Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re looking for a cozy treat to brighten your holiday mornings, these Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are just the thing! There’s something truly magical about pulling a warm batch of cinnamon rolls out of the oven, especially when they’re infused with the spicy goodness of gingerbread. Whether you’re hosting a festive brunch or simply want to make breakfast special for your family, this recipe is sure to win hearts and fill bellies with joy.

These rolls bring together the comforting flavors of ginger and cinnamon, creating a delightful combination that feels like a warm hug on a chilly winter day. Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion—be it a busy weeknight or a festive family gathering. Trust me, once you get a taste of these gooey delights topped with creamy frosting, you’ll find yourself making them time and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, even beginner bakers can whip up this treat without stress.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike adore cinnamon rolls, making them an instant hit at any gathering.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake it fresh in the morning—perfect for holiday brunches!
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of ginger and cinnamon creates a unique flavor profile that is both warm and inviting.
• Fun to Customize: Add your own twist with different fillings or toppings to make them uniquely yours!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome items that you might already have in your pantry. Each one plays an important role in creating those irresistible Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls.

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 quite flexible, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences! Here are a few ideas to make these rolls your own:

• Add nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added texture.
• Try different spices: Experiment with nutmeg or cloves for an extra layer of warmth in flavor.
• Make it chocolatey: Add some mini chocolate chips into the filling for a deliciously sweet twist.
• Top with fruit: Consider adding dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity burst alongside the spiced flavors.

How to Make Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Mix Your Dough

Start by combining your dry ingredients in a large bowl: flour, yeast, brown sugar, salt, and ground ginger. Mixing these together helps distribute the yeast evenly so each roll rises beautifully.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, add in your warm milk, eggs, softened butter, molasses, and vanilla extract to the dry mix. Stir everything until it’s well combined into a dough that’s slightly sticky but not too wet; this will ensure your rolls turn out fluffy and tender.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn your dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Kneading activates gluten which gives your rolls structure and chewiness—don’t rush this step!

Step 4: Let It Rise

Place your kneaded dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size—this usually takes about an hour.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

While your dough rises, mix together brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, softened butter, and molasses in another bowl until you have a spreadable filling ready to go!

Step 6: Roll Out Your Dough

Once risen, punch down your dough gently to release air bubbles then roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread that delicious filling evenly over the top—you want every bite to be filled with flavor!

Step 7: Form Your Rolls

Starting from one long edge of the rectangle, roll up tightly into a log shape. Use dental floss or knife to cut even slices—this keeps them pretty while baking!

Step 8: Second Rise

Place your slices into greased baking pans or on parchment paper-lined trays about an inch apart so they can rise again for about half an hour while preheating your oven.

Step 9: Bake & Cool

Bake those beautiful rolls at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown—around 20-25 minutes should do it! Once out of the oven let them cool slightly before slathering them generously with that creamy frosting.

Enjoy every gooey bite of these Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls with loved ones around you—the perfect addition to any holiday feast!

Pro Tips for Making Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

Making these Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls can be a delightful experience, and with a few tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients – Bringing your eggs and butter to room temperature helps them blend more easily into the dough, resulting in a fluffier roll.

• Knead the dough well – Proper kneading develops the gluten in the flour, creating a chewy texture that’s essential for great cinnamon rolls. Aim for about 8-10 minutes of kneading until smooth.

• Let the dough rise in a warm place – Yeast thrives in warmth. Find a cozy spot in your kitchen (like near an oven) to allow your dough to rise effectively, doubling in size for fluffy rolls.

• Don’t skip the cream cheese frosting – This rich and tangy frosting is what takes your cinnamon rolls from good to absolutely heavenly. The cream cheese balances the sweetness of the rolls beautifully.

• Store leftovers properly – If you have any rolls left over (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

How to Serve Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

Presenting these Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls can make them even more inviting! Here are some fun ideas to serve this holiday treat.

Garnishes

• Chopped pecans or walnuts – A sprinkle of chopped nuts adds a crunchy texture that complements the soft rolls and brings an extra festive touch.

• A dusting of powdered sugar – Add just before serving for an elegant look; it gives a snowy appearance that matches the holiday spirit beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad – A mix of seasonal fruits like oranges, apples, and berries adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the rolls.

• Yogurt parfaits – Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a creamy side that contrasts nicely with the warm cinnamon rolls while also adding protein.

• Spiced tea or coffee – Offering a warm beverage spiced with cinnamon or nutmeg elevates your breakfast table and complements those ginger flavors splendidly.

These serving suggestions will help transform your Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls into a centerpiece that dazzles at any holiday gathering! Enjoy each gooey bite with family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy warm, delicious rolls without the last-minute rush. Whether you’re planning for a holiday breakfast or simply want a sweet treat on hand, these rolls can be made ahead and stored easily.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the rolls to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator where they will last about a week.

Freezing

• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, let the rolls thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Warm them in the microwave for 15-30 seconds or until heated through.
• You can also reheat them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls:

Can I make Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and fill the rolls a day in advance. Just refrigerate before baking and allow extra time for rising before you pop them into the oven.

What should I do if my Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls don’t rise?

Make sure your yeast is fresh and that your milk is just warm (not hot) when mixing. If it’s too cold or hot, it can affect yeast activation.

How do I store leftover Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls! They bring warmth and happiness to any holiday gathering with their gooey goodness and rich flavors. Enjoy every bite and share this special treat with your loved ones—it’s bound to become a cherished tradition! Happy baking!