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This gingerbread spice cinnamon roll recipe transforms an ordinary breakfast into a holiday experience that will fill your kitchen with the most intoxicating aroma. The fusion of classic cinnamon rolls with warming gingerbread spices creates a treat that perfectly captures the essence of winter comfort.
I first created these rolls when looking for something special to serve Christmas morning that wasn't the same old cinnamon rolls. The moment I pulled them from the oven, my family declared a new tradition had been born. Now, they make an appearance not just during holidays but whenever we need an extra special breakfast treat.
Ingredients
- Warm milk: Activates the yeast and creates the perfect dough texture
- Active dry yeast: Provides the perfect rise for fluffy rolls
- Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds subtle sweetness to the dough
- Unsalted butter: Enriches both the dough and filling, creating incredible texture
- Eggs: Bind the dough and add richness to every bite
- All purpose flour: Works perfectly here, no need for specialty flours
- Brown sugar: Creates a caramelized filling that melts into every spiral
- Ground cinnamon: Provides the classic foundation of flavor
- Ground ginger: Adds that distinctive gingerbread warmth
- Ground cloves: Bring aromatic depth that makes these rolls special
- Nutmeg: Contributes subtle complexity to the spice blend
- Cream cheese: Creates the perfect tangy frosting base
- Pure maple syrup: Transforms a standard frosting into something extraordinary
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the frosting with warm undertones
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- Begin by creating your yeast mixture in warm milk with a tablespoon of sugar. This gives the yeast a jumpstart and ensures proper activation. Watch for a foamy appearance after about 10 minutes which signals live yeast. In a separate large bowl, combine your melted butter, remaining sugar, and eggs, mixing until completely smooth. Add your foamy yeast mixture and gradually incorporate flour and salt. The dough should start pulling away from the sides of the bowl. Turn onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back slightly when poked. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise until doubled in size.
- Create the Spice Filling:
- While the dough rises, prepare your gingerbread spice filling. Begin with room temperature butter for easy spreading. Mix in brown sugar until completely incorporated, then add your warm spice blend. The mixture should resemble wet sand and smell intensely aromatic. This is where the magic happens. Make sure your spices are fresh for maximum flavor impact. If your ground spices have been sitting in the cabinet for over six months, consider replacing them for the best flavor.
- Assemble the Rolls:
- Roll your dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Aim for about 12×18 inches with even thickness throughout. Spread your spice filling evenly across the entire surface, leaving a half inch border on one long edge. Starting from the opposite long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape, applying gentle pressure as you go. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut into 12 even pieces. Place the rolls in your prepared baking dish with a small gap between each one.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Preheat your oven while the rolls undergo their second rise. Once they have puffed up and are touching each other slightly, bake until golden brown. The internal temperature should reach about 190°F. Your kitchen will fill with the most incredible holiday aroma you can imagine. The rolls should be golden on top but still soft in the center.
- Create Maple Frosting:
- While the rolls are still warm, prepare your maple frosting. The warmth of the rolls will slightly melt the frosting, allowing it to seep into all the nooks and crannies. Beat room temperature cream cheese and butter until completely smooth before adding powdered sugar. Add maple syrup and vanilla, beating until light and fluffy. Spread generously over warm rolls, allowing some to melt down into the spirals.
Gingerbread spice has been my secret weapon for holiday baking for years. The combination reminds me of baking with my grandmother, who insisted that cloves were the most important spice in any holiday recipe. Every time I smell these rolls baking, I remember her kitchen and how she would always let me lick the frosting spoon.
Make Ahead Magic
These cinnamon rolls are perfect for stress free holiday mornings. Prepare the recipe through the assembly stage, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, allow the rolls to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while your oven preheats, then bake as directed. The slow rise in the refrigerator actually develops even more flavor complexity. You can also freeze the unbaked rolls for up to one month. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before proceeding with the final rise and baking.
Substitution Guide
This recipe adapts beautifully to dietary needs. For dairy free versions, substitute plant based milk, butter, and cream cheese. Almond milk works particularly well with the spice profile. For a gluten free option, use your favorite cup for cup gluten free flour blend, but add an extra egg to provide structure. You can also substitute molasses for half of the brown sugar in the filling for an even more authentic gingerbread flavor. For a quicker version, quality store bought pizza dough can work in a pinch, though the texture will be slightly different.
Serving Suggestions
These rolls make a showstopping centerpiece for holiday brunches. Serve alongside a savory breakfast casserole and fresh fruit for balance. For an extra special presentation, garnish with sugared cranberries and rosemary sprigs. A hot beverage is essential pairing, with options ranging from coffee to hot chocolate or spiced apple cider. For a truly decadent dessert version, warm slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
The History Behind the Flavor
The combination of gingerbread spices dates back centuries, with the first documented gingerbread recipes appearing in Europe during the Middle Ages. Ginger was prized for its preservative qualities and distinctive flavor. Cinnamon rolls have their own rich history, popularized in Sweden as kanelbullar. This recipe marries these two beloved traditions into one remarkable treat. The addition of maple syrup nods to North American influence, creating a truly international flavor experience that somehow tastes like pure nostalgia.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What spices are used in these cinnamon rolls?
The rolls include cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
- → Can I prepare the rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can let the unbaked rolls rise overnight in the fridge and bake them fresh in the morning.
- → How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or freeze for up to 2 months.
- → Can I make the filling less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of brown sugar in the filling or add more spices to balance the sweetness.
- → What can I use instead of maple syrup in the frosting?
Substitute honey or a splash of vanilla extract for a slightly different flavor if maple syrup isn’t available.