Festive Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for Sweet Mornings

Cozy winter mornings call for warm, spicy gingerbread cinnamon rolls that fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

These delectable rolls blend the classic comfort of traditional cinnamon rolls with the bold, rich flavors of gingerbread.

Soft, pillowy dough swirls with a deep, molasses-infused filling that dances with warmth and spice.

Each roll carries notes of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg that melt together in a harmonious blend.

The creamy cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious finish that complements the deep, complex spices.

Topped with a sprinkle of crystallized ginger, these rolls promise a delightful breakfast experience that transforms an ordinary morning into something extraordinary.

Let these gingerbread cinnamon rolls become your new winter morning ritual.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (includes rising time)

Calories: 310 kcal

Servings: 13

What You’ll Need for Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

• Flour: Provides structure and texture, choose unbleached all-purpose flour for best results.
• Yeast: Creates rising action, ensure it's fresh and active for perfect dough development.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep sweetness and helps activate yeast, look for moist and clump-free variety.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast growth, use fine-grain sea salt.
• Ground Ginger: Introduces warm spice notes, select fresh and potent ground ginger.

• Butter: Adds richness and tender crumb, use unsalted for precise flavor control.
• Warm Milk: Activates yeast and adds softness, choose whole milk for optimal texture.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness, use room temperature eggs.
• Molasses: Delivers deep caramel flavor, select dark molasses for intense taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavor profile, use pure vanilla for best results.

• Cinnamon: Delivers classic warming spice, choose high-quality ground cinnamon.
• Additional Ginger: Boosts spice complexity, use freshly ground for maximum flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, tangy frosting base, select full-fat variety.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and smooth frosting texture, sift to prevent lumps.

Tools to Make Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

• Stand Mixer: Essential for kneading dough smoothly and efficiently, with paddle and dough hook attachments.
• Mixing Bowls: Large bowl for dough preparation and small bowl for filling mixture.
• Rolling Pin: Helps roll dough into a perfect rectangular shape for even rolls.
• Sharp Knife: Used to cut the rolled dough into 12 equal cinnamon rolls.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Provides the right size and space for baking the rolls.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Plastic Wrap: Covers dough during resting and rising stages.
• Spatula: Helps scrape down bowl sides and spread frosting evenly.

Instructions for Fluffy Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

• Dough Preparation

Mix flour, yeast, brown sugar, salt, and ground ginger in a stand mixer. Add softened butter and warm milk, blending until smooth. Introduce eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract. Switch to dough hook and incorporate remaining flour. Knead until the dough becomes silky and elastic.

• Filling Creation

Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, butter, and molasses into a rich, fragrant mixture. Roll out dough into a rectangular shape and spread the filling generously across the surface.

• Rolling and Shaping

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, ensuring even distribution of filling. Slice into individual rolls using a sharp knife. Arrange the rolls in a buttered baking dish.

• Rising Time

Allow rolls to rest and expand at room temperature, giving them space to become puffy and light.

• Baking Magic

Slide the baking dish into a preheated oven. Watch as the rolls transform into golden, aromatic delights with crispy edges and soft centers.

• Creamy Frosting

Whip together butter, cream cheese, molasses, spices, and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold in powdered sugar to create a luxurious, velvety topping.

• Final Touch

Generously drizzle the luscious frosting over warm rolls. Serve immediately and savor the incredible gingerbread-inspired comfort.

Make the Most of Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

• Adjust flour gradually if the dough feels too sticky or dry, adding one tablespoon at a time for perfect consistency.
• Experiment with additional warm spices like nutmeg or cardamom to deepen the gingerbread flavor complexity.
• Ensure a warm, draft-free area for dough rising, using a slightly heated oven or sunny kitchen spot to promote optimal proofing.
• Prepare rolls up to the cutting stage, freeze unbaked, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before final rise and baking for convenient make-ahead option.
• Swap traditional flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend, adding xanthan gum to maintain proper dough structure and texture.

Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls: Serving Guide

• Holiday Brunch Centerpiece: Transform these gingerbread cinnamon rolls into a stunning holiday morning centerpiece by arranging them on a festive platter with fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary.
• Cozy Breakfast Pairing: Serve alongside warm spiced apple cider or a rich hot chocolate to complement the rolls' warm gingerbread flavors and create a comforting winter breakfast experience.
• Gifting Delight: Package individual rolls in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine for a homemade gift that spreads delicious holiday cheer to neighbors, teachers, or family friends.
• Dessert Transformation: Dust the frosted rolls with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon or crushed candied ginger for an extra touch of elegance and enhanced seasonal flavor profile.

Save Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Like a Pro

• Fresh Batch Timing: Best enjoyed within 24 hours of baking for maximum softness and flavor intensity. These rolls taste incredible when served warm directly from the oven.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store covered in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Gently reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to restore their delightful warmth and soft texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Unbaked rolls can be frozen for up to 2 weeks, while baked rolls maintain quality for 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dough and assemble rolls the night before, then cover and refrigerate. Remove from refrigerator 1 hour before baking to allow rolls to rise at room temperature, ensuring perfect texture and rise.

Fluffy Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (includes rising time)
• Yield: 13 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Homemade gingerbread cinnamon rolls blend warm holiday spices with classic roll sweetness. Molasses and brown sugar create rich flavor profiles that comfort and delight winter gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
• 2 packets Fleischmann’s RapidRise instant yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (240 ml)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 stick (113 g / 4 oz) butter, softened
• 6 tbsps (85 g) butter, softened
• 4 tbsps (57 g) butter, softened
• 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup molasses
• 2 tbsps molasses
• 1 ½ tbsps molasses
• 1 ¼ tsps ground ginger
• 2 tsps ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 2 tsps ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: Combine flour, yeast, brown sugar, salt, and ground ginger in a stand mixer bowl, integrating softened butter and warm milk until thoroughly blended.
2. Wet Ingredient Fusion: Mix in eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract, switching to dough hook and gradually adding remaining flour to create a smooth, cohesive dough.
3. Dough Conditioning: Knead vigorously for 4-5 minutes until achieving a silky texture, then allow to rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
4. Filling Creation: Whisk brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, butter, and molasses into a rich, fragrant mixture.
5. Dough Shaping: Roll out dough on a floured surface into a rectangular shape, spreading the spiced filling evenly while leaving a small border around the edges.
6. Rolling and Cutting: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, slicing into 12 uniform rolls using a sharp knife.
7. Initial Proofing: Arrange rolls in a generously greased 9×13-inch baking dish and let rise for 1 hour.
8. Baking Process: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake until rolls turn golden and puffy, approximately 40 minutes.
9. Frosting Preparation: Whip butter and cream cheese until smooth, blending in molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and vanilla, then gradually incorporating powdered sugar to create a luxurious cream cheese frosting.
10. Final Touch: Immediately spread warm gingerbread cream cheese frosting over freshly baked rolls and serve.

Notes

• Optimize Dough Consistency: Watch for a silky, slightly tacky texture during kneading; add flour sparingly to prevent a dry, tough dough.
• Control Rising Temperature: Ensure a warm, draft-free environment around 75-80°F for optimal dough proofing and rise.
• Precision in Rolling: Use a ruler to create an even rectangular shape, maintaining consistent thickness for uniform rolls.
• Frosting Application Trick: Let rolls cool for 5-10 minutes before spreading frosting to prevent melting and ensure proper coverage.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg