Homemade Christmas Coffee Cake: A Holiday Morning Tradition

Growing up, Christmas was always so magical—and for me, one of the sweetest parts of the season was my grandma’s Christmas Coffee Cake. Every year, my grandma (the same one with the original Shiny-Brite ornament tree that inspired my business) would bake a homemade Christmas coffee cake for each of her four kids and their families. On Christmas Eve, we’d all go home with one of her cakes, and on Christmas morning, it was breakfast while we unwrapped gifts and soaked up all the holiday joy.

My remake of Grandma’s Homemade Christmas Coffee Cake, topped with cherries and walnuts, alongside her lovingly hand-sewn potholders.

Last year, I decided to keep this tradition alive by baking her coffee cake for my own family. It’s amazing how a food can trigger so many memories—the smell of cinnamon in the kitchen, the warmth of cutting into the cake, and that nostalgic feeling of carrying on something so special. Food, like holiday decorations, has this incredible way of holding onto memories—smells, feelings, people—you can cherish forever.

When I think of Christmas, it’s more than just presents or decor. It’s traditions like this coffee cake, the cozy glow of our ornament tree, and moments shared with family that make it all so meaningful.

I’m sharing her recipe here, along with a photo of her original handwritten recipe card. It’s just as much a treasure as the cake itself. If you’re looking for a new Christmas Coffee Cake recipe, this one might just become part of your holiday traditions too.

Grandma’s Homemade Christmas Coffee Cake Recipe (Overnight)

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus overnight refrigeration)

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 2 coffee cakes

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup scaled milk (heat until vapor forms but do not boil)

• 1 package yeast

• 1/4 cup warm water

• 4 cups flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 2 sticks (1 cup) margarine or butter

• 2 eggs, beaten

For the Filling:

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

• 2 tablespoons melted margarine

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough (Day 1):

   • Dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup warm water and let sit for 5 minutes.

   • In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in margarine until crumbly.

   • Add beaten eggs, scaled milk (cooled), and dissolved yeast to the flour mixture.

   • Mix lightly until combined.

   • Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight.

2. Assemble the Coffee Cake (Day 2):

   • Divide the dough into two equal portions.

   • Roll out one portion of the dough into a rectangle.

   • Brush the surface with 1 tablespoon of melted margarine.

   • In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle half the mixture over the dough.

   • Roll the dough tightly into a log and place it on a greased baking sheet.

   • Repeat with the second portion of dough.

3. Bake:

   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

   • Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.

   • Let cool slightly before slicing.

Here’s the original recipe card, written in my grandma’s handwriting. It’s a piece of her I’ll always treasure, and sharing it here feels like a way to keep her spirit alive.

This coffee cake isn’t just a recipe—it’s a tradition filled with memories, flavors, and feelings I’ll hold onto forever. Whether it’s the smell of cinnamon in the air or the glow of our ornament tree in the corner, these moments remind me what the season is all about: connection, love, and traditions that last a lifetime.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Wishing you a warm, magical, and nostalgic holiday season!