Delicious Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls for a Cozy Holiday

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Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate cozy treat for the holidays. These ultra-soft rolls come filled with a molasses-spiced brown sugar mixture and topped with a luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, they can be prepared ahead of time, refrigerated overnight, or even frozen for later enjoyment. With their sweet and spicy flavors, these rolls are sure to become a festive staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

You’re going to fall in love with these gingerbread cinnamon buns for several reasons. First, they are incredibly soft and fluffy, making each bite a delightful experience. The combination of warm spices like ginger and cinnamon creates a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen. Additionally, these rolls can be made ahead, allowing for easy holiday mornings. Not to mention, they are perfect for sharing at family gatherings or holiday brunches. Their festive appearance and delicious flavor make them one of the best gingerbread cinnamon rolls for Christmas!

Ingredients for Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

Gather these items:

1 cup (240ml/g) whole milk, warmed to about 100°F (38°C)
6 Tablespoons (75g) packed light or dark brown sugar, divided
1 Tablespoon (9g) active dry or instant yeast
5 Tablespoons (72g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 cups (520g) bread flour, plus more as needed for hands/work surface
5 Tablespoons (72g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
2 Tablespoons (43g) unsulphured or dark molasses
1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
4 ounces (113g) full-fat block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
2 Tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
2/3 cup (80g) confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
optional garnishes: sugared cranberries & gingerbread cookies

How to Make Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Step-by-Step

Step 1: Whisk the warm milk, 2 Tablespoons of the brown sugar, and the yeast together in the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook or paddle attachment. Cover and allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes, or until foamy on top.
Step 2: Add the remaining brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, salt, ginger, nutmeg, and 1 cup (about 130g) of the flour and beat on medium speed for 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a silicone spatula. Add 3 cups (about 390g) flour, reduce mixer speed to low, and beat until a soft dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Step 3: Keep the dough in the mixer and beat for an additional 6–8 minutes, or knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 6–8 minutes.
Step 4: Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or nonstick spray. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat all sides in the oil. Cover the bowl and allow the dough to rise for 2 hours or until double in size.
Step 5: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and molasses. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
Step 6: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Punch down the dough to release the air.
Step 7: Roll dough into a 10×16-inch rectangle. Spread the butter-molasses mixture on top. Sprinkle the sugar-spice mixture all over the dough. Roll up the dough to form a 16-inch-long log. Cut into 12 even rolls.
Step 8: Cover the rolls and allow to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Step 9: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake rolls for 25–28 minutes or until lightly browned on top.
Step 10: Remove pan from the oven and place on a cooling rack for about 10 minutes.
Step 11: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the butter and beat until combined, then beat in the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Step 12: Spread the icing over the warm rolls and serve immediately. Garnish with sugared cranberries & gingerbread cookies if desired.
Step 13: Cover leftover rolls tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

Keep these in mind:

For a faster rise, place dough in a warm area.
Frozen rolls can be baked directly from the freezer; increase baking time by a few minutes.
To ensure the best flavor, use fresh spices.
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing.

Best Ways to Serve Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

Here are some serving suggestions:

Pair them with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced coffee for the perfect holiday morning.
Top with extra cream cheese frosting or sprinkle some chopped nuts for added crunch.
Serve alongside a fruit salad for a balanced breakfast spread.

How to Store and Reheat Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

To store, cover leftover rolls tightly and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes. This makes them perfect for meal prep, as you can easily enjoy them throughout the week!

Frequently Asked Questions About Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

What’s the secret to perfect Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls?

The secret lies in the dough’s moisture and the spices used. Ensuring the ingredients are fresh and at room temperature helps achieve the perfect texture and flavor in your soft gingerbread cinnamon rolls recipe.

Can I make Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise, and then roll and shape your cinnamon rolls. Place them in the refrigerator overnight and bake them fresh in the morning for delightful holiday gingerbread cinnamon rolls.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls?

Common mistakes include over-kneading the dough or not allowing it to rise adequately. Make sure to follow the timing for rising and use the windowpane test to check if your dough is ready. With these tips, you’ll make perfect gingerbread cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting.

Variations of Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls You Can Try

There are many delicious variations to explore:

For a twist, try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the filling for added texture.
Make gingerbread swirl rolls by incorporating different spices like cardamom or allspice.
Experiment with flavored cream cheese frosting by adding orange zest or maple syrup for a unique taste.

For more delicious recipes, check out our Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins or Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes.

Delicious Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls for a Cozy Holiday - Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls - additional detail

For more tips on baking, visit Creamy Cajun Sausage and Potato Soup for a comforting meal idea.