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Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 145 reviews
  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 165 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Baked Goods
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Delight in the holiday spirit with these soft, fluffy Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls, featuring warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and allspice, rolled with a rich dark brown sugar filling and topped with a luscious molasses cream cheese frosting. Perfect for Christmas morning or any festive occasion, these rolls combine classic cinnamon roll comfort with seasonal gingerbread flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 2 (0.25 ounce) packages (14g) active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup (113ml) warm water (about 115°F/46°C)
  • 5 cups (600g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (53g) light brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup (227ml) whole milk
  • 10 tablespoons (141g) unsalted butter (melted)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)

Filling

  • 1 cup (213g) dark brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest (finely grated)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter (room temperature)

Molasses Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 1/2 cup (113g) full-fat cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons (28ml) molasses
  • 2 tablespoons (28ml) whole milk (room temperature)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (170g) confectioners’ sugar (sifted)

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water (about 115°F). Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Prepare Dough Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Warm the milk slightly, then add melted butter, vanilla extract, egg, and egg yolk to it. Mix well to combine.
  3. Mix and Knead Dough: Pour the yeast mixture and the milk-butter-egg mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms. Transfer dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6–8 minutes.
  4. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare Filling: In a separate bowl, combine dark brown sugar, orange zest, ground cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, salt, and softened butter. Mix into a spreadable paste.
  6. Roll Out Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle approximately 16×20 inches.
  7. Spread Filling: Evenly spread the prepared spiced brown sugar and butter filling over the rolled dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  8. Form Rolls: Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long side, pinching the seam to seal. Cut into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or dental floss.
  9. Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased baking pan, leaving space between them. Cover and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes until puffy.
  10. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and set in the center. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before frosting.
  11. Prepare Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add molasses, whole milk, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing to combine. Gradually add sifted confectioners’ sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
  12. Frost Rolls: Spread the molasses cream cheese frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately for best flavor and softness.

Notes

  • It’s not Christmas morning without GINGERBREAD CINNAMON ROLLS for breakfast! Soft, fluffy, and covered in molasses cream cheese frosting, these rolls pair perfectly with a big cup of holiday cheer.
  • Ensure all dairy ingredients and eggs are at room temperature to improve dough texture and yeast activation.
  • The dough can be made the night before and left to rise slowly in the refrigerator for a deeper flavor.
  • Use fresh spices for the best aromatic and authentic gingerbread flavor.
  • If the rolls brown too quickly in the oven, tent loosely with foil to prevent burning.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Find it online: https://emilyscook.com/gingerbread-cinnamon-rolls-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/