Quick & Cozy Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for Winter Joy

Gingerbread cinnamon rolls capture the essence of warm, comforting holiday flavors in a delightful pastry.

These sweet spirals refine traditional breakfast fare into a festive celebration of seasonal spices.

Rich, aromatic notes of ginger and cinnamon intertwine, creating a sensory experience that feels like a culinary embrace.

Soft, pillowy dough becomes a canvas for deep, complex warmth that dances across your palate.

Delicate swirls promise a moment of pure indulgence, blending nostalgic memories with contemporary baking techniques.

Melted butter and carefully layered spices elevate this classic treat into something extraordinary.

Baking these rolls promises to fill your kitchen with irresistible fragrance and bring loved ones together.

Storage and Warming Tips for Freshness and Flavor

• Refrigeration: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and preventing drying out.
• Freezing: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month without losing flavor or texture.
• Reheating: Warm rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Add a small pat of butter on top for extra moisture and enhanced taste.

Sweet Companions for Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

• Brew Cozy Chai Tea: Pair these gingerbread cinnamon rolls with a warm, spicy chai tea that complements the rolls' rich ginger and cinnamon notes, creating a comforting winter morning experience.
• Serve Creamy Vanilla Latte: A smooth vanilla latte balances the rolls' sweetness, with its creamy texture and subtle vanilla undertones enhancing the gingerbread flavors perfectly.
• Match with Maple Bourbon Pecan: Top the rolls with candied pecans drizzled in maple bourbon sauce, adding a delightful crunch and sophisticated depth that elevates the dessert's warmth and spice profile.
• Garnish with Whipped Mascarpone: Add a dollop of light, airy mascarpone cream on the side, which provides a cool, silky contrast to the warm, spiced rolls and cuts through their rich sweetness.

Festive Filling Variations for Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

• Spiced Maple Pecan Rolls: Replace molasses with pure maple syrup and add chopped pecans to the filling for a nutty, sweet variation that brings autumn flavors to the classic gingerbread rolls.
• Gluten-Free Ginger Rolls: Swap wheat flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to maintain the dough's structure, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy these warm, spicy treats.
• Dark Chocolate Gingerbread Rolls: Incorporate melted dark chocolate into the filling and sprinkle cocoa powder on top of the frosting, creating a rich, decadent version that balances the warm ginger spices.
• Cream-Filled Ginger Rolls: Add a layer of whipped cream cheese filling between the rolled dough and spice mixture, creating an extra creamy and indulgent breakfast pastry with a soft, luxurious texture.

Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls That Smell Like the Holidays

• Capture Cozy Holiday Warmth: These gingerbread cinnamon rolls wrap you in delightful seasonal comfort, blending classic holiday spices with a beloved breakfast treat that feels like a warm embrace.
• Master Effortless Baking Technique: The recipe simplifies complex pastry-making with clear step-by-step instructions, allowing both novice and experienced bakers to create professional-looking rolls without intimidation.
• Indulge in Luxurious Flavor Layers: Rich molasses, warming ginger, and creamy cream cheese frosting create a multi-dimensional taste experience that transforms an ordinary morning into a gourmet celebration, delivering complex yet harmonious flavor notes in every bite.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for holiday gatherings, weekend brunches, or special morning surprises, these rolls satisfy both sweet-tooth enthusiasts and spice lovers with their irresistible combination of textures and comforting warmth.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Soft Gingerbread Rolls

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the soft and tender rolls.
• Instant Yeast: Essential for helping the dough rise and creating a light, airy texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast growth.
• Ground Ginger: Signature spice that gives the rolls their warm, distinctive gingerbread flavor.

• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a tender, soft dough.
• Milk: Helps activate the yeast and provides moisture to the dough.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the rolls' rich texture.
• Molasses: Provides deep, complex sweetness and classic gingerbread flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the overall flavor profile.

• Cinnamon, Ground Ginger: Warm spices that complement the gingerbread theme.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a creamy frosting consistency.

How to Roll, Fill, and Bake Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Knead and Rest Dough

Mix ingredients using dough hook attachment. Knead for 5-6 minutes until soft and pliable. Let dough rest in warm spot for 20 minutes to develop flavor and texture.

Step 2: Prepare Gingerbread Filling

• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Ground ginger
• Softened butter
• Molasses

Blend all filling ingredients into delicious, fragrant mixture. Set aside while preparing dough surface.

Step 3: Shape Magical Rolls

Roll dough into rectangular shape. Spread filling generously across surface. Carefully roll dough into tight log, creating beautiful spiral pattern. Slice into 12 equal sections.

Step 4: First Rising Adventure

Place rolls in buttered baking dish. Cover with soft cloth. Allow rolls to rise in warm environment for about 1 hour until puffy and doubled.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 35-40 minutes until edges turn beautiful golden brown. Kitchen will smell wonderfully inviting!

Step 6: Create Creamy Frosting

• Butter
• Cream cheese
• Molasses
• Ground ginger
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar

Whip ingredients until smooth and luxurious. Spread generously over warm rolls.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Remove rolls from oven. Top with dreamy frosting. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade gingerbread cinnamon rolls!

Tips for Dough Texture and Spiced Filling

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure warm milk is between 105-110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it, creating a soft, fluffy dough texture.
• Knead with Confidence: Develop gluten by kneading the dough thoroughly, watching for a smooth, elastic consistency that springs back when lightly pressed.
• Control Moisture Carefully: Add flour gradually if the dough feels sticky, preventing dry or tough rolls by maintaining a soft, slightly tacky texture.
• Rise in Warm Spaces: Place dough in a draft-free, warm area around 80-85°F to help rolls rise evenly and develop rich, complex flavors.
• Frost at the Right Temperature: Allow rolls to cool slightly before frosting to prevent the cream cheese mixture from melting and becoming runny.

Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Gingerbread cinnamon rolls blend holiday warmth with classic pastry comfort. Spicy molasses and rich cinnamon swirl through buttery dough, creating a festive breakfast treat that wraps you in nostalgic Christmas magic.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 5 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
• 2 packets Fleischmann’s RapidRise instant yeast
• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) butter, softened
• 1 stick (113 grams) butter, softened
• 4 tablespoons (57 grams) butter, softened
• 6 ounces (170 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup molasses
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 ½ tablespoons molasses

Spices and Extracts:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ¼ teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients and prepare a stand mixer with a paddle attachment.
2. Blend flour, yeast, brown sugar, salt, and ground ginger in the mixing bowl.
3. Incorporate softened butter and warm milk, mixing until thoroughly combined.
4. Introduce eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract, ensuring a smooth integration.
5. Switch to the dough hook and gradually add remaining flour, mixing on low speed to create a cohesive dough.
6. Knead the dough vigorously for 4-5 minutes until it achieves a silky texture, adding a touch of flour if too sticky.
7. Allow the dough to rest and relax at room temperature for 20 minutes.
8. Prepare the filling by whisking brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, butter, and molasses into a rich, fragrant mixture.
9. Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
10. Gently roll the dough into a rectangular shape on a lightly floured surface.
11. Spread the spiced filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
12. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, using gentle pressure to maintain shape.
13. Slice the log into 12 uniform rolls using a sharp knife.
14. Arrange the rolls in the prepared baking dish, allowing them to rise for 1 hour.
15. Heat the oven to 350°F and bake until the rolls turn golden and puffy, approximately 40 minutes.
16. While baking, whip butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
17. Blend molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and vanilla into the cream cheese mixture.
18. Gradually fold in powdered sugar until the frosting reaches a luxurious consistency.
19. Once rolls emerge from the oven, lavishly spread the gingerbread cream cheese frosting while still warm.
20. Serve immediately and savor the aromatic, spiced delight.

Notes

• Dough Consistency Matters: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and barely sticky, adding flour if needed to achieve the perfect texture.
• Resting is Crucial: Allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes to develop flavor and improve elasticity.
• Rolling Technique: Roll the dough into a precise 12×16-inch rectangle to ensure even filling distribution and uniform rolls.
• Rising Time is Key: Let the rolls rise for a full hour at room temperature to achieve maximum fluffiness and height.
• Baking Precision: Watch the rolls carefully during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning while ensuring a golden finish.
• Frosting Tip: Apply the cream cheese frosting while the rolls are still warm for maximum absorption and flavor melding.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 63 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg