Christmas morning calls for a breakfast as special as the day itself. In France, breakfast is typically a light, simple affair—sweet rather than savory. Things like eggs and bacon? That’s what we’d call a “Petit Déjeuner Américain.”
On most mornings, it’s all about simplicity: a slice of crispy baguette spread with creamy butter and a touch of homemade jam—our beloved tartine—paired with a hot coffee. But Christmas morning is a different story; it’s the perfect excuse to indulge, and no one does indulgence quite like the French.
From buttery croissants to festive pancakes, these six French Christmas breakfast ideas are simple, traditional, and sure to impress—not just with their flavors but with their stunning presentation.
1. Croissants and Pain au Chocolat
Croissants and pain au chocolat are iconic symbols of French culture, but let’s clear up a common misconception: the French do not eat croissants every single morning!
Usually, we save them for the weekend or for busy mornings when there’s no time to enjoy a tartine (a slice of baguette with butter and jam).
But of course Christmas is the perfect time to enjoy these delicious pastries. Serve them warm, straight from the oven, with some butter or fruit jam on the side.
To make them extra festive, you can sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top.
They go perfectly with a cup of hot chocolate or a creamy café au lait (coffee with milk). It’s a holiday breakfast that looks and tastes amazing!
2. Chouquettes
These little puffs of joy are one of my favorites!
Chouquettes are made from choux pastry—light and airy on the inside, with a delicate crisp on the outside—and sprinkled generously with pearl sugar for just the right touch of sweetness.
They’re similar to profiterole shells but without the heavy cream and chocolate. Instead, they focus on the simple pleasure of a crisp exterior, a hollow, airy center, and a slightly eggy, delicate flavor.
They’re surprisingly easy to make at home and look so charming piled into a basket for breakfast or brunch.
For a fun twist, you can serve them with any jam or even fill them with a bit of cream or custard if you want something extra special.
Light, delicious, and oh-so-French, chouquettes are a perfect treat for Christmas morning!
3. Kouglof (Alsatian Christmas Bread)
Kouglof is a favorite treat during Christmas in Alsace, and it’s easy to see why!
This bundt-shaped bread is filled with raisins and almonds, and sometimes it’s flavored with rum or orange blossom water for an extra special touch.
It’s sweet, rich, and looks so beautiful—perfect for Christmas morning.
To make it extra festive, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top to look like snow. Serve it with orange marmalade or spiced butter for even more flavor. Pair it with a warm cup of tea or hot mulled wine, and you’ve got a cozy, Christmassy treat everyone will love!
4. French Toast (Pain Perdu)
Pain perdu, or “french toast” is what we call French toast—and it’s been a favorite in France for generations.
It’s a clever way to use up stale bread by dipping it in a mix of eggs, milk, and a bit of sugar, then frying it until golden and delicious.
On Christmas morning, you can make it even more special by using brioche or panettone, which are softer and sweeter, for a richer, holiday-worthy flavor.
To give it that festive flair, top your pain perdu with fresh berries, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar that looks like snow.
Want to make it extra fancy? Add a dollop of whipped cream and even a few edible flowers. Serve it stacked high on a big plate, and you’ll have a breakfast that’s both beautiful and totally delicious!
It’s simple, fun, and sure to wow everyone at the table.
5. Noël Pancakes
Why not give traditional pancakes a festive French twist?
In France, pancakes are considered more of an American-style breakfast, but we love them too—especially for fun occasions like Christmas. They’re fluffy, easy to make, and perfect for decorating to match the holiday spirit.
Get creative with them! You could make a Santa face by using whipped cream for his beard, a slice of strawberry for his hat, and chocolate chips for his eyes.
Or, keep it simple—stack your pancakes, sprinkle powdered sugar on top to look like snow, and add some red and green sprinkles.
Serve them with syrup, fruit, or even a bit of Nutella.
They’re a little different from our usual French breakfasts, but that’s what makes them perfect for a festive morning!
6. Crêpes with Nutella and Strawberries
Crêpes are the French version of pancakes, but they’re much thinner and lighter—not like the fluffy ones you find in the U.S. or Britain.
For breakfast, sweet crêpes are the favorite, and sometimes the simplest option is the best: a sprinkle of sugar is a classic that’s always delicious!
But there are plenty of other ways to enjoy them too.
You can spread on some jam (like apricot or spiced plum), chocolate hazelnut spread, or apple compote.
Or drizzle them with warm salted caramel, dark chocolate sauce, or even maple syrup with a squeeze of orange.
If you love citrus, orange curd is amazing, and crème de marron (sweet chestnut and vanilla spread) is another French favorite.
Simple, delicious, and a real treat for everyone!
Why French Breakfasts Are Sweet, Not Savory
You may have noticed that all these ideas are sweet, not savory. That’s no accident—French breakfasts traditionally lean toward sweet flavors.
Whether it’s cultural habits, historical influences, or simply a love for pastries, savory options like eggs and bacon are rare on a French breakfast table.
Create Your Magical French Christmas Morning
And there you have it—six delicious and beautiful ideas to make your Christmas morning extra special, the French way. Whether it’s buttery croissants, festive pancakes, or delicate crêpes, these sweet treats are perfect for starting the day with a touch of elegance and warmth.
French breakfasts may be simple most days, but Christmas is the perfect time to bring something extra to the table.
These ideas are easy to prepare, fun to share, and sure to make everyone smile.
So, brew your coffee, set the table with your favorite dishes, and enjoy a Christmas breakfast that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Joyeux Noël and bon appétit!
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
