Name: Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 32 min
Total time: 2 h 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup warm water (60mL); 2 and ½ Tablespoons granulated sugar (32g); 1 and ⅛ teaspoons dry active yeast (3.5g); ¼ cup milk (60mL, any type); 2 Tablespoons unsulphured molasses (30mL, do not use black strap); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 large egg; 2 and ¼ to 2 and ½ cups all purpose flour (270-300g); 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened and cut into pieces (57g); ¼ cup granulated sugar (50g); ¼ cup firmly packed light brown sugar (50g); 1 and ½ Tablespoons ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (28g); 1 Tablespoon unsulphured molasses (15mL, do not use black strap); 2 ounces full fat block cream cheese, softened (57g); 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (28g); ½ Tablespoon unsulphured molasses (15mL, do not use black strap); ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¾ cups powdered sugar (90g); Pinch of salt

There's something truly magical about waking up to the warm, spicy aroma of freshly baked gingerbread cinnamon rolls. This Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe brings together the cozy spices of gingerbread with the comforting swirl of cinnamon rolls, creating a treat that's as delightful to make as it is to enjoy.

The image shows a close-up of four cinnamon rolls arranged tightly together on a piece of light brown parchment paper, placed on a white marbled surface. Each cinnamon roll has a dark golden-brown dough base with visible cinnamon swirls inside. On top, there is a thick, smooth layer of light brown frosting with a creamy texture that softly covers the rolls, showing slight swirling patterns from spreading. A woman's hand is gently holding the bottom left cinnamon roll, adding a human touch to the cozy scene. A thin red ribbon lies partially under the parchment paper. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it marries the nostalgic flavors of gingerbread with the indulgent, gooey texture of cinnamon rolls. Whether you're making it for family breakfast or a cozy weekend brunch, it's one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug from the inside.

Unique flavor combo: The addition of molasses and warm spices gives these rolls a distinctive gingerbread twist that's perfect for chilly days.
Soft, tender dough: The dough is rich and elastic, thanks to a careful balance of butter, egg, and molasses – making every bite irresistibly soft.
Molasses cream cheese frosting: The tangy cream cheese with a hint of molasses frosting complements the spice perfectly, elevating the whole experience.
Great for making ahead: You can prepare the dough or even shape the rolls the night before, making morning baking a breeze.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each component in this Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe plays a vital role in building flavor and texture. From the warm spices to the molasses and the cream cheese frosting, everything works in harmony.

Flat lay of a large whole egg with a clean shell, a small mound of all purpose flour, a few pieces of softened unsalted butter cut into chunks, a small white ceramic bowl with warm water, a small white bowl with milk, a small white bowl holding unsulphered molasses, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, a small white bowl of light brown sugar packed, a small white bowl with ground cinnamon, a small white bowl with ground ginger, a small white bowl with ground nutmeg, a small white bowl containing active dry yeast granules, a block of full fat cream cheese, all ingredients arranged symmetrically and naturally, fresh and unprocessed, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Warm water: Activates the yeast gently without killing it–make sure it’s not too hot!
Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and gives a touch of sweetness to the dough.
Dry active yeast: The magic that makes your dough rise and become fluffy.
Milk: Adds tenderness and richness to the dough.
Unsulphered molasses: Provides that classic gingerbread depth and sweetness; avoid blackstrap molasses here as it’s too bitter.
Spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg): Give the rolls their signature warm, comforting flavor.
Egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture.
All-purpose flour: The base of your dough, measured carefully to get just the right texture.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and softness to the dough and filling.
Brown sugar: For a deep molasses sweetness in the filling.
Cream cheese: Creates the perfect tangy frosting that balances the spice.
Powdered sugar: For smooth sweetness in the frosting.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the dough balanced.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is how adaptable it is! You can tweak the spice blend or the frosting to suit your taste or dietary needs without losing any of that cozy magic.

Spice it up or down: If you like a more pronounced gingerbread flavor, increase the ginger and molasses slightly. Or for a milder roll, reduce the spices just a touch.
Dairy-free version: Swapping regular milk and butter for plant-based alternatives works well here, but I recommend coconut milk for extra richness.
Extra gooey filling: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch and texture.
Seasonal touches: In winter, a dash of clove or allspice adds a festive flair.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

A cinnamon roll with light brown icing thickly spread on top, showing soft, fluffy inner layers of dough swirled with darker brown cinnamon filling. The roll is partly eaten, exposing the moist and textured inside with a spoon scooping a piece from the side. It sits on a white plate with small dark speckles, placed on a white marbled surface with a hint of red fabric nearby and some blurred green leaves in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Mix the Dough

Start by sprinkling your yeast and sugar over warm water to wake up those little guys — you’ll want it bubbly and active, which usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Then, whisk in the milk, molasses, warm spices, salt, and egg for that cozy base flavor. Gradually mix in your flour, adding softened butter partway through — it’s crucial to soften the butter and cut it into pieces beforehand to help it blend smoothly. The dough might look a bit shaggy at first, but keep going, it’ll pull together nicely.

Step 2: Knead Until Just Right

Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes. I always tell friends to look for that PlayDoh-like texture — smooth, elastic, but not sticky. Add flour one tablespoon at a time if the dough feels too tacky. Don’t rush this step; kneading well is what gives you those soft, fluffy rolls you’ll love biting into.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling and Roll Out the Dough

While the dough rests for 10 minutes, mix together your sugars and spices for the filling. When ready, roll your dough into a 9x12 inch rectangle—this dough is very elastic, so take your time and don’t stress if it springs back a bit. Brush melted butter combined with molasses over the dough, then sprinkle on your spiced sugar mixture evenly. This rich, caramel-like filling is what really makes this recipe shine.

Step 4: Roll, Slice, and Let Rise

Carefully roll the dough up from a long side into a tight log. Use your hands to gently tweak the ends so everything stays neat. Then, slice into six equal rolls with a serrated knife, placing them cut-side down in your greased baking dish. Don’t worry if some filling escapes — it’ll bake into lovely caramelized bits. Cover the pan loosely and let the rolls rise for about an hour and a half. Patience here yields the fluffiest rolls!

Step 5: Bake and Cool Slightly

Preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Bake the rolls for around 28 to 32 minutes, watching for a gentle golden top. If they look like they’re browning too fast, tent some foil over them — you want them baked through without burning. Once out, let them cool for about 15 minutes before frosting, so the cream cheese doesn’t melt right off.

Step 6: Whip Up the Molasses Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat softened cream cheese and butter together, adding cinnamon and molasses for that signature rich warmth. Slowly mix in powdered sugar and a pinch of salt until your frosting is smooth and fluffy. Spread generously over the slightly cooled rolls and prepare for pure comfort on a plate.

Top Tip

After making this recipe numerous times for friends and family, I’ve learned a few tricks that really help you get it just right and stress-free.

Perfect dough texture: Don’t be too hasty adding flour; your dough should be soft but not sticky. I always rely on the PlayDoh texture test—it’s a game changer!
Rolling patience: The dough is elastic and can bounce back. Instead of pushing hard all at once, roll a bit, rest for 10 seconds, then roll some more.
Rising environment: Find a warm spot (like inside an off oven with the light on) for your rolls to rise properly without drafts.
Frosting timing: Let the rolls cool for about 15 minutes before frosting; this keeps that frosting thick and luscious rather than melting away.

How to Serve Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

gingerbread cinnamon rolls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple because the rolls are already packed with flavor. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a pretty touch for serving, or some chopped pecans sprinkled on top of the frosting add a nice crunch and nutty contrast. You can also scatter a few crystallized ginger bits for an extra zing if you’re feeling festive.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or spiced latte for a perfect morning treat. If serving brunch, fresh fruit like sliced oranges or a berry compote balances the richness beautifully. Sometimes I even serve it alongside scrambled eggs for a sweet-and-savory mix.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special gatherings, I’ve arranged the rolls in a wreath shape on a round pan, topped with candied cranberries and sprigs of fresh rosemary — it’s stunning and smells amazing. You can also bake them in individual mini pans for cute single servings that feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They stay soft and moist, and simply reheating them in the microwave for 8-10 seconds revives that fresh-baked warmth beautifully.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing both baked and unbaked rolls. For baked, freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months—defrost overnight in the fridge before warming. For unbaked, I like to parbake for 10 minutes, cool, and freeze; then I finish baking fresh when ready for a fast fresh-baked treat.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is wrapping the rolls loosely in foil and warming in a 300ºF oven for 10-12 minutes. For a quick option, microwave for a few seconds to get that soft center back. This helps keep them moist without drying out the edges.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Replace the milk with your favorite plant-based alternative, use a flax or chia egg instead of a chicken egg, and swap the butter and cream cheese for vegan versions. The flavor will still be deliciously warm and comforting.

What’s the best way to measure flour for this recipe?

I recommend spooning the flour into your measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife rather than scooping directly from the bag; this keeps the measurement accurate and prevents the dough from becoming too dry or dense.

Why is molasses important in this recipe?

Molasses adds that classic deep, rich flavor that ties together the gingerbread spices with a hint of sweetness and moisture to the dough. It’s key for achieving the authentic gingerbread taste you’re after.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the filling?

Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even dried cranberries add fantastic texture and complexity. Just sprinkle them evenly over the filling before rolling up the dough.

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is one of those recipes I return to year after year, especially when the weather turns cold and my family craves something comforting and festive. The combination of warm spices, sweet molasses, and creamy frosting is just pure joy. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing these as much as I do—it’s the kind of recipe that fills your home with love and that wonderful “come have a treat” feeling every time.