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+ servings
A gingerbread cinnamon roll on a plate.

Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rising Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls: soft, spiced rolls with cream cheese frosting—perfect cozy treat for the holidays!

Ingredients

Dough

  • 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 10x15-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 9x13-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!