Description
Soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls infused with warm gingerbread spices, filled with a sweet brown sugar and cinnamon mixture, and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for holiday breakfasts and brunches, these rolls combine traditional cinnamon roll comfort with festive gingerbread flavors.
Ingredients
For Dough:
- 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
For Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
For Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, granulated sugar, melted butter, molasses, egg, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well until evenly mixed and the yeast starts activating.
- Add Flour and Knead: Gradually add the flour to the wet mixture, stirring continuously until a soft dough forms. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
- Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle approximately 12×16 inches.
- Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the softened butter over the dough rectangle. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and ground ginger together, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Form the Rolls: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal rolls.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffed up.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare and Drizzle Glaze: While the rolls are cooling slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (start with 1 tablespoon then add more if needed to reach desired consistency), and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls.
Notes
- Add a teaspoon of finely grated orange zest to the glaze for an extra layer of holiday flavor.
- You can prepare the rolls ahead of time by assembling them, placing them in the pan, covering tightly, and refrigerating overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.
- Use unsalted butter in the recipe to better control salt levels.
- If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, increase the ground ginger in the filling slightly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Holiday
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
