If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, deeply flavorful treat that feels like a warm hug, look no further than this Frosted Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. Bursting with festive spices like ginger and cinnamon, enriched by molasses, and topped off with a dreamy cream cheese frosting, these rolls are pure magic fresh from the oven. Whether it’s a holiday breakfast, a weekend brunch, or just a special indulgence, this recipe will wow anyone lucky enough to dig in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a special role in creating the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and soft, pillowy texture that make these cinnamon rolls irresistible.
- Brown sugar (2 teaspoons and 3/4 cup): Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the molasses and spices beautifully.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): The magical leavening agent that makes the dough rise light and fluffy.
- Warm whole milk (3/4 cup): Creates a tender dough that’s rich and soft.
- Eggs (3, at room temperature): Provide structure and moistness for the dough.
- Molasses (2 tablespoons): Infuses the dough with that unmistakable gingerbread flavor and a lovely dark hue.
- All-purpose flour (4 cups): The backbone of the dough, enabling that perfect, chewable texture.
- Ground ginger (1 tablespoon): Brings that signature zing that defines gingerbread treats.
- Cinnamon (2 teaspoons, plus 2 tablespoons for filling): Adds warmth and cozy spice to both dough and filling.
- Salted butter (6 tablespoons for dough, additional for filling and topping): Contributes richness and helps tenderize the dough.
- Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Balances the spices with a clean sweetness in the filling.
- Cream cheese (6 ounces, at room temperature): For a luscious, tangy frosting that perfectly contrasts the sweet, spiced rolls.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a fluffy finish.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Adds a fragrant note to the cream cheese frosting.
- Vanilla sea salt (optional): A fancy sprinkle at the end to amp up flavor complexity.
How to Make Frosted Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by waking up your yeast with warm water, brown sugar, and patience. Let it sit until it’s foamy and alive—that distinct yeasty aroma means it’s time to move on. This foundational step ensures your dough will rise beautifully and have that tender crumb everyone loves.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add warm milk, eggs, molasses, flour, ginger, cinnamon, salt, and soft butter to the yeast mixture. Use a stand mixer or your hands to blend everything into a smooth, slightly sticky dough. Don’t worry if it feels tacky—you can add a bit more flour, but keep it soft and pliable. Then cover and let it rise at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, watching it nearly double in size—this rest is what creates the light texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
Mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and butter together to build that sweet, spicy filling. The butter helps the sugars stick to the dough and melts into a heavenly caramel as it bakes.
Step 4: Roll and Layer the Dough
On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 12×8 inch rectangle. Spread 4 tablespoons of butter evenly, then sprinkle half of your cinnamon sugar mixture over it. Now fold each long side into the center like folding a letter, then turn the dough so the fold is horizontal, roll it out again, and spread the remaining butter and cinnamon sugar. This folding technique layers the filling for extra cinnamon goodness in every bite.
Step 5: Shape and Cut Rolls
Roll the dough tightly into a log from the long edge closest to you. Seal the edge by pinching it, then slice into 12 even rolls. Placing the rolls in a buttered pan ensures they bake up golden and won’t stick.
Step 6: Final Rise and Bake
Cover the rolls and let them rest another 10 minutes for a quick rise, or pop the pan in the fridge overnight for even more flavor development. When you’re ready, bake at 350° F for 25 to 30 minutes until they are gorgeously golden. Your kitchen will smell divine.
Step 7: Make and Spread the Icing
Whip together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until fluffy and smooth. Once the rolls are warm from the oven, spread this luscious frosting generously over the top, letting it melt into every crevice.
How to Serve Frosted Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of vanilla sea salt on the frosted rolls takes their flavor from wonderful to unforgettable. It adds a subtle contrast that highlights the sweetness and spices beautifully. You can also add a few candied ginger pieces or a dusting of extra cinnamon for a pretty finish.
Side Dishes
Pair these cinnamony delights with a warm cup of chai tea or rich coffee to enhance the spiced notes. Fresh fruit like sliced pears or a tangy cranberry compote balance the richness and add a refreshing touch to your breakfast or dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these rolls on a rustic wooden board for a cozy look, or line a basket with parchment for a charming brunch presentation. Wrap individual rolls in parchment tied with twine for a lovely gift. They’re just as wonderful pulled apart family-style straight from the pan!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any uneaten Frosted Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them soft, press a piece of wax paper between stacked rolls so they don’t stick together.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. You can freeze either before baking (after shaping) or after they have been baked and frosted.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen rolls overnight in the fridge, then warm them in a 350° F oven for about 10-12 minutes. To freshen the frosting, add a quick dollop of cream cheese icing or a light glaze right before serving.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Just mix it directly into the dry ingredients without proofing it first, and reduce the rising time slightly as instant yeast acts faster.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the whole milk with a plant-based milk like oat or almond, use dairy-free margarine instead of butter, and opt for vegan cream cheese in the frosting for a delicious dairy-free version.
Can I prepare the rolls fully the night before?
Yes, letting the shaped rolls rise slowly in the fridge overnight enhances the flavor. Just take them out about 30 minutes before baking to come to room temperature and then bake as directed.
How do I prevent the rolls from drying out after baking?
Keep the rolls covered with foil or in an airtight container as soon as they cool to lock in moisture. Reheat gently and refresh the frosting as needed to keep them soft and luscious.
Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?
Definitely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. It takes a bit more elbow grease but yields the same delicious results—just knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Final Thoughts
This Frosted Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is truly a showstopper wherever you serve it, packed with warmth, spice, and cream cheese decadence that’s hard to resist. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make these gems your own little piece of cozy happiness—your taste buds will thank you! Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a treasured favorite too.
Print
Frosted Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes (including rising time)
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in these Frosted Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls, a perfect blend of warm ginger and cinnamon spices wrapped in soft, fluffy dough and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Ideal for holiday mornings or any cozy occasion, these rolls combine molasses and brown sugar for a rich, seasonal flavor that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm whole milk
- 3 eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
Filling Ingredients
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
Icing Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
- 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar (use more or less to taste)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Vanilla sea salt (optional for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine 1/4 cup warm water, brown sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes puffed and foamy, emitting a fresh bread aroma.
- Make Dough: Add warm milk, eggs, molasses, all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, salt, and softened butter to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook attachment, mix until flour is fully incorporated, about 4 minutes. If the dough feels sticky, gradually add flour, 1/4 cup at a time. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Filling: In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined, excluding the butter for now.
- Roll Dough and Add Filling: On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12×8 inch rectangle. Spread 4 tablespoons of softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Fold one side of the dough into the center, then fold the other side on top, forming a letter fold. Turn the dough horizontally and roll it out again into a rectangle.
- Add Second Layer of Filling: Spread the remaining 2 tablespoons of softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Form Rolls: Starting from the long edge closest to you, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Cut the log into 12 equal rolls and place them in a buttered baking dish, ensuring they’re spaced slightly apart.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rest for 10 minutes at room temperature or transfer to the refrigerator to rise overnight for enhanced flavor development.
- Bake Rolls: Remove rolls from the fridge and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Prepare Icing: Beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is whipped and fluffy.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls. Optionally, sprinkle with vanilla sea salt for an extra flavor contrast. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Room temperature eggs and butter help the dough come together more easily.
- Allowing the dough to rise overnight in the fridge develops richer flavors.
- Adjust the sweetness of the frosting by adding powdered sugar to your taste.
- Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut rolls cleanly without squashing them.
- Vanilla sea salt is optional but adds a unique, gourmet touch to the sweetness.
