Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls : A Cozy Christmas Morning Treat

When the holiday season rolls in, it brings with it the comforting scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Combine those warm spices with the soft, gooey decadence of cinnamon rolls, and you get a holiday masterpiece: Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls. These festive rolls are everything you love about a classic cinnamon roll but infused with the nostalgic flavors of gingerbread—molasses, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger—making them perfect for Christmas morning, cozy brunches, or as edible gifts.

Whether you’re baking up a batch for your own family or preparing for a holiday bake sale, this Gingerbread Cinnamon Roll recipe delivers in flavor, warmth, and wow factor.

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Why Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Are the Ultimate Holiday Treat

These gingerbread cinnamon rolls go beyond the typical holiday pastry. They’re soft, fluffy, and beautifully spiced with seasonal flavors. The addition of molasses gives them a deep, rich color and a subtle sweetness that complements the cinnamon and brown sugar filling. They’re easy enough for beginner bakers, yet the flavor is elevated enough for seasoned pros.

Pair them with a warm mug of cocoa or even a festive drink like Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew for the ultimate seasonal breakfast. Looking for something even cozier? Try them alongside Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal for a hearty brunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses pantry staples with a holiday twist. Here’s what you’ll need for the dough and filling:

For the Dough:

• All-purpose flour
• Yeast
• Warm milk
• Butter
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Molasses
• Salt
• Ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves

For the Filling:

• Brown sugar
• Butter (softened)
• Ground cinnamon and ginger
• Molasses

For the Frosting:

• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• A splash of milk for texture

Looking to make this more protein-packed? Try substituting with Greek yogurt in the frosting or using a recipe base like Protein-Packed Cottage Cheese Egg Bake for a protein-forward breakfast.

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How to Make Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

The process is simple but requires a bit of patience for the dough to rise. Here’s how to do it:

1. Activate the yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let it bloom.
2. Mix the dough with flour, molasses, spices, and butter. Knead until smooth and elastic.
3. Let the dough rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
4. Roll it out into a large rectangle and spread with spiced brown sugar filling.
5. Roll and cut into 12 even pieces. Arrange in a greased baking dish.
6. Let rise again, then bake until golden brown.
7. Frost with cream cheese icing while warm, so it melts into every crevice.

If you’re into making breakfast ahead of time, these rolls can be prepped the night before and refrigerated. You can even freeze unbaked rolls and bake them straight from the freezer for fresh cinnamon rolls on demand.

Pro Tips for Perfect Rolls Every Time

• Use fresh yeast: Old yeast can ruin the rise. Always check the expiration.
• Room temperature butter and eggs: Cold ingredients slow down yeast growth.
• Don’t over-knead: 8–10 minutes is perfect for soft dough.
• Slice rolls with dental floss: This gives cleaner cuts without squishing the dough.
• Let frosting melt slightly: This creates that signature gooey top layer.

Want more brunch-worthy tips? Check out the Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Bake for another holiday crowd-pleaser.

Christmas Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls That Can Be Made Ahead

One of the best parts of this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can make the dough a day in advance and let it rise in the fridge overnight. In the morning, all you need to do is bring it to room temperature and bake. These also freeze beautifully—just wrap tightly and defrost the night before baking.

Icing Ideas: More Than Just Cream Cheese

While cream cheese frosting is the classic, don’t be afraid to get creative:

• Maple glaze: Add maple extract and a dash of cinnamon.
• Orange zest icing: Brightens up the deep spice with a citrusy twist.
• Brown butter frosting: For a nuttier, more complex flavor.

For more inspiration, try pairing these rolls with sweet options like Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies or Pumpkin Fluff Dip for your dessert board.

Gingerbread + Cinnamon = A Cinnamon Christmas Classic

There’s something incredibly nostalgic about gingerbread during the holidays. Whether it’s the aroma that fills your kitchen or the warmth it brings on a cold December morning, gingerbread is Christmas. When combined with cinnamon rolls, it creates the ultimate “Cinnamon Christmas” fusion.

Add a festive touch by decorating the frosted rolls with holiday sprinkles or crushed peppermint for a holiday breakfast that doubles as decor.

More Unique and Different Cinnamon Roll Recipes to Try

If you’re a fan of baking unique twists on classic recipes, here are more cinnamon roll spins to explore:

• Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls – Perfect for fall
• Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls – Fruity and creamy
• Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Bake – A casserole version for brunch crowds

Each of these can be customized for the season or occasion, making them versatile additions to your breakfast and dessert rotation.

Make It a Sellable Holiday Food Idea

Looking for sellable food ideas for your local farmer’s market, bake sale, or online shop? Gingerbread cinnamon rolls are a smart choice. They’re eye-catching, seasonal, and universally loved. Package them individually with a mini frosting container for a DIY warm-and-drizzle experience.

If you’re exploring more options for market-ready foods, consider Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl or Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles—they’re both portable and crave-worthy.

Serve These Rolls for More Than Just Christmas

Sure, these rolls scream “holiday,” but they also work beautifully for:

• Christmas morning
• New Year’s Day brunch
• Fall bake sales
• Thanksgiving dessert tables
• Winter wedding brunches

Try pairing them with Lavender Lemonade for a whimsical brunch or Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Pancakes for a protein-rich option to balance the sweetness.

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FAQs: Gingerbread Cinnamon Roll Troubleshooting

Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but use 50/50 with all-purpose to avoid dense rolls.

What if I don’t have molasses?
Dark brown sugar can work, but the gingerbread flavor won’t be as deep.

Can I make these dairy-free?
Use almond milk and vegan butter substitutes.

How long do they last?
Store frosted rolls in the fridge for up to 3 days. Unfrosted rolls can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Can I prep the dough in a bread machine?
Yes, just follow the dough cycle instructions.

Final Thoughts

These Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are not just a recipe—they’re a warm hug on a cold morning. They bring together the magic of Christmas spices with the indulgence of soft, fluffy dough and gooey frosting. Whether you’re making them for a cozy breakfast at home or looking for a unique, sellable holiday treat, this recipe hits all the right notes.

Craving more festive comfort food? Don’t miss our Pumpkin Twists or add a savory touch with Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs for a perfectly balanced holiday table.

Now it’s your turn—whip up a batch, enjoy with your loved ones, and let the holiday baking season begin!

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