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Start the day with something sweet. These recipes include festive favorites and a few make-ahead options, so you can enjoy breakfast and still keep the morning relaxed.
Christmas is the most magical time of year and it deserves a great breakfast. If you’re in charge this holiday season and don’t have a plan yet, this list will help you put a menu together.
A simple Christmas morning game plan
If you want a calm morning, pick one oven recipe and one quick option. That way you’re not stuck cooking batch after batch while everyone’s waiting.
Dec 24 (evening)
Choose one to prep ahead: bread pudding, muffins or a quick bread.
Put toppings in one spot so you’re not digging through cupboards in the morning (syrup, powdered sugar, berries, nuts, chocolate chips).
Making roll ups? Prep the filling and set out what you’ll need so you can assemble them quickly.
Dec 25 (morning)
Start the oven recipe first (bread pudding or German pancakes), then let it bake while you do everything else.
While it’s in the oven, make one fast stovetop recipe (French toast, roll ups or oatmeal).
Add toppings, pour coffee and serve everything warm.
What do you eat for breakfast on Christmas morning? We like to start the day with something sweet. If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place.
A holiday-style French toast that feels right at home on Christmas morning. It’s spiced, golden and finished with a cinnamon honey sauce that pulls everything together.
Rolled up, filled and cooked until crisp on the outside. The maple-pecan filling makes these taste like a special treat, and you can do some prep the day before to make the morning easier.
A sweet, quick option when you want something fun that does not take long. Nutella and banana make the filling, and you can serve them with fruit on the side for a simple plate.
Brioche turns basic French toast into something richer and a little more celebratory. Keep it classic with syrup or go heavy on toppings like berries, powdered sugar or a spoonful of blueberry sauce.
Made for dipping and sharing. The coating gives them extra crunch, and they are freezer-friendly, which is exactly what you want when Christmas morning is busy.
This is the hands-off pancake you bake in the oven. It puffs up beautifully, then you top it with berries, jam or powdered sugar and slice it up for everyone at the table.
This is a great pick for a smaller group. The croissants get filled with apple compote and maple ricotta, then you top everything with cinnamon sauce and serve right away.
This bread pudding is all about brioche soaked in custard, baked until set, then served warm with sauce. It’s a great make-ahead option when you want breakfast for everyone without standing at the stove.
Quick bread recipes for Christmas morning breakfast
This gingerbread loaf is packed with cozy spice and made even better with a cinnamon icing. Bake it the day before, then glaze it in the morning right before slicing.
An easy bake-ahead option that works well for early risers and snackers. Freeze a batch and pull out what you need or bake them the day before and serve with coffee in the morning.
FAQ: Sweet Christmas breakfast
What can I make the night before?
Bread pudding, muffins, quick breads and rice pudding are the easiest make-ahead choices. For roll ups, you can prep the filling and set everything out so the morning goes faster.
How do I keep batches warm without drying them out?
Keep cooked pieces on a sheet pan in a warm oven at about 200°F (95°C) while you finish the rest. Try not to hold them too long. Warm is the goal, not “still cooking”.
I’m feeding a crowd. What’s the easiest plan?
Pick one oven recipe that serves everyone (bread pudding or German pancakes), then add something that requires no last-minute cooking, like muffins or sliced quick bread. If you still want a stovetop option, choose one French toast recipe and keep it simple.
I’m cooking for two. What should I make?
Croissant French toast is a great small-batch choice. Brioche French toast is also easy to scale down, and you can add fruit and coffee to make it feel like a full breakfast.
What’s the best recipe if kids want to help?
French toast sticks and the roll ups are perfect for little helpers. They can set up dipping sauces, prep toppings or help with rolling while you handle the hot pan.
What’s on your Christmas breakfast menu this year?
