Name: Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 1/2-5 cups all-purpose flour, divided; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 envelopes (1/4 ounce each) quick-rising dry yeast; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup milk; 6 Tablespoons butter; 2 eggs, lightly beaten; 4 Tablespoons butter, melted; 2 Tablespoons molasses; 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature; 4 Tablespoons butter, at room temperature; 1 cup confectioners’ sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 12 icing gingerbread people

If you’re like me and love cozy, festive treats with a little extra oomph of spice and sweetness, then you are absolutely going to adore this Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. These rolls are everything you want in a holiday pastry—soft, tender dough infused with warming spices, a rich molasses-sweetened filling, and a luscious cream cheese glaze topped with adorable gingerbread people icing. Seriously, my family goes crazy for these, and I promise once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen too.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor Combo: The spicy gingerbread notes mixed with classic cinnamon bring out the best cozy vibes.
Soft, Yet Fluffy Dough: The dough is tender and light, thanks to a perfect balance of yeast and butter.
Easy Enough for Weekend Baking: Even if you’re not a bread expert, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving.
Show-Stopping Presentation: The cream cheese glaze topped with gingerbread people makes these rolls perfect for holiday gatherings.

A close-up of soft, swirled cinnamon rolls stacked tightly in a white baking dish, each roll covered with thick, creamy white icing that glistens smoothly on its light golden brown surface. On top of each roll sits a small, smiling gingerbread man cookie with different colored details like green bow ties or red bows, adding a playful and festive touch. The cinnamon layers inside the rolls are visible in shades of rich brown, contrasting with the creamy frosting and dough. The whole scene rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls, holiday cinnamon roll recipe, festive gingerbread pastry, easy holiday cinnamon rolls, spiced cinnamon rolls with gingerbread

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls comes from combining classic baking staples with powerful spices and syrupy molasses for depth. I like to make sure I have fresh spices on hand because it really makes all the difference in flavor.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of warm milk, a slab of pale yellow butter on a white ceramic dish, a small white ceramic bowl of golden molasses, a small white ceramic bowl of packed light brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl with mixed ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg in separate neat piles, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth cream cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of confectioners' sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of clear vanilla extract, and a few small gingerbread men shaped cookies arranged evenly -- all 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 - Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls, holiday cinnamon roll recipe, festive gingerbread pastry, easy holiday cinnamon rolls, spiced cinnamon rolls with gingerbread

All-purpose flour: Using a good quality flour helps the dough develop structure without becoming tough.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while feeding the yeast for a nice rise.
Quick-rising dry yeast: This speeds up the rise process, perfect for when you want delicious rolls without day-long waiting.
Salt: Balances flavor, don’t skip!
Milk: Warm milk adds moisture and tenderness; I usually use whole milk for richer rolls.
Butter: Both in the dough and filling, butter is essential for that melt-in-your-mouth richness.
Eggs: They help create a soft crumb and add a slight golden color to the dough.
Molasses: That deep, robust sweetness is what gives the rolls their signature gingerbread feel.
Brown sugar: Packed into the filling, it caramelizes beautifully when baked.
Ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg: A blend of warming spices that’s like a holiday hug in every bite.
Cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract: For the tangy, sweet glaze that finishes the rolls perfectly.
Icing gingerbread people: I love these little guys as toppers—they just make the rolls extra festive and fun.

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.

Variations

I love how versatile this Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe really is—you can tweak the filling or dough to suit your mood or occasion and still get a fabulous result every time.

Dried Cranberries: I sprinkle these into the brown sugar filling and it adds a lovely tart burst that pairs beautifully with the spices.
Mini Chocolate Chips: Throw some into the dough before rolling it up for a delicious chocolate surprise in every bite.
Crystallized Ginger: Finely chopped, it amps up the gingery kick—I discovered this trick when I wanted more bite in the filling.
Dairy-free Version: Swap butter and cream cheese for plant-based alternatives; I’ve had fantastic results using vegan cream cheese for the glaze.

How to Make Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by combining 2 cups of the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. I like to warm the milk and butter in the microwave until just melted and warm to the touch (about 128-130°F)—this temp is crucial because too hot can kill the yeast, too cool and the dough won’t rise well. Add this to the dry mixture, stir to blend, then mix in the beaten eggs. Gradually add the rest of the flour until a soft dough forms. On a lightly floured surface, knead it for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle a little more flour, but don’t go overboard—you want it soft, not tough. Roll it out to a 20 x 16-inch rectangle, this size gives you just the right thickness.

Step 2: Add the Filling and Roll Up

Brush the dough with the mixture of melted butter and molasses for a lovely sticky base. Then sprinkle over the brown sugar combined with the cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg—you’ll get this incredible aroma right away that promises delicious rolls ahead. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log, pinching the seam to seal it well (this keeps the filling from leaking out). Use a sharp knife to slice the log into twelve equal rolls.

Step 3: Let Them Rise and Bake

Place the rolls cut side up in a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let them rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until doubled in size. This rising step is so important for soft, fluffy rolls—don’t rush it! While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for around 25 minutes or until the tops are golden and smell heavenly.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the rolls bake, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy and spreadable. When the rolls come out of the oven and are still warm, spread the glaze over the top generously. I always add a few cute icing gingerbread people on top—it’s such a sweet finishing touch that my kids adore.

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Pro Tips for Making Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Yeast Temperature Control: I always test my milk temp with a thermometer because if it’s too hot, your yeast won’t work properly, and the rolls won’t rise.
Don’t Over-Flour the Dough: It’s tempting to add lots of flour while kneading, but this can make your rolls dense instead of tender.
Tight Rolling: When you roll up the dough log, pull it tight to get neat spirals that bake evenly and look beautiful.
Warm Rise Spot: If you don’t have a warm spot, I’ve had success letting the dough rise in a turned-off oven with the light on—just make sure it’s draft-free.

How to Serve Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for finishing these rolls with a simple dusting of extra cinnamon or a handful of chopped nuts for crunch. But nothing beats topping them with the little icing gingerbread people—makes it feel like a holiday party right on your plate!

Side Dishes

These rolls shine best with a cup of rich coffee or spiced tea. If you’re brunching, I like to pair them with fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these rolls in a circular pan for a flower-like swirl presentation—it’s super festive and impressive without extra effort. You could also sprinkle edible glitter or drizzle caramel sauce over the glaze for added wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover rolls keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I usually cover them tightly with plastic wrap to keep them moist and soft. If you’ve got more time, refrigerating them wrapped also works, but let them come to room temp before serving.

Freezing

I love freezing unbaked rolls arranged in the baking dish, covered tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to bake, just let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm to room temperature and rise for about an hour before baking. This saves so much time on busy mornings!

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftovers in a microwave for about 20 seconds or warm them gently in a 300°F oven covered with foil to keep them from drying out—freshly glazed rolls even taste like they were just baked!

FAQs

Can I make the Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the butter and cream cheese for plant-based alternatives like vegan margarine and dairy-free cream cheese. The texture and flavor hold up wonderfully, and you can still enjoy all the spicy goodness.
How do I know if the dough has risen enough?

The dough should roughly double in size and look puffy and soft. A simple test is to gently press your finger into the dough—if the indentation springs back slowly but not completely, it’s ready to bake.
Can I prepare these rolls the night before baking?

Yes! Arrange the unbaked rolls in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, bring them to room temperature and let them rise for about an hour before baking as usual.
Why isn’t my dough rising properly?

Make sure your milk is warm but not too hot when mixing the dough, and that your yeast is fresh. Also, letting the dough rise in a warm draft-free spot helps encourage good rising. If your kitchen is cold, try the oven trick with the light on.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how these Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls taste like a warm hug straight from the oven. They’re soft, fragrant, and topped with a dreamy glaze that makes each bite unforgettable. When I first tried this recipe, I was hooked—not just because of the delicious flavors but because it brought my family together around the breakfast table. I really hope you give this recipe a go; it’s perfect for holiday mornings, weekend brunches, or anytime you need a little cozy comfort. Trust me, once you bake these, your kitchen will be the place everyone wants to be.