Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Name: Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 cup active dry yeast; 1 cup warm milk; 0.5 cup granulated sugar; 0.33 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 4.5 cups all-purpose flour; 0.5 tsp salt; 3 tsp ground cinnamon; 2 tsp ground ginger; 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg; 0.25 tsp ground cloves; 0.5 cup packed brown sugar; 1.5 tbsp ground cinnamon; 0.25 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 0.25 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1.5 cups powdered sugar; 0.5 tsp vanilla extract

Introduction to Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

These delightful Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are a warm and inviting treat that brings the cozy flavors of the holiday season into your kitchen. With their fluffy texture and spiced aroma, they are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. This recipe combines the traditional flavors of gingerbread with the beloved cinnamon roll, topped off with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re making them for a festive gathering or just to enjoy at home, these rolls are sure to become a favorite!

A Personal Story Behind My Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Journey

Growing up, my family had a tradition of baking together during the holidays. The scent of freshly baked gingerbread and cinnamon filled our home, creating an atmosphere of warmth and joy. I remember the excitement of unrolling the dough and watching the rolls rise, eager to taste the sweet, spiced goodness. This Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls recipe is inspired by those cherished memories and is my way of sharing that joy with you.

What Makes This Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Special?

What sets this recipe apart is the unique blend of warm spices, including ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, which infuse the rolls with a holiday flair. The soft, pillowy texture of the dough paired with the rich cream cheese frosting makes for a delightful combination that will have everyone coming back for more. Plus, it’s an easy recipe to follow, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels!

The Full Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Ingredients

1 package (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 cup (240ml) warm milk
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1/3 cup (80g) unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 1/2 cups (563g) all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
3 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves

Filling:

1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
1 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, softened

Cream Cheese Frosting:

4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
Add the granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine.

Mix in the flour, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This helps develop the gluten, giving your rolls their structure!

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Once risen, roll out the dough into a 16×21-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
Spread the softened butter over the rolled-out dough and sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly on top.

Roll up the dough tightly from one long side to the other, then cut it into 12 equal pieces.
Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise is key for fluffy rolls!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the rolls are rising.

Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end!
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Once the rolls are out of the oven, spread the frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls.

Serve and enjoy these delicious gingerbread cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting!

Serving Suggestions and Variations for Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

These Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. For an extra festive touch, consider sprinkling some additional ground cinnamon or ginger on top of the cream cheese frosting before serving. You can also experiment by adding nuts or dried fruit to the filling for added texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

Can I make these rolls ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling, then refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, allow the rolls to rise before baking.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting? You can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a different flavor profile.

How should I store leftovers? Keep any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds before serving!