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Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting

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These Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting bring together the warm, cozy flavors of gingerbread and the soft, gooey texture of classic cinnamon rolls. Infused with cinnamon, ginger, molasses, and nutmeg, these rolls are topped with a rich maple frosting that makes them completely irresistible. Perfect for holiday mornings, special occasions, or anytime you crave a festive treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Warm & Cozy Flavors: Gingerbread spices make these cinnamon rolls extra special.
  • Soft & Gooey: Fluffy dough with a spiced, buttery filling.
  • Homemade Comfort: Perfect for Christmas morning or winter brunch.
  • Maple Frosting: A deliciously sweet and creamy topping.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the night before for easy baking in the morning.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dough:

  • Warm milk
  • Active dry yeast
  • Granulated sugar
  • Butter (melted)
  • Eggs
  • All-purpose flour
  • Salt

Gingerbread Spice Filling:

  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Ground ginger
  • Nutmeg
  • Cloves
  • Molasses
  • Butter (softened)

Maple Frosting:

  • Cream cheese (softened)
  • Butter (softened)
  • Maple syrup
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Directions

this recipe

Step 1: Make the Dough

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the Dough: Add melted butter, eggs, flour, and salt. Mix until combined, then knead for about 8 minutes until smooth.
  3. Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

  1. Mix the Spices: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
  2. Spread the Butter: Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread softened butter over the surface.
  3. Add the Filling: Drizzle with molasses and sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the dough.

Step 3: Roll & Bake

  1. Roll the Dough: Roll it up tightly from the long side and slice into 12 equal rolls.
  2. Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
  3. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Step 4: Make the Maple Frosting

  1. Mix Ingredients: Beat cream cheese, butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  2. Frost the Rolls: Spread the frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 12 rolls
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Bake Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Total Time: About 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

  • Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling.
  • Chocolate Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the gingerbread spice mixture.
  • Extra Maple Flavor: Use maple extract in the frosting for a bolder taste.
  • Overnight Rolls: Prepare the rolls the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based milk, butter, and cream cheese.

Storage/Reheating

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw and warm before frosting.
  • Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes! If you’re short on time, pre-made dough works well.

How do I make these extra soft?

Don’t overbake—remove them from the oven when just golden brown.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, just skip the proofing step and mix it directly into the flour.

Why did my rolls turn out dry?

Make sure to use enough butter in the filling and avoid overbaking.

Can I prepare these the night before?

Yes! Let them rise in the fridge overnight and bake in the morning.

What if I don’t have molasses?

Use honey or maple syrup as a substitute, though the flavor will change slightly.

Can I add raisins or cranberries?

Absolutely! Dried fruit pairs well with the gingerbread spices.

How do I make the frosting thicker?

Add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I make mini cinnamon rolls?

Yes! Slice them thinner and reduce the baking time slightly.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

Use less powdered sugar and add more cream cheese for a tangier flavor.

Conclusion

Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting are the perfect holiday breakfast or dessert, blending the warm spices of gingerbread with the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls. Soft, gooey, and topped with rich maple frosting, these rolls will quickly become a seasonal favorite. Serve them fresh and enjoy a cozy, festive treat!

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Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Chill Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Breakfast, Holiday Treats, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American, Holiday
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Description

These Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Topped with a creamy maple frosting, they make the perfect holiday breakfast or cozy winter treat!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough

  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (55 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 egg + 1 egg yolk
  • 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Gingerbread Spice Filling

  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Maple Frosting

  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (55 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups (180 g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup 🍁
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes, until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, mix melted butter, remaining sugar, egg, and egg yolk.
  3. Add yeast mixture and gradually stir in flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
  4. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, until doubled in size.

2. Make the Filling

  1. In a bowl, mix butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt until combined.

3. Assemble the Rolls

  1. Roll out the dough into a 12×18-inch (30×45 cm) rectangle on a floured surface.
  2. Spread the gingerbread spice filling evenly over the dough.
  3. Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log and cut into 12 equal rolls.
  4. Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let rise 30-45 minutes.

4. Bake the Rolls

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.

5. Make the Maple Frosting

  1. Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
  2. Spread over warm cinnamon rolls and serve immediately!

Notes

✔ Make ahead? Let unbaked rolls rise overnight in the fridge, then bake in the morning.
✔ Extra gooey? Drizzle with extra maple syrup before serving!
✔ Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

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