Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

There’s something magical about the rich, warm flavors of gingerbread during the holiday season. These Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls bring together the cozy spices of gingerbread with the gooey sweetness of classic cinnamon rolls, creating a festive treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. If you’re a fan of gingerbread cookies and love the pillowy texture of cinnamon rolls, this recipe is for you. The combination of molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and a decadent cream cheese frosting makes these rolls an irresistible holiday favorite.

Why You’ll Love These Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

These Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are not your average cinnamon rolls. They bring all the traditional flavors of the holidays into a soft, warm, and indulgent roll. The dough is tender and enriched with molasses and spices, giving it that gingerbread-like warmth. The filling, made with butter, brown sugar, molasses, and ginger, offers the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Topped with a gingerbread-spiced cream cheese frosting, these rolls are the ultimate holiday indulgence.

Whether you’re looking for something new to serve at a holiday brunch or want a cozy weekend baking project, these rolls are guaranteed to impress. Plus, they make your home smell amazing while baking!

Ingredients for the Perfect Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

For the Dough:

• 5 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
• 2 packets Fleischmann’s RapidRise instant yeast
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 6 tablespoons softened butter
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) softened butter
• 2 tablespoons molasses

For the Gingerbread Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 tablespoons softened butter
• 6 oz. softened cream cheese
• 1 1/2 tablespoons molasses
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar

this RECIPE

Essential Equipment for Making Cinnamon Rolls

• Stand mixer with paddle and dough hook attachments
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Plastic wrap
• Sharp knife
• Spatula

Step-by-Step: How to Make Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

1. Making the Dough:

Start by preparing the dough. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 3 cups of flour, yeast, brown sugar, salt, and ground ginger. Using the paddle attachment, mix the dry ingredients. Next, add the softened butter and warm milk to the dry mixture and blend on medium speed until just combined.

Add in the eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until well incorporated. Switch to the dough hook attachment, and add the remaining 2 cups of flour. Mix on low/medium speed until the dough comes together, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Knead the dough on high speed for 4-5 minutes. If the dough is sticky, add an extra tablespoon of flour and continue kneading until smooth.

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes while you prepare the filling.

2. Making the Filling:

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, softened butter, and molasses. Blend until the mixture forms a smooth, spreadable filling.

3. Rolling Out and Filling the Dough:

Once the dough has rested, punch it down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Using a spatula or your hands, spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the ends to seal, and then use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 equal rolls.

4. Proofing and Baking the Rolls:

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Place the rolls in the prepared dish, cover them with plastic wrap, and let them rise at room temperature for 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Once the rolls have risen, bake them for about 40 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges and puffed in the center.

5. Making the Gingerbread Cream Cheese Frosting:

While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, mix together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add the molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, and mix again. Gradually add the powdered sugar, blending on high speed until the frosting is light and creamy.

6. Frosting and Serving:

Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls, allowing it to melt slightly into the cinnamon-spiced layers. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Perfectly Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls Every Time

• Don’t rush the rising time: Let the dough rise for the full hour to ensure soft, fluffy rolls.
• Check your yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh and activated by using warm (not hot) milk.
• Roll the dough tightly: A tight roll helps the cinnamon filling stay inside the roll and keeps the layers from falling apart.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the rolls during baking to avoid dry edges. Bake until they’re golden brown, but still soft in the center.

Creative Ways to Customize Your Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

You can get creative with this recipe by adding extra ingredients to the filling:

• Chopped nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch.
• Dried fruits: Raisins or cranberries add a sweet, chewy texture.
• Different spices: You can play with the spice levels by adding nutmeg or cloves to the dough or filling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Cinnamon Rolls

• Under-kneading the dough: Kneading helps develop the gluten, which gives the rolls their structure and texture. Don’t skip this step.
• Not letting the dough rise enough: If the dough doesn’t rise properly, your rolls will turn out dense.
• Using too much flour: This can make your dough too tough, so be careful when adding extra flour.

Serving Suggestions for Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

These rolls are best served warm, fresh from the oven. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy holiday breakfast. You can also serve them as a decadent dessert, drizzled with extra cream cheese frosting.

For a festive presentation, sprinkle the frosted rolls with powdered sugar or garnish with small gingerbread cookies. They’re perfect for a holiday brunch table or as a sweet treat to share with family and friends.

How to Store Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, microwave each roll for about 15-20 seconds, or warm them in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes.

For longer storage, you can freeze the rolls (unfrosted) for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature, reheat, and frost with fresh cream cheese icing.

FAQ

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls up to the point of baking, cover them tightly, and store them in the fridge overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.

Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of regular flour. Make sure to check your yeast for gluten as well.

Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! After cutting the dough into rolls, freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, thaw, let rise, and then bake as usual.

Conclusion

These Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect way to bring holiday cheer to your kitchen. With the warm spices of gingerbread, soft dough, and a rich cream cheese frosting, they’re a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll. Whether you’re serving them for a festive breakfast or a special treat, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share it with others! Be sure to subscribe to the blog for more delicious holiday recipes and baking tips. Happy baking!

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