The holiday season evokes feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and sweet indulgence. What better way to celebrate this spirit than with a batch of homemade Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls? This delightful twist on a classic favorite combines the fragrant spices of gingerbread with the comforting softness of cinnamon rolls. You’ll soon find that these rolls not only fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas but also satisfy your taste buds in the most delightful way.
Why We Love This Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
There’s something exceptionally comforting about the combination of ginger, cinnamon, and sweetness. This recipe is perfect for those chilly mornings when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something special. Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls bring back memories of cozy family gatherings and holiday festivities.
Not only are these rolls delightful in flavor and texture, but their preparation also invites you to savor the moment. From kneading the dough to rolling it out, the entire process is a labor of love. Plus, because they are baked fresh, the experience of enjoying a warm roll straight from the oven is simply unmatched.
These rolls are versatile too. You can enjoy them plain, drizzled with icing, or even dressed up with nuts or seasonal dried fruits. With these Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls in your recipe arsenal, you’re set to impress guests and create warm memories.
Ingredients about Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls
- For the Dough:
- 5 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
- 2 packets Fleischmann’s RapidRise instant yeast
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 6 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 stick butter (softened)
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- For the Frosting:
- 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 6 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
How to Make Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Directions
Creating Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls from scratch is a delightful experience. Let’s walk through the steps to ensure your rolls turn out perfectly every time:
1. Making the Dough:
Start by preparing your dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, instant yeast, brown sugar, salt, and ground ginger. Mix these dry ingredients together. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, eggs, softened butter, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
Once the dough starts coming together, knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
2. Making the Filling:
While your dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger. Mix these dry ingredients together. Then, spread the softened butter and molasses over your dough once it has finished rising. Sprinkle the cinnamon mixture evenly on top of the butter and molasses.
3. Rolling it Up:
Once the filling is spread, carefully roll the dough tightly from one long edge to the other, forming a log. Once you have a tight roll, slice it into equal pieces—about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Place these rolls into a greased baking pan, leaving space between each one to allow for rising. Cover them again with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
4. Baking the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls rise. Once they have puffed up nicely, bake them in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden brown.
5. Making the Frosting:
While the rolls are baking, whip up the frosting. In a bowl, combine the softened butter, cream cheese, molasses, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and creamy.
6. Assemble and Enjoy:
Once the rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. The frosting will melt into the rolls as they cool, creating a decadent topping.
How to Serve Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls
Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven. They can stand alone as a sweet breakfast treat or dessert. To serve, simply pull apart a roll, allowing the gooey frosting to cascade down. For an added touch, garnish your plate with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few pieces of candied ginger for visual appeal.
These rolls go wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced tea, making them an excellent choice for holiday brunches. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider presenting these rolls on a festive platter, showcasing the beautiful swirls of spice and frosting.
Expert Tips: Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls
To ensure your Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls come out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Check Yeast Freshness: Always check the expiration date on your yeast. Fresh yeast ensures your rolls rise beautifully.
- Temperature Matters: Ensure that the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. Ideal temperature is around 110°F (43°C).
- Knead Thoroughly: Kneading is essential for developing the gluten, which gives the rolls their structure. Don’t rush this step!
- Rising Space: Find a warm and draft-free area for the dough to rise. You can place it in an unheated oven with just the light on.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the rolls while they bake. They should be golden, but not overly brown.
- Customize the Frosting: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the frosting according to your preference.
How to Store Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls
If you have any rolls left over (which is unlikely!), you can store them. Allow the rolls to cool completely, then cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep them fresh. They can be stored at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you’re storing them for longer, consider freezing them.
To freeze, place the cooled rolls in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature, then warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Variation of Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls
There is plenty of room to get creative with your Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls. Here are some variations you can try:
- Nutty Variation: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for added crunch and flavor. Simply sprinkle them in with the brown sugar and spices.
- Dried Fruits: For a fruity twist, add dried cranberries or raisins to the filling. They will provide a delightful contrast to the spices.
- Glazed vs. Frosted: Experiment with a simple glaze instead of the cream cheese frosting. Combine powdered sugar with a bit of milk, vanilla extract, and a touch of molasses for a lighter topping.
- Chocolate Chips: If you love chocolate, sprinkle mini chocolate chips in the filling for an indulgent treat that pairs well with the gingerbread spices.
- Overnight Rolls: Prepare your rolls in the evening, refrigerate overnight, and bake them fresh in the morning. This makes for an excellent brunch dish without the morning rush!
FAQ about Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour for Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls?
Yes, all-purpose flour works just as well for this recipe. However, using bread flour may yield a chewier texture.
What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Make sure to check the date on your yeast packets and ensure your warm milk isn’t too hot.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the frosting a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before using it on your rolls.
How long do Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls last?
When stored properly, these rolls can last up to two days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.
Can I freeze Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls?
Yes, you can freeze them after they have completely cooled. Wrap them tightly and they’ll keep for several weeks. Thaw and warm them before enjoying!
Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 5 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
- 2 packets Fleischmann’s RapidRise instant yeast Ensure yeast is fresh
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 cup warm milk Approximately 110°F (43°C) to avoid killing yeast
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 6 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 stick butter (softened) Spread over rolls
- 2 tablespoons molasses
For the Frosting
- 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 6 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Making the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, instant yeast, brown sugar, salt, and ground ginger. Mix these dry ingredients together.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, eggs, softened butter, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Making the Filling
- Combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger in a medium bowl.
Rolling it Up
- Spread the softened butter and molasses over the risen dough.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon mixture evenly over the butter and molasses.
- Roll the dough tightly from one long edge to the other, forming a log.
- Slice the log into pieces about 1 to 1.5 inches thick, and place them into a greased baking pan.
- Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Baking the Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Making the Frosting
- Combine the softened butter, cream cheese, molasses, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar in a bowl.
- Beat until smooth and creamy.
Assemble and Enjoy
- Remove baked rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!