Create Christmas Morning Magic with These Grinch Cinnamon Rolls

Get ready to steal the spotlight (and maybe a few hearts) this holiday season with these Grinch-inspired cinnamon rolls! Fluffy, warm, and swirled with sweet cinnamon goodness, they’re topped with bright green icing that even the Grinch himself couldn’t resist. A sprinkle of red heart candies and holiday sprinkles adds the perfect festive touch—because even the grumpiest holiday grouch’s heart can grow three sizes with a little sugar and cheer. These rolls are perfect for Christmas morning, holiday brunch, or a cozy baking day with the family. So put on your favorite Christmas music, channel your inner Whoville baker, and let’s make some merry mischief in the kitchen!

grinch cinnamon rolls super easy and yummy

Why you should make these Grinch Cinnamon Rolls:

Festive Fun: The bright green icing and red heart sprinkles make these rolls a cheerful (and Instagram-worthy!) holiday treat.
Perfect for Parties: Great for Christmas brunches, cookie swaps, or any festive gathering where you want to spread some Whoville-style joy.
Kid-Friendly Activity: A fun, hands-on baking project that little ones will love decorating—and eating!
Sweet & Cozy Flavor: Classic cinnamon roll comfort with a playful holiday twist that warms hearts and tummies alike.
Gift-Worthy Goodness: Package them up in a cute box or tin for a thoughtful homemade gift that’s sure to make spirits bright.

These cinnamon rolls are great for:

Christmas Morning Breakfast – Start the day with something sweet, colorful, and full of holiday cheer.
Holiday Brunch with Family or Friends – A festive centerpiece that’s sure to impress your guests.
Cookie or Treat Exchange Party – Stand out from the crowd with a creative twist on a classic dessert.
Christmas Movie Night – Enjoy these while watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas for the ultimate themed treat.
School or Office Holiday Party – A fun, eye-catching dessert that will have everyone talking.
Winter Bake Sale or Fundraiser – Bright, whimsical, and guaranteed to catch attention (and raise funds!).
Christmas Eve Dessert Table – Add a playful pop of color and sweetness to your holiday spread.
Kids’ Holiday Baking Day – A creative and tasty activity that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Christmas Grinch Cinnamon Rolls

Makes 5 cinnamon rolls

Prep time: 10 minutes / Cook time: 12 minutes

Ingredients

1 package cinnamon roll dough (I used Grands for this recipe.)
Neon Green Food Coloring
Grinch sprinkles (Or red heart sprinkles and Christmas sprinkles)

Instructions

Bake the cinnamon rolls according to the package instructions.

bake cinnamon rolls according to package

When the rolls are finished baking, remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes.

Mix the green food coloring into the cinnamon roll icing until you reach the desired shade.

mix green food coloring into cinnamon roll icing

Working with one cinnamon roll at a time, ice the cinnamon roll with the green icing. While the icing is still wet, place one candy heart in the middle. Add the rest of the candy sprinkles around it.

ice and decorate cinnamon rolls one at a time

Serve and enjoy!

grinch cinnamon rolls on a serving board

FAQ

1. Can I use any brand of refrigerated cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely! Any brand of refrigerated cinnamon rolls will work for this recipe—just choose your favorite. The key is to follow the baking instructions on the package and then add your festive Grinch-inspired toppings once they’re baked.

2. How do I make the icing that bright Grinch green?

Simply tint the icing that comes with your cinnamon rolls using a few drops of neon green food coloring. Start with one or two drops, mix well, and add more until you reach that perfect Grinchy shade of green. If you don’t have neon green food coloring, use regular green food coloring and add a drop or two of yellow to brighten it to the desired shade.

3. Where can I find the red heart sprinkles?

You can usually find red heart sprinkles in the baking aisle of most grocery stores, craft stores, or online—especially around the holidays or Valentine’s Day. If you can’t find them, small red candy hearts or red M&Ms work great too!

4. Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the rolls a day in advance, then store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, warm them slightly in the oven or microwave and drizzle on the green icing and heart sprinkles just before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven look. Or, make and decorate the cinnamon rolls a day ahead of time and serve cold.

closeup of finished grinch cinnamon roll

Tips & Tricks:

Use room-temperature icing: It spreads more smoothly and helps the green color blend evenly.
Add icing while rolls are slightly warm: This helps it melt just a bit for that irresistible gooey look.
Go bold with color: A few extra drops of green food coloring make the icing pop in photos and on your table.
Customize your hearts: Can’t find red sprinkles? Use red candies, fondant hearts, or even pipe tiny hearts with red icing.
Serve with a twist: Pair these rolls with hot cocoa or peppermint lattes for the ultimate holiday treat!

With their bright green icing, sweet cinnamon swirls, and those adorable red hearts, these Grinch cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to bring smiles (and maybe a few happy hearts) to your holiday table. They’re the perfect mix of cozy comfort and playful holiday spirit—just the thing to make even the grumpiest Grinch feel a little more jolly. Whether you’re baking them for Christmas morning, a movie night, or just because, these treats are sure to become a new seasonal favorite. So grab your apron, turn up the holiday tunes, and get ready to bake your way into everyone’s heart—one delicious roll at a time!