Name: Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast; ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C); ¼ cup molasses; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup brown sugar, packed; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1–2 tablespoons milk; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 84 reviews

If you crave the cozy, festive comfort of spiced pastries but want to kick it up a notch, this Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is the perfect treat. Imagine soft, pillowy rolls infused with warm gingerbread spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, swirled with a luscious brown sugar filling, and finished with a smooth vanilla glaze that melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with nostalgia and invites you to savor every bite with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Whether you’re looking for a standout holiday breakfast or a luscious brunch centerpiece, these rolls deliver that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and utterly irresistible goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view shows eleven white bowls and one clear glass jug arranged neatly on a white marbled surface, each filled with different cooking ingredients. Starting from the top left, a bowl holds diced pale yellow butter cubes, next to it, a small bowl with white granulated sugar sits below a similar bowl with salt. Below these, there is a clear glass jug filled with white milk and to its right, a bowl with melted yellow butter. Next to that, a bowl holds shiny black molasses or syrup. Continuing down, a bowl of brown sugar sits centrally, textured and crumbly. To its left, a large bowl of white flour occupies the corner. At the bottom left, powdered sugar in a white bowl is visible. Toward the bottom center, a bowl with white cream cheese or thick white cream rests near smaller bowls of ground spices in shades of brown and orange arranged on the right. A half orange and a small dark liquid portion in a tiny bowl add a splash of bright and dark color to the composition. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple, familiar ingredients come together in this Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe to create layers of flavor and irresistibly tender texture. Each component plays a crucial role—from the warm spices in the dough to the rich brown sugar filling and the creamy vanilla glaze that ties it all together.

3 cups flour: Provides the structure and chewy softness essential for perfect rolls.
2 ¼ teaspoons yeast: The magic agent that makes the dough rise and become fluffy.
¾ cup warm milk: Activates the yeast and helps create a moist dough.
¼ cup molasses: Adds that classic gingerbread depth and rich color.
¼ cup sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough without overpowering the spices.
¼ cup butter, melted: Contributes tenderness and richness to the dough.
1 egg: Adds structure and helps bind ingredients together.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Delivers warm spiciness to the dough.
½ teaspoon ground ginger: Gives the rolls their signature gingerbread flavor.
½ teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a subtle earthiness that complements other spices.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
½ cup brown sugar (filling): Creates a caramel-like sweetness that melts perfectly when baked.
2 tablespoons butter, softened (filling): Helps the filling stick and adds richness.
1 tablespoon cinnamon (filling): Intensifies the spice in the filling.
1 teaspoon ground ginger (filling): Reinforces the gingerbread theme in every bite.
1 cup powdered sugar (glaze): Provides a sweet, smooth finish.
1–2 tablespoons milk (glaze): Adjusts the glaze to just the right drizzle consistency.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (glaze): Adds warmth and depth to your glaze.

How to Make Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by mixing warm milk with yeast, sugar, melted butter, molasses, and the egg, whisking in the cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, and salt. This fragrant blend is the foundation of your gingerbread cinnamon roll magic. Then gradually add the flour while mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead it on a floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size. This rising process is what gives your rolls that irresistible fluffy texture.

Step 2: Roll and Add Filling

Once your dough has risen, gently punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough’s surface, then sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, and ground ginger mixture on top. This filling is what will create those gooey, sweet, and spicy rolls everyone will be raving about. Be generous but make sure it covers the dough evenly so every bite has that wonderful taste.

Step 3: Shape the Rolls

Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the log into about 12 equal rolls. This ensures each roll bakes evenly and looks picture-perfect. Place the rolls cut side up into a greased baking pan, giving enough space for them to rise again.

Step 4: Final Rise and Bake

Cover the pan with a clean towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place for another 30 minutes to puff up again. This last rise creates those signature fluffy layers. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20 to 25 minutes or until they are golden brown and smell heavenly. The aroma alone will tell you they are ready to come out!

Step 5: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze

While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Adjust the milk for a drizzling consistency—too thick and it won’t drizzle nicely, too thin and it won’t coat properly. Drizzle generously over warm rolls to add a sweet, creamy finish that perfectly balances the spice of the gingerbread cinnamon rolls.

How to Serve Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

A white round pan filled with seven cinnamon rolls covered in smooth white glaze. The rolls are golden brown with swirls of cinnamon visible inside each one. Scattered on and around the rolls are small brown gingerbread-shaped cookies and a few round red berries. A woman's hand is holding the pan from the side, showing a bit of light skin. The background is a white marbled surface with soft natural light highlighting the textures of the rolls and glaze. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, consider sprinkling a little crushed candied ginger or chopped pecans on top of the glaze for extra texture and festive flair. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a snowy holiday touch that makes each roll look like a bakery masterpiece.

Side Dishes

These rolls are perfect on their own but pair beautifully with a few side dishes to turn your meal into a complete celebration. Think creamy whipped mascarpone, fresh fruit like orange segments to brighten the spices, or a warm cup of chai tea or latte to compliment the warm flavors. Even a dollop of vanilla yogurt or a smear of cream cheese can add an appealing tang.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your gingerbread cinnamon rolls in festive ramekins for individual portions or stacked as a sweet tower on a holiday brunch table. Wrapping the rolls in parchment paper and tying with twine makes an adorable gift idea for friends and neighbors. Another playful idea is to add a drizzle of salted caramel sauce alongside the vanilla glaze for a luscious twist everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe delights can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, keeping them soft and flavorful. For slightly longer storage, refrigeration is effective but may dry the rolls out; just warm them slightly before serving.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these rolls later, you can freeze them either before baking or after glazing. Wrap individual or whole batches tightly in plastic wrap and foil to protect from freezer burn. They will keep beautifully for up to 2 months, so you can always pull some out for a surprise treat during busy mornings.

Reheating

To reheat, place frozen or refrigerated rolls in a warm oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave individually for 20–30 seconds. This brings back the freshly baked softness and makes the glaze delightfully gooey once again. If needed, add a little extra glaze after reheating for that just-baked look and taste.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be prepared the night before and refrigerated after the first rise. This slow fermentation actually enhances the flavor, and you only need to bring it back to room temperature before rolling and filling.

What if I don’t have molasses?

Molasses gives that signature deep flavor and rich color to these rolls, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with an equal amount of dark corn syrup or maple syrup. Keep in mind the flavor will be milder but still delicious.

Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes! Any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk works great as a substitute. Just ensure it’s warmed for activating the yeast and you’ll have equally fluffy and tasty rolls.

How spicy are these rolls?

This Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe offers a gentle warmth from the cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg—not overpowering but enough to evoke holiday spices and a cozy vibe that’s incredibly satisfying.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit?

Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins to the filling adds interesting texture and extra bursts of flavor. Just sprinkle them over the filling before rolling up the dough for a delightful surprise in each bite.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about starting your day with a warm, freshly baked gingerbread cinnamon roll, and this Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe delivers that joy with every fluffy, spice-kissed bite. It’s easy enough to make but impressive enough to share with loved ones making holidays and mornings more memorable. Give this recipe a try—you might just discover a new seasonal favorite you’ll return to year after year.