your casserole will be thicker, so adjust baking time.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Bake in a large dish or two 9×13 pans.

Can I use cream instead of milk?

Yes! It makes the casserole richer and perfect for holidays.

Why did my casserole get dry?

Likely overbaked. Pull it out when the center just sets.

How long should I let the rolls soak?

No soaking time is required—just pour and bake.

Can I add fruit?

Yes. Apples, cranberries, or blueberries are great additions.

Does this work in an air fryer?

Only in small batches or mini casseroles. Baking is recommended for holiday crowds.

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Final Thoughts

Holiday cinnamon roll casserole is the ultimate festive breakfast—warm, comforting, and incredibly simple to make. It transforms classic cinnamon rolls into a gooey, soft, dreamy casserole that fills the home with holiday aromas and joy. Whether you’re making this for Christmas morning, a seasonal brunch, or a cozy winter weekend, this recipe delivers everything you want: ease, flavor, nostalgia, and holiday cheer.

The best part? You can customize it endlessly with seasonal ingredients like cranberries, apples, nuts, citrus, or maple to create your own signature holiday tradition. Prepare it the night before or whip it up in minutes—either way, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite year after year.

Enjoy a warm slice surrounded by loved ones, twinkling lights, and the festive feeling that only the holidays can bring. This cinnamon roll casserole is more than a recipe—it’s a holiday memory in the making.