You know that warm-butter-and-cinnamon smell that hits you right before Christmas breakfast? That’s the magic in these Grinch Cinnamon Rollssoft, gooey, and tinted the cheeky green of our favorite holiday villain. They’ve been popping up at every cookie swap and pajama brunch, and for good reason: they’re just plain fun.
This recipe starts with store-bought dough (yes, we’re keeping it easy) and layers in plenty of brown sugar spice with a swirl of festive green icing on top. You get that classic Christmas cinnamon roll comfort, with just a playful twist. It’s like a sweet little prank from the ovenready in under an hour, no fuss, all charm. Great as a quick treat or one of your new go-to holiday cinnamon rolls.
I started making these back in 2019 for my nieces’ holiday breakfast, right after we watched the old Grinch movie in our flannel PJs. They couldn’t stop giggling when the icing turned everything Grinch green. One tip I picked up fasttint the icing with gel color, not liquid food dye, so it stays thick and bright. After years of writing recipes for cozy gatherings, I can promisethis one brings instant holiday joy.
Yesica Andrews
Grinch Cinnamon Rolls: Easy Festive Treats to Make
These easy Grinch Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat perfect for Christmas Breakfast Ideas. Made with canned cinnamon rolls and vibrant green frosting, they bring festive cheer to your holiday table. Quick and simple to prepare, these Holiday Cinnamon Rolls are baked in an air fryer for a convenient and delicious Christmas morning.
10 drop neon green food coloring (plus 3 drops yellow – optional)
8 red heart candy sprinkles
Method
Open the can and separate the individual cinnamon rolls.
Place the rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket with space between each; optionally place perforated parchment under for easy cleanup.
Cook at 360°F for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through; flip and cook an additional 2-3 minutes if desired.
While baking, tint the frosting by mixing neon green food coloring and optionally yellow into the frosting until your desired green shade is achieved.
Remove cooked cinnamon rolls and allow to cool slightly to prevent frosting from melting.
Spread the green tinted frosting evenly over the cinnamon rolls.
Top each roll with a red heart candy sprinkle and serve.
Notes
Use canned frosting for convenience or make your own if preferred. Adding a few drops of yellow food coloring helps achieve the perfect Grinch green. Any red heart-shaped candies or Christmas-themed sprinkles work well for decoration. Nutritional values may vary depending on brands and decorations used.
Why You’ll Love These Grinch Cinnamon Rolls
Quick & Easy: Achieve delicious, festive cinnamon rolls in just 10 minutes of air fryer cook time, perfect for even the busiest holiday mornings.
Nostalgic Holiday Vibes: The playful Grinch-green frosting and cheerful heart sprinkles instantly evoke nostalgic holiday cheer, adding a whimsical twist to classic Christmas flavors.
Beginner-Friendly: No kneading or rolling required! This simple recipe utilizes store-bought canned dough, making it accessible and fun for home cooks of all skill levels.
Perfect for Kids (or the Young at Heart): Ideal for family breakfasts, holiday brunches, or a Grinch movie marathon, these charming rolls are guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Key Ingredients & Tools
Crafting these delightful Grinch Cinnamon Rolls is surprisingly simple, requiring just a few key ingredients you likely have on hand or can easily grab:
Cinnamon Roll Dough: One 12-ounce can (typically 8 rolls) serves as our fluffy, spicy foundation, making this recipe a breeze.
Frosting: Classic vanilla or rich cream cheese frosting works perfectly as the base for our vibrant green tint.
Food Coloring: Achieve that signature Grinch shade with neon green food coloring. For an extra vibrant ‘Grinch glow,’ consider adding a drop or two of yellow.
Heart Sprinkles: Tiny red heart candies are the iconic festive touch! Feel free to use any small heart-shaped sprinkles or even a mix of holiday colors.
You’ll also need your trusty air fryer, a small mixing bowl for whisking up the vibrant frosting, and a spatula or spoon for spreading that irresistible green goodness!
Helpful Tool Table
Tool
Purpose
Air Fryer
Quick and even baking without preheating the oven.
Mixing Bowl
Mix the frosting and food coloring to perfection.
Spatula
Spread the frosting evenly over the rolls.
Step-by-Step: Making Grinch Cinnamon Rolls
1. Prep for Baking: Carefully open your can of cinnamon rolls and separate them. For easier cleanup and to prevent sticking, you can line your air fryer basket with perforated parchment paper before arranging the rolls with a little space between each.
2. Air Fry to Golden Perfection: Place the prepared rolls in your air fryer basket. Cook at 360°F (180°C) for 8–10 minutes; there’s no need to preheat! Look for a beautiful golden-brown top. If the bottoms appear too pale, gently flip the rolls and air fry for an additional 2–3 minutes.
3. Mix the Grinch Green Frosting: In a small bowl, combine the included cinnamon roll frosting (or your chosen vanilla/cream cheese frosting) with the neon green food coloring. Begin with about 10 drops of green, then stir well and add more gradually until you reach your desired vibrant Grinch shade. For an extra playful hue, mix in 1-2 drops of yellow food coloring.
4. Decorate Your Grinch Rolls: Let the freshly baked rolls cool on a wire rack for about 5-10 minutes. This crucial step prevents the frosting from melting right off. Once slightly cooled, generously spread the vivid green frosting over each roll and complete the look with a cheerful sprinkling of red heart candies.
Quick Cooking Time Reference
Step
Time
Air Fry Cinnamon Rolls
8–10 minutes
Flip for Extra Browning (Optional)
2–3 minutes
Frost & Decorate
5 minutes
Tips for the Best Grinch Cinnamon Rolls
Allow Cooling Time: This is a crucial step! While warm rolls are delightful, letting them cool for 5-10 minutes on a wire rack before frosting prevents the vibrant green frosting from melting and sliding off.
Food Coloring Hacks: No neon green? No problem! Achieve a similar Grinchy hue by mixing regular green food coloring with a drop or two of yellow.
Sprinkle Creativity: Any small red heart-shaped candies will work perfectly. For extra festivity, consider a mix of other holiday sprinkles alongside your hearts!
Homemade Frosting Option: If you prefer, substitute the canned frosting with a simple homemade powdered sugar glaze. Just be aware it might be thinner than canned frosting, but still delicious!
Serving & Storing
These festive Grinch Cinnamon Rolls are undeniably best when enjoyed warm and fresh from the air fryer. However, if you find yourself with any delightful leftovers (a rare treat!), here’s how to properly store and reheat them:
Serving Suggestions: Serve these charming rolls warm, perhaps with an extra swirl of green frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar if you’re feeling indulgent. They pair perfectly with a steaming mug of hot cocoa, coffee, or a glass of milk for the ultimate cozy holiday moment.
Proper Storage: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or extend their freshness by refrigerating them for up to 4 days.
Reheating for Freshness: To enjoy them warm again, pop the rolls back into your air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 1–2 minutes, or until just warmed through. Alternatively, a quick 15-20 second zap in the microwave can also work for individual rolls.
Storage Tips Table
Storage Method
How Long
Reheating Instructions
Room Temperature (Airtight Container)
2 Days
Air fry at 300°F (150°C) for 1–2 minutes, or microwave 15-20 seconds per roll.
Refrigerated
4 Days
Air fry or microwave, as above.
Expert Insight: The Appeal of Grinch Cinnamon Rolls
Beyond their festive appearance, Grinch cinnamon rolls offer a delightful balance of classic warm cinnamon spice and a whimsical twist that truly makes holiday baking special. The tender, fluffy dough, combined with that iconic green frosting, creates a memorable treat that’s not just delicious but also brings genuine smiles to any festive gathering.
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Finding the Sweet Spot with Grinch Cinnamon Rolls
Crafting the perfect Grinch Cinnamon Rolls wasn’t without its humorous moments! I recall one batch that turned out far too doughy and another that surprisingly lacked that signature cinnamon kick. But through plenty of kitchen experiments, taste tests, and a few amusing mishaps, I’ve finally perfected this recipe. The result is a truly cozy and festive treat that’s just right.
FAQs ( Grinch Cinnamon Rolls )
Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls the night before. Just assemble them, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake or air fry them fresh in the morning for that perfect festive cinnamon rolls experience. This saves you time and keeps breakfast stress-free.
What is the best way to store leftover rolls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls individually wrapped, then thaw and reheat when ready. Reheating in the air fryer or oven helps maintain their soft texture and fresh taste.
Can I substitute the green frosting for another type?
Absolutely! While the green frosting adds festive charm, feel free to use classic cream cheese or vanilla glaze instead. This flexibility lets you customize the look and flavor to suit your holiday preferences without compromising taste.
Is it possible to make this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the rolls in a conventional oven at 350°F for 18-22 minutes until golden and cooked through. Adjust baking time as needed, keeping an eye on texture. This makes the recipe accessible whether or not you own an air fryer.
How do I prevent the cinnamon sugar from leaking during cooking?
To minimize leakage, wrap the rolls tightly when assembling and place them snugly in the air fryer basket. Keeping the dough rolled evenly helps keep the filling inside. Using a thicker cinnamon sugar mix or adding a little butter can also reduce spills.
Conclusion
These Grinch Cinnamon Rolls truly deliver a soft, sweet, and festive burst of cinnamon warmth, all ready in under 30 minutes! You’ll be delighted by how effortlessly they come together with just a few simple kitchen staplesand how that vibrant green frosting instantly spreads holiday smiles.
Feel free to get creative! Try swapping cream cheese frosting for a lighter vanilla glaze, or add a delightful crunch by sprinkling chopped nuts into the rolls before baking. Remember to store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days, and gently reheat them in your air fryer to bring back that ‘freshly baked’ warmtha valuable tip from seasoned bakers!
I encourage you to give this whimsical recipe a whirl and share your family’s reactions! Did these festive rolls evoke nostalgic holiday morning memories for you? Be sure to pin this recipe for your next cozy baking day and spread some sweet, Grinchy joy to everyone you love. Trust methese are a holiday treat you’ll want to make again and again!
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
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