Get ready to bring a little magic to your Christmas morning breakfast with these adorable Rudolph Shaped Cinnamon Rolls!
Made from refrigerated cinnamon rolls, chocolate frosting, candy eyes, and a bright red candy nose, this best cinnamon roll idea, adds a little holiday cheer to every bite and comes together fast for Christmas morning, brunch, or a classroom party.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep: 10 min | Bake: 12 min | Decorating Time: 20 minutes | Difficulty: Easy
What it is: A quick and cute way to turn store-bought cinnamon rolls into Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer with candy eyes, a red candy nose, and chocolate frosting antlers.
Why you’ll love it: This magical breakfast comes together in minutes, it's kid-approved, and makes a fun addition to any Christmas breakfast or classroom party.
How to make it: Bake refrigerated cinnamon rolls until golden, then use chocolate frosting to pipe on antlers, candy eyes for Rudolph’s face, and red melting wafers for the nose.
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Table of Contents
- Recipe at a Glance
- Why You’ll Love Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
- Recommended Kitchen Tools
- My Kitchen Tools Essentials
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- Storage & Serving Tips
- Recipe FAQ's
- More Christmas Breakfast Recipes You'll Love!
- LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
- 📖 Recipe Card
- Food Safety Tips:
- 💬 Comments
Why You’ll Love Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
This fun breakfast is part of my Shaped Cinnamon Rolls for the Holidays series — easy ways to make cute treats using a can of Pillsbury cinnamon rolls.
Each one starts the same but ends up as a different shape for the season:
- Day One: Santa Hat Cinnamon Rolls
- Day Two: Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls on a Stick
- Day Three: Rudolph Shaped Cinnamon Rolls (you’re here!)
- Day Four: Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls Christmas Tree
- Day Five: Pillsbury Snowmen Cinnamon Rolls
- Day Six: Roundup: Christmas Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
- Day Seven: Pillsbury Shaped Christmas Wreath Cinnamon Rolls
- Day Eight: Pillsbury Candy Cane Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
Recommended Kitchen Tools
For a full list of kitchen tools used in this recipe, be sure to check the recipe card below. You can also browse my Favorite Kitchen Tools by clicking the photo below.
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My Kitchen Tools Essentials
Tools that will make your time easier and faster in the kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. For exact amounts and to easily shop for everything, click the Instacart button in the recipe card below to add the ingredients straight to your cart!
Substitutions and Variations
- Cinnamon rolls: Swap the refrigerated dough for your favorite homemade cinnamon roll recipe if you want a from-scratch version.
- Frosting: Swap the included icing for canned cream cheese frosting or homemade cream cheese icing if you prefer a thicker layer.
- Decorations: Use mini pretzels for antlers, red M&M’s or gumdrops for Rudolph’s nose, and chocolate chips for the eyes.
- Fun twist: Try chocolate or orange-flavored icing for a festive flavor variation, or sprinkle crushed candy canes over the frosting before serving.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
Step-by-Step Instructions
This section provides step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you through the recipe. For the complete printable version, scroll down to the recipe card below.
Step 1: Place the cinnamon rolls on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake according to the packing instructions.
Step 2: Once the cinnamon rolls are baked, spread the included icing on top and allow to cool.
Step 3: Pipe antlers on with the chocolate frosting towards the top of the cinnamon roll.
Step 4: Use a dot of frosting on each candy eye and red melting wafer to stick to the cinnamon rolls to complete the reindeer.
Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
✔️ DO use a small piping tip or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to draw the frosting antlers—this gives you better control and a cleaner design.
❌ DO NOT decorate while the rolls are still warm; the frosting will melt and lose its shape before it sets.
Storage & Serving Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended, as the frosting decorations may lose their shape and texture once thawed.
Thaw and Reheat: Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving to soften the frosting slightly without melting it.
Serving Tips: Add a fresh drizzle of frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving to refresh the look and flavor.
Recipe FAQ's
To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!
Let the cinnamon rolls cool for about 10 to 15 minutes before decorating. They should still be slightly warm but not hot. This helps the frosting set neatly and keeps the candy decorations from melting or sliding off.
Yes, you can bake the cinnamon rolls the night before. Store them covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator, then warm them slightly in the morning before decorating. This keeps them soft and fresh while making it easy to add the frosting and candy details just before serving.
More Christmas Breakfast Recipes You'll Love!
Looking for more Christmas breakfast recipes or maybe some Reindeer Desserts to add to your holiday menu?
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📖 Recipe Card
Rudolph Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bake the cinnamon rolls according to the package instructions.
- When the rolls are finished baking, immediately spread the included icing over the top, then allow the cinnamon rolls to cool.
- Transfer the chocolate icing to a piping bag and pipe two antlers on top of each cinnamon roll.
- Press two candy eyes into the roll under the chocolate frosting.
- Then use one red melting candy to make the nose of the reindeer.
Nutrition
Notes
Tips
- Use a small piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped to draw precise frosting antlers.
- Let the cinnamon rolls cool for about 10 minutes before decorating so the frosting sets neatly.
- For a cleaner look, decorate one roll at a time so the frosting doesn’t dry before adding the candy pieces.
- Store decorated rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.
- If preparing ahead, bake the rolls the night before and decorate them just before serving.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Food Safety Tips:
- Baked goods are done when they reach their recommended internal temperature—usually between 190–210°F (88–99°C), depending on the type. Always check the recipe for exact guidance.
- Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils for raw meat and cooked foods.
- Use separate utensils and surfaces for raw ingredients, especially eggs, to prevent cross-contamination.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw meat.
- Refrigerate or consume food promptly; don’t leave it at room temperature for extended periods.
- Keep a close eye on food while cooking to prevent accidents.
- Choose oils with a high smoking point to minimize the release of harmful compounds.
- Maintain good ventilation when using a gas stove to ensure safety and comfort.
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