Why Make This Recipe

Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are a festive twist on the classic cinnamon roll, infused with the warm, spicy notes of gingerbread. Perfect for holiday gatherings or lazy Sunday mornings, these tender rolls boast a deliciously rich filling and a creamy frosting that will leave everyone craving more. Not only are they incredibly comforting, but they also bring the delightful aromas of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses into your kitchen, making them a must-try treat during the colder months.

How to Make Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

Making the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, brown sugar, salt, and ground ginger.
In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, eggs, softened butter, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour.

Making the Filling:

Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
Spread softened butter over the dough and sprinkle with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger evenly.
Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log shape. Cut the log into 12 equal rolls and place them in a greased baking dish.

Making the Frosting:

In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, molasses, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
Gradually add powdered sugar until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.

How to Serve Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

Enjoy your Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls warm straight from the oven. Drizzle a generous amount of cream cheese frosting over the top for a delightful finishing touch. Pair them with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for an extra cozy experience, making them perfect for brunch or a festive holiday breakfast.

How to Store Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

To store leftover Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls, let them cool completely and then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the rolls. Place them in a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw and reheat them in the oven or microwave.

Tips to Make Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your yeast is fresh and active for the best rise in the dough.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring your eggs and butter to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
Perfect Roll: Use a bench scraper to help cut clean rolls without squishing them.
Flavor Boost: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your personal taste or add in additional flavors like nutmeg or cloves for more depth.

Variation

For a nutty twist, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for added texture and flavor. Alternatively, you can substitute the cream cheese frosting with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a lighter finish.

FAQs

Can I make Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls the night before, cover them, and place them in the refrigerator. Allow them to come to room temperature before baking, so they can rise!

Can I use other types of flour?
Absolutely! While bread flour or all-purpose flour works best, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Just be aware that the texture may be denser.

What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, check to make sure your yeast is activated by testing it with warm water and sugar before adding it to the dry ingredients. If it’s still not rising, ensure that your environment is warm enough for the yeast to work effectively.