Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls combine the warm, festive spices of gingerbread with the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls, making them a perfect treat for cozy mornings during the holiday season. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with the aromatic warmth of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, topped with a sweet and creamy glaze. Whether you’re hosting a holiday breakfast or simply craving a comforting treat, these gingerbread cinnamon rolls are sure to please everyone at the table.
What is Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls?
Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, infused with the rich, spicy flavors of gingerbread. The dough is soft and fluffy, with spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, which bring that signature holiday flavor. When baked, the rolls emerge golden brown, fragrant, and irresistibly soft, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert during the colder months.
Topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, these rolls offer the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. The cream cheese glaze adds a velvety texture that complements the warmth of the gingerbread spices, creating a mouthwatering treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Origin of Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls
The tradition of baking gingerbread dates back to ancient Greece, where honey-sweetened gingerbread was crafted into various shapes for religious festivals. Over time, gingerbread evolved across Europe, with the Germans and Scandinavians popularizing the use of molasses and spices in gingerbread recipes. The famous gingerbread houses, associated with Christmas, emerged from this rich history.
As for cinnamon rolls, they originated in Sweden and were traditionally called “kanelbullar.” These buttery, cinnamon-swirled rolls gained popularity across Scandinavia before spreading to the rest of the world. By blending these two classic recipes—gingerbread and cinnamon rolls—gingerbread cinnamon rolls emerged as a festive holiday favorite that combines the best of both worlds.
Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients
For the Dough:
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup unsulfured molasses
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
- 3 ½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
Filling:
- ½ cup softened butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz (½ block) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk (to thin)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Directions & Preparation Method
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by activating the yeast. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy. This step is crucial as it ensures that your yeast is active and ready to help your dough rise.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Once the yeast is activated, add the molasses, granulated sugar, egg, egg yolk, and melted butter to the bowl. Mix the ingredients to combine well. Next, add the spices, salt, and flour (start with 3½ cups). Gradually mix and knead the dough either by hand or with a dough hook on a stand mixer. Knead for about 8–10 minutes, adding extra flour as needed until the dough is soft, slightly tacky, but not sticky.
Step 3: First Rise
Once your dough is ready, place it in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1 to 1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is where the yeast works its magic, making your dough light and airy.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon filling. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and all the spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves). Mix them together into a smooth paste. This filling is what will give your cinnamon rolls that irresistible sweet and spicy flavor.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the prepared filling evenly over the dough, ensuring that every inch is covered. Now, carefully roll the dough tightly from the long side, forming a log. Slice the log into 12 equal rolls and place them into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Make sure to leave a little space between each roll.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes, or until they are puffy and have expanded. If you prefer to prepare the rolls in advance, you can refrigerate them overnight. If you do this, just take them out of the fridge and let them rise for 45–60 minutes before baking.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and baked through. You’ll know they’re done when you can smell the warm, sweet fragrance of the spices filling the kitchen.
Step 8: Make the Glaze
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. The glaze should be thick but pourable—add more milk if needed to reach the right consistency.
Step 9: Glaze the Rolls
Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for just a few minutes. While they are still warm, generously spread the cream cheese glaze over the top of the rolls. The warmth of the rolls will melt the glaze, creating a rich, sweet layer that beautifully complements the spicy rolls.
Variations of Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls
While the basic recipe for gingerbread cinnamon rolls is already delicious, there are plenty of ways you can customize them to make them even more special.
- Orange Zest Glaze: Add a holiday twist to the glaze by mixing in some orange zest for a burst of citrus flavor that complements the spices in the rolls.
- Pecans or Candied Ginger: For an added crunch and extra holiday flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or candied ginger over the filling before rolling up the dough.
- Salted Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm salted caramel over the rolls for an indulgent touch that takes these rolls to the next level.
- Nutella Swirl: Spread a thin layer of Nutella on top of the filling before rolling up the dough for a rich, chocolatey twist.
FAQs About Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls
1. Can I make these rolls the night before?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls the night before. After shaping the rolls, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, take them out of the fridge and let them rise for 45–60 minutes before baking.
2. Can I freeze gingerbread cinnamon rolls?
Yes, you can freeze these rolls both before and after baking. To freeze unbaked rolls, prepare them up to the second rise, then freeze them in the baking dish. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and then let them rise for 45–60 minutes before baking. If freezing after baking, allow the rolls to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
3. How long do gingerbread cinnamon rolls last?
These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but will keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. You can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
4. Can I use a different kind of flour?
You can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour as a substitute, but the texture and flavor may change slightly. For gluten-free options, be sure to use a blend designed for baking.
5. Can I use a different glaze?
Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese glaze with a simple vanilla glaze or a spiced maple glaze for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion: Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls
Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are a perfect blend of the cozy, festive flavors of gingerbread and the beloved comfort of cinnamon rolls. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday breakfast or just craving a warm, spicy treat, these rolls are sure to impress. The soft dough, the sweet and spicy filling, and the creamy glaze make every bite a delightful experience. Customize them with different variations to make them uniquely yours, and enjoy them fresh out of the oven with your loved ones. Happy baking, and may your mornings be filled with the sweet aroma of gingerbread cinnamon rolls!
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Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: A Cozy Holiday Delight
- Total Time: 2 hrs (including rising time)
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, infused with the rich, spicy flavors of gingerbread. The dough is soft and fluffy, with spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, which bring that signature holiday flavor. When baked, the rolls emerge golden brown, fragrant, and irresistibly soft, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert during the colder months.
Ingredients
For the dough:
¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
¼ cup molasses (unsulfured)
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
¼ cup melted unsalted butter
3 ½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cloves
For the filling:
½ cup softened butter
½ cup brown sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp cloves
For the cream cheese glaze:
4 oz (½ block) cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp milk (to thin)
½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Activate yeast
In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
2. Make the dough
Add molasses, sugar, egg, egg yolk, and melted butter. Mix to combine.
Add spices, salt, and flour (start with 3½ cups). Knead (by hand or with a dough hook) for 8–10 minutes, adding extra flour as needed until soft, slightly tacky but not sticky.
3. First rise
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1½ hours, until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the filling
In a small bowl, mix butter, brown sugar, and spices into a smooth paste.
5. Shape the rolls
Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
Roll up tightly from the long side into a log.
Slice into 12 rolls and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Second rise
Cover and let the rolls rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
(Or refrigerate overnight — remove from fridge and let rise 45–60 min before baking.)
7. Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and baked through.
8. Make the glaze
Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over warm rolls.
Notes
These gingerbread cinnamon rolls bring all the warmth of the holidays to your kitchen! Soft, spiced, and perfectly sweet, they’re best enjoyed fresh from the oven with a generous drizzle of cream cheese icing. Perfect for Christmas mornings or cozy winter brunches.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Breakfast / Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 340
Keywords: Gingerbread Rolls, Cinnamon Gingerbread Rolls, Holiday Cinnamon Rolls
