Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re looking for a cozy and comforting treat this holiday season, look no further than these delightful Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls! Imagine pulling apart a warm, gooey roll topped with a luscious gingerbread cream cheese frosting. They’re not only perfect for breakfast on Christmas morning but also make an excellent dessert for family gatherings. This recipe has become a cherished favorite in my home, filling the air with that spicy-sweet aroma that brings everyone together.

Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just want to indulge in something special during the winter months, these Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are sure to brighten your day. They are easy to whip up and even better to share with loved ones!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible flavor: The combination of warm spices and sweet molasses creates a delicious flavor profile that feels like a hug in every bite.
• Family-friendly fun: Making these rolls is an enjoyable activity for the whole family. Kids love getting involved in the rolling and frosting!
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge, making your morning stress-free.
• Perfect for sharing: These rolls are great for brunches or holiday gatherings, ensuring there’s enough sweetness to go around.
• Gooey goodness: The thick gingerbread cream cheese frosting makes each roll extra special and oh-so-decadent.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make these delightful Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls. You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store, so let’s get started!

For the Dough

• 5 c. bread flour or all-purpose flour
• 2 packets Fleischmann’s RapidRise instant yeast
• 1/4 c. brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
• 1 c. warm milk
• 2 large eggs (room temp.)
• 6 TBSP. butter (softened)
• 1/4 c. molasses
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

For the Filling

• 1/2 c. brown sugar (packed)
• 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. ground ginger
• 1 stick butter (softened)
• 2 TBSP. molasses

For the Frosting

• 4 TBSP. butter (softened)
• 6 oz. cream cheese (softened)
• 1 1/2 TBSP. molasses
• 2 tsp. ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 c. powdered sugar

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls by trying out one of these tasty variations:

• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can be sprinkled into the filling for added crunch.
• Change up the spices: Experiment with nutmeg or cloves along with or instead of ginger and cinnamon for unique flavors.
• Fruity twist: Toss in some dried cranberries or raisins into the filling for a pop of sweetness and texture.
• Gluten-free option: Swap out regular flour for a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary preferences while still enjoying these delicious rolls.

How to Make Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by combining your warm milk, yeast, brown sugar, and melted butter in a large bowl or mixer bowl. Let this sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy—this step activates the yeast and ensures your rolls will rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together your flour, salt, and ground ginger until well combined. Gradually add this mixture into your wet ingredients along with eggs and molasses until you form a soft dough.

Step 3: Knead and Rise

Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and knead it gently for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise until it doubles in size—approximately 1 hour.

Step 4: Roll Out Dough

Once risen, punch down your dough gently to release air bubbles before rolling it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface about ¼ inch thick.

Step 5: Add Filling

Spread softened butter over the rectangle of dough evenly, then sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and ginger mixture generously across the surface.

Step 6: Roll It Up

Starting from one long edge of the rectangle, carefully roll up your dough tightly into a log shape. Pinch seams to seal as you go along to keep everything inside!

Step 7: Cut Into Rolls

Using a sharp knife or dental floss (yes!), cut your log into equal pieces—about 12 rolls should do nicely! Place them cut-side up in a greased baking dish.

Step 8: Second Rise

Cover them loosely again and let them rise another 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 9: Bake

Bake those beautiful rolls for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top! Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly while you prepare that dreamy frosting.

Step 10: Frosting Time!

In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, molasses, ground ginger, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy—adjust sugar based on desired sweetness!

Now slather that frosting generously over each roll while they’re still warm so it melts just right into every nook and cranny!

And there you have it—deliciously warm Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls ready to be devoured! Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save some for later if you can resist!

Pro Tips for Making Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

Making the perfect Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls is all about a few key techniques that can elevate your baking game!

• Use warm milk: Warm milk activates the yeast more effectively, ensuring your rolls rise beautifully and become fluffy.
• Let the dough rest: After kneading, allow the dough to rest in a warm place. This gives the yeast time to work its magic, resulting in soft and airy rolls.
• Don’t rush the rising process: Be patient with your dough. A longer rise allows for more flavor development and a better texture.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding nutmeg or cloves can bring an extra depth of flavor to your rolls.
• Double the frosting: If you love cream cheese frosting (who doesn’t?), consider making extra to slather generously on each roll. A little indulgence goes a long way!

How to Serve Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

Presenting these delightful Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls can transform them from delicious treats into a centerpiece for your holiday gatherings!

Garnishes

• Chopped pecans or walnuts: Sprinkling some chopped nuts on top adds a delightful crunch and complements the sweetness of the frosting.
• Fresh grated ginger: A sprinkle of fresh ginger can brighten up the flavors and give a refreshing kick.
• Cinnamon dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon over the frosting adds visual appeal and enhances that comforting spice aroma.

Side Dishes

• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances the richness of the rolls, offering a burst of freshness with every bite.
• Yogurt parfaits: Layered yogurt with granola and berries provides a cool contrast to warm cinnamon rolls, making for an appealing breakfast spread.
• Hot cocoa or spiced tea: These beverages are perfect companions for your rolls, enhancing their warm, cozy flavors during chilly mornings or festive gatherings.
• Savory breakfast casserole: A hearty breakfast casserole adds protein to your meal, creating a well-rounded brunch experience that pairs wonderfully with sweet cinnamon rolls.

With these tips on serving and garnishing, your Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls will not only taste amazing but also look stunning on any holiday table! Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats with those you love.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them in advance, allowing you to enjoy warm, gooey rolls with minimal effort on busy mornings or festive gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool completely.
• Place them in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• After baking, let the rolls cool completely.
• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Remove the desired number of rolls from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the rolls on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminum foil.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. For a gooey texture, consider adding some frosting before reheating!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delightful Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls.

Can I use regular yeast instead of instant yeast for Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls?

Yes, you can substitute regular active dry yeast; however, you’ll need to activate it first by dissolving it in warm milk with a bit of sugar before combining it with the other ingredients.

How can I make my Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls healthier?

You can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, reduce the sugar content, or use a sugar alternative. Just keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

Can I prepare Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls without eggs?

Absolutely! You can replace each egg with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons of water) or use unsweetened applesauce as an alternative.

Final Thoughts

I hope you have a great time making these delicious Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls! Their warm spices and comforting sweetness encapsulate the spirit of the holidays perfectly. Enjoy sharing these delightful treats with your friends and family over breakfast or brunch, and remember: there’s nothing quite like homemade goodness. Happy baking!