Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

INTRODUCTION

Gingerbread cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat that combines the warm, spicy flavors of gingerbread with the soft, pillowy texture of cinnamon rolls. They are perfect for cozy mornings, festive gatherings, or any time you want to indulge in a sweet, spiced treat. The smell of these rolls baking in the oven fills the air with an inviting aroma that will make everyone in your home eager to enjoy them.

This recipe is uncomplicated and approachable, even for those who are new to baking. The ingredients are simple to find, and the process is straightforward. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast or as a dessert, gingerbread cinnamon rolls are sure to please your taste buds.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love this gingerbread cinnamon rolls recipe for many reasons. First, the blend of warm spices creates a comforting flavor that is perfect for fall and winter. The rich taste of molasses combined with the sweetness of brown sugar makes these rolls irresistible.

Second, they are easy to make. With just a few steps, you can create warm, homemade rolls that your family and friends will rave about. The dough rises beautifully, and the filling adds a wonderful contrast of flavors.

Finally, the cream cheese frosting on top makes these rolls even more special. It adds a creamy, sweet touch that balances the spices perfectly. They are delicious fresh out of the oven but also taste great the next day, making them a fantastic treat for any occasion.

HOW TO MAKE Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

Making gingerbread cinnamon rolls is a straightforward process that anyone can follow. Below are the detailed steps you will need to create these delightful rolls from scratch.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make these gingerbread cinnamon rolls, you will need the following equipment:

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A whisk or spoon for mixing
• A rolling pin
• A baking dish
• A baking sheet
• Plastic wrap or a kitchen towel
• An electric mixer (optional, for frosting)

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 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 temp)
• 6 tablespoons butter (softened)
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 stick butter (softened)
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 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

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Making the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 5 cups of flour, 2 packets of yeast, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 1/4 teaspoons ground ginger. Mix well.
2. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of warm milk, 2 large eggs, 6 tablespoons of softened butter, 1/4 cup molasses, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well mixed.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
5. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Making the Filling:

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon ground ginger. Mix well.
2. Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Spread 1 stick of softened butter over the dough. Sprinkle the filling mixture evenly on top.
4. Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.
5. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place them cut-side up in a greased baking dish.

Making the Frosting:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together 4 tablespoons of softened butter and 6 ounces of softened cream cheese until creamy.
2. Add in 1 1/2 tablespoons of molasses, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
3. Gradually add in 2 cups of powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and fluffy.

HOW TO SERVE Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

Serve your gingerbread cinnamon rolls warm. You can drizzle the cream cheese frosting on top just before serving. These rolls are perfect on their own, but you can also add a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast experience. They can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert at any time of day.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

If you have leftover rolls, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them at room temperature and reheat them in the oven or microwave.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Pair your gingerbread cinnamon rolls with a hot beverage like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. These rolls are also delightful alongside a fresh fruit salad or yogurt for a balanced meal. For a festive touch, consider serving them during holiday gatherings.

VARIATIONS

Feel free to customize your gingerbread cinnamon rolls! You can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the filling for added crunch. For a touch of sweetness, sprinkle some chocolate chips on top of the filling. You can also experiment with different spices, like nutmeg or cloves, to create your unique flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of regular yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast as it works well in this recipe. Just follow the same measurements.

2. What if my dough doesn’t rise?

Make sure to use warm milk and check that your yeast is fresh. If the dough does not rise, it could be because the ingredients were too cold or the kitchen temperature is too low.

3. Can I make the rolls the night before and bake them in the morning?

Yes! You can prepare the rolls up to the point of cutting them, cover them, and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking.

4. How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

The rolls should be golden brown on top. You can also insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, they are done.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

To save time, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just follow the instructions for making the dough, then pop it in the fridge after the first rise. The next morning, take it out, allow it to come to room temperature, and proceed with making the filling and rolling the dough. This will allow you to enjoy warm cinnamon rolls with minimal effort on busy mornings.

Gingerbread cinnamon rolls are a simple yet delicious treat that brings joy to any occasion. Whether it’s a chilly morning or a festive holiday, these rolls will warm hearts and satisfy sweet cravings. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats with loved ones!

Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

Delightful gingerbread cinnamon rolls with warm spices and cream cheese frosting; perfect for cozy mornings or festive gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American, Baked Goods

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Dough

• 5 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
• 2 packets Fleischmann's RapidRise instant yeast
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed) for dough
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 large eggs (room temp)
• 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) for spreading on dough

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

Method

 

Making the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 5 cups of flour, 2 packets of yeast, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 1/4 teaspoons ground ginger. Mix well.
2. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of warm milk, 2 large eggs, 6 tablespoons of softened butter, 1/4 cup molasses, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well mixed.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
5. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Making the Filling

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon ground ginger. Mix well.
2. Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Spread 1 stick of softened butter over the dough. Sprinkle the filling mixture evenly on top.
4. Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.
5. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place them cut-side up in a greased baking dish.

Making the Frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together 4 tablespoons of softened butter and 6 ounces of softened cream cheese until creamy.
2. Add in 1 1/2 tablespoons of molasses, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
3. Gradually add in 2 cups of powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and fluffy.

Notes

Serve warm with a drizzle of cream cheese frosting. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature. Freeze for longer storage.