It smells like cinnamon and childhood in here. These Grinch Cinnamon Rolls are soft, gooey, and dyed the most delightfully mischievous green. Folks are whipping them up all over TikTok and Pinterestand I’m not surprised. They’re fun, a little quirky, and totally irresistible.
This recipe starts with a trusty can of cinnamon rolls (yep, store-bought!) and adds a quick homemade frosting swirl in green with a candy heart on top. It’s like your favorite holiday cinnamon rolls, but with a playful twist. Full details in the blog!
My daughter called these “Christmas slime buns” and then ate three. I take that as a glowing review. We tested a few versions to get the color, goo, and heart just rightI did the messy work so you don’t have to. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
These easy Grinch cinnamon rolls make a perfect Christmas treat with green frosted rolls and red candy hearts. Enjoy festive cinnamon rolls baked quickly using an air fryer. Ideal for holiday cinnamon rolls and fun holiday baking.
Ingredients
Scale
12 ounce can cinnamon rolls 8 count
8 ounces vanilla or cream cheese frosting
10 drop neon green food coloring plus 3 drops yellow – optional
8 red heart candy sprinkles
Instructions
Open the can and separate the individual rolls.
Place cinnamon rolls into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer with air space between each one.
Cook on the air fryer setting at 360°F for 8-10 minutes until browned and cooked through.
While baking, tint the frosting with green food coloring by mixing drops until the desired shade is reached.
Remove cinnamon rolls and allow to cool slightly.
Spread the green frosting evenly over the rolls and top each with a red candy heart.
Notes
You can also make homemade frosting if you prefer, but I use the canned option since it’s faster The color with just the neon green is still pretty good but I find if you add a few drops of plain yellow it’s more Grinch-like Any red heart-shaped candies or sprinkles you like work fine Even a Christmas blend with hearts in it is a great choice Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients any decorations added and actual quantity consumed so please consider this a guideline only
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Category:Breakfast, Brunch
Method:Air Fryer
Cuisine:American
Why You’ll Love These Grinch Cinnamon Rolls
If you’re looking for a playful, fun holiday baking project, these Grinch Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect match. They’re impossibly easy to make, thanks to store-bought cinnamon rolls, and they whip up in under 20 minutesincluding that iconic green frosting and candy heart detail. How’s that for stress-free?
What I adore most about this recipe is how delightfully messy and nostalgic it is. There’s no perfection required herejust a quick swipe of frosting and a sprinkle of holiday cheer. Whether you’re baking with kids, grandkids, or just treating yourself, these rolls bring big smiles with minimal effort. They’re the kind of sweet holiday treat that feels festive but doable, even on the busiest December morning.
Ingredients & Tools You’ll Need
The ingredient list is short and sweet, keeping this as simple as possible for a fuss-free baking session:
12 oz can of cinnamon rolls (8 count): Any refrigerated brand works greatyour favorite will do.
8 oz vanilla or cream cheese frosting: I use the pre-made kind to keep things easy, but homemade works if you’re feeling fancy.
10 drops of neon green food coloring and 3 drops of yellow (optional): The magic behind that mischievous Grinch green.
8 red heart candy sprinkles: These add the perfect festive touch! Look for them in holiday sprinkle mixes or online.
As for tools, you’ll need an air fryer, a mixing bowl, a spatula, and maybe a piece of parchment paper if you’re like me and try to avoid scrubbing sticky messes after baking. (No judgment!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to bake? Here’s how to bring these festive cinnamon rolls to life:
Prep the cinnamon rolls: Pop open the can (carefullythose things are sneaky!), separate the rolls, and place them in a single layer in your air fryer basket. If sticking worries you, line the basket with perforated parchment paper.
Cook: Air fry at 360°F for 8–10 minutes. They’re done when golden and fluffy. If the bottoms look pale, flip them and give them an extra 2–3 minutes.
Frosting time: While the rolls cool slightly, mix your frosting with green food coloring in a bowl. Start with a few drops, stir, and adjust until you reach the perfect Grinchy hue. (Optional: Add a drop or two of yellow for extra brightness.)
Decorate: Spread the green frosting over each roll, then top with a candy heart in the center. Stand back and admireyou’ve made something that’s almost too cute to eat!
Cooking Time Overview
Step
Time
Prep
5 minutes
Air fry
8–10 minutes
Decorate
2–3 minutes
Total
15 minutes
Pro Tips & Swaps
This recipe is already super simple, but here are a few tricks and tweaks to make it even betteror to put your own spin on things:
No green food coloring? Substitute with any green frosting gel or mix equal parts blue and yellow food dye for a similar effect.
Kid-friendly tips: Let little ones spread the frosting or carefully place the candy hearts on the decorated rolls.
Want extra flair? Add a sprinkle of edible glitter or fun Christmas sprinkles around the base of each roll for even more festive vibes.
Pro Tip: Serve these warm with a side of hot cocoa or coffee for the ultimate cozy Christmas breakfast idea!
Storing & Reheating Your Rolls
If (and it’s a big if!) you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:
Storage: Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the frosting separate, if possible, and add just before serving.
Reheating: Warm rolls in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or pop them back in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes until soft and gooey again.
Shortcut: To save extra time, decorate the rolls with frosting and candy hearts just before reheatingthis keeps them looking fresh and festive!
Expert Insight: Mastering Grinch Cinnamon Rolls
Making Grinch cinnamon rolls is all about joyful simplicity, especially when starting with store-bought rolls. The real mastery comes from creating that vibrant green frosting and artfully placing the candy heart, transforming a classic treat into a festive masterpiece with minimal effort. It’s about achieving maximum holiday cheer with a smart shortcut!
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How I Finally Nailed My Grinch Cinnamon Rolls
These Grinch Cinnamon Rolls truly shine through their simplicity. Instead of hours spent on dough, I focused on perfecting the iconic green frosting and the sweet heart detail, discovering just how much festive fun you can create with a clever shortcut. This recipe is the culmination of finding the easiest, most delightful way to bring Grinchy joy to your holiday table!
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 come together in under 20 minutes and deliver that perfect mix of soft, gooey warmth and playful holiday cheer. You’ll love how the sweet, green frosting pops against the tender rolls, filling your kitchen with that irresistible cinnamon scent that feels like a big winter hug. They’re easy, festive, and so satisfying just the kind of sweet holiday treat that makes mornings feel extra special.
Want to switch it up? Try using cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist or sprinkle a bit of crushed peppermint for a minty sparkle. Leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container and reheat gently to keep that fresh-from-the-oven softness alive a little trick I picked up from holiday baking marathons gone delightfully sideways. These rolls are as flexible as your favorite holiday sweater.
I’d love to see your take on these festive cinnamon rolls snap a pic, share your stories, or tell me about your own holiday baking traditions. Did cinnamon rolls make your Christmas mornings? Save or share this recipe for easy joy all season long. Here’s to cozy kitchens and sweet moments, my friends!
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
