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