Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate holiday breakfast, combining the soft, fluffy texture of a classic cinnamon roll with the warm, cozy spices of a gingerbread cookie. This recipe features a rich, molasses-infused dough, a sweet and spicy gingerbread filling, and a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting. They will make your entire home smell like Christmas morning.

Perfect for a special Christmas breakfast, a holiday brunch, or a cozy weekend treat, these rolls are a festive and incredibly delicious way to celebrate the season. This recipe includes an overnight option, making your holiday morning as stress-free as possible.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The Ultimate Holiday Breakfast: The perfect, show-stopping treat for Christmas morning.
• Warm Gingerbread Flavor: Packed with the cozy, nostalgic spices of molasses, ginger, and cinnamon.
• Incredibly Soft & Fluffy: This recipe creates a tender, pillowy dough that’s completely irresistible.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: An easy overnight option so you can wake up and bake.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup Whole Milk, warmed (110°F/43°C)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons Instant Yeast (1 packet)
• 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 large Egg + 1 Egg Yolk, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter, melted
• 1/4 cup Molasses
• 4 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon Salt

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
• 1 cup Brown Sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons Ground Ginger
• 1 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cloves

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
• 2 cups Powdered Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the Dough: To the yeast mixture, add the remaining sugar, egg, egg yolk, melted butter, and molasses. Whisk to combine. Add the flour and salt. Using the dough hook, mix on low speed until a soft dough forms. Knead on medium speed for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Assemble: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle (approx. 18×12 inches). Spread the softened butter for the filling evenly over the dough. In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and spices, then sprinkle this mixture over the butter.
5. Roll and Slice: Tightly roll the dough up into a long log. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal-sized rolls.
6. Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy. (For overnight option, cover and refrigerate at this point).
7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Frost: While the rolls are baking, beat together all the frosting ingredients until smooth. Spread the frosting generously over the warm rolls. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Pro Tip: To bring eggs to room temperature quickly, place them in a bowl of warm water for 5-10 minutes.
• Overnight Option: After placing the cut rolls in the pan, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 18 hours. The next morning, let them sit at room temperature for 1 hour before baking as directed.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans over the filling before rolling up the dough.
• No Stand Mixer? You can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How do I know when the rolls are done?
  • They should be a deep golden brown on top, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a roll should read 190°F (88°C).
• How do I store leftovers?
  • Store the rolls tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for a soft, gooey roll.
• Can I freeze these?
  • Yes. You can freeze the baked and frosted rolls. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

• These gingerbread cinnamon rolls are the ultimate Christmas morning breakfast. Serve them warm from the oven with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a truly perfect holiday treat.