These Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are tender, sweet rolls with a spiced gingerbread filling and a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for holiday mornings or any time you crave something warm and spiced. If you are looking for more holiday desserts, make sure to check out our classic snickerdoodles!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Dough: This simple sweet roll dough is versatile, also used in rolls like Raspberry Cream Cheese and Orange Sweet Rolls.
- Molasses & Spices: Molasses, cinnamon, and ginger infuse the rolls with a traditional gingerbread taste.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Adds a rich, tangy contrast that highlights the gingerbread filling without overpowering it.
Make-Ahead Options
You definitely make these rolls in advance! Start by prepping the dough, and then fill, roll, and cut as directed. Place rolls in a greased pan, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Let come to room temperature before baking.
To freeze, after assembling, freeze unbaked rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, bring to room temp, and bake.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store baked rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezing Baked Rolls: Wrap cooled rolls individually and freeze up to 3 months without frosting. Thaw in the fridge and enjoy with fresh frosting.
These Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are a warm, cozy indulgence you’ll want to make every holiday season!
Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Dough
- ⅔ cup whole milk, warmed to 110°-115°F
- 5 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces, room temperature
Filling
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch kosher salt
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the warm milk and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and whisk to combine. Let it sit until the yeast is foamy, about 5 minutes.
- Add the eggs to the yeast mixture and whisk until smooth.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the remaining 4 tablespoons of granulated sugar, flour, and kosher salt. Mix on low speed to combine.
- Add the milk mixture to the flour mixture, mixing to combine. With the mixer still on low, add the butter, one piece at a time, allowing each piece to incorporate before adding the next. Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead until the dough is soft, about 5 minutes.
- Lightly spray a medium bowl with nonstick cooking spray. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap, and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Once the dough has doubled, punch it down and transfer it to a floured work surface. Roll the dough into a 10×15-inch rectangle, about ¼-inch thick.
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and salt for the filling. Spread the filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, covering the entire surface.
- Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Starting from the long edge of the dough, tightly roll it up into a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 even rolls. Arrange the rolls in the prepared baking dish, cut side up. Cover with plastic wrap, and let them rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden on the edges and cooked through in the center. Let the rolls cool slightly before frosting.
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, mixing until well combined.
- Once the rolls have cooled slightly, generously frost them with the cream cheese mixture. Enjoy!
This recipe was inspired by Iambaker.com’s gingerbread cinnamon rolls.
More Desserts to Impress
Strawberry Muffins
Indulge in delightful freshness with our strawberry muffins, bursting with flavor in every bite. Perfect for any occasion!
Snickerdoodles
Soft, chewy Snickerdoodles with a tangy touch and a cinnamon-sugar coating—perfect for any occasion and irresistibly delicious!
Blueberry Crisp
Blueberry Crisp is packed with a delicious medley of fresh juicy blueberries, almonds, and oats. Serve it up warm with a dollop of your favorite yogurt or ice cream!