Go Back

Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

These Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls combine everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls with the cozy, spiced flavor of gingerbread. Filled with a molasses-ginger-cinnamon filling and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, they’re the ultimate holiday breakfast or brunch treat.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12 cinnamon rolls
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 4.5-5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 packets RapidRise Yeast (4 ½ tsp total)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1.5 cups milk
  • 6 tbsp butter or margarine
  • 1 egg
  • 4 tbsp butter, for filling
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp molasses
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 3 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional, for frosting)

Equipment

  • Stand mixer with dough hook or electric mixer
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Rolling Pin
  • 9×13 inch baking pan
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. In a large mixer bowl, combine 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat milk and butter in 15-second increments until warm (120°–130°F). Add to flour mixture with egg.
  2. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, then add 1 more cup of flour and beat 2 minutes more. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and rest for 10 minutes.
  3. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine brown sugar, molasses, butter, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Microwave in 30-second bursts until melted and smooth.
  4. Roll dough into a 15×10-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the surface. Roll up tightly from the long edge and pinch the seam to seal. Slice into 12 rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.
  5. Arrange rolls cut side down in a greased 13×9-inch baking pan. Cover and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 hour. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Cool for 20 minutes.
  6. Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon (if using) until light and fluffy. Spread over warm rolls and serve immediately.

Notes

Make ahead: Prepare the rolls through shaping, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Warm gently before serving.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

QR Code linking back to recipe