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Deliciously Fluffy Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls for a Festive Holiday Breakfast

Nothing says holiday cheer like the smell of gingerbread baking in the oven. These Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls take that spiced aroma and swirl it right into pillowy-soft rolls filled with cinnamon, ginger, and molasses sweetness. Topped with a creamy glaze, these rolls are festive, fluffy, and absolutely irresistible. They’re perfect for Christmas morning, cozy December weekends, or anytime you want to bring a little holiday magic into your kitchen.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Bake & rise time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🌾 Dough:
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
  • ½ cup warm milk 110°F
  • ¼ cup molasses
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter softened
🍬 Filling:
  • ½ cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp cloves
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
🍥 Glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 –3 tbsp milk or cream
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
  • Rolling Pin
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Knife or floss (for cutting rolls)
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Oven
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Step 1 – Make the Dough
  1. Warm milk and whisk in yeast, sugar, and molasses. Let sit until foamy, 5–10 minutes.
  2. Mix in eggs, butter, salt, and spices.
  3. Gradually add flour, kneading until dough is soft and elastic (about 6–8 minutes).
  4. Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours, until doubled.
Step 2 – Prepare the Filling
  1. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves in a bowl.
  2. Roll dough into a 14x18-inch rectangle.
  3. Spread softened butter over dough, then sprinkle filling evenly.
Step 3 – Roll & Cut
  1. Roll dough tightly into a log from the long side.
  2. Slice into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or floss.
  3. Place rolls into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Step 4 – Rise Again
  1. Cover and let rise another 30–40 minutes until puffy.
Step 5 – Bake
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.
Step 6 – Glaze & Serve
  1. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla into a smooth glaze.
  2. Drizzle over warm rolls and enjoy!

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store covered at room temp for 2 days or in fridge up to 5 days.
Reheat in microwave 20–30 seconds or oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
Freeze baked rolls (without glaze) up to 2 months; thaw and glaze before serving.
🥄 Variations
Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap glaze for rich cream cheese icing.
Sticky Bun Style: Add pecans and drizzle caramel over baked rolls.
Extra Ginger Kick: Add crystallized ginger pieces to the filling.
Overnight Version: Let shaped rolls rise in the fridge overnight, then bake fresh in the morning.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes — refrigerate shaped rolls overnight and bake in the morning.
Do I have to use molasses?
Yes, it’s key for gingerbread flavor — but dark brown sugar can help if you don’t have it.
Can I use instant yeast?
Yes — no need to proof, just mix directly with flour.
What if my dough is sticky?
Add a little extra flour, 1 tbsp at a time.
Can I make these without a stand mixer?
Absolutely — knead by hand about 8–10 minutes.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes — freeze shaped, unbaked rolls; thaw overnight and bake.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, perfect for holiday brunch buffets.
What spices make it “gingerbread”?
Ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
How do I get extra fluffy rolls?
Don’t rush the rising — give the dough full proofing time.
Can I make mini versions?
Yes, slice smaller rolls and reduce bake time by ~8 minutes.
🏁 Conclusion
These Deliciously Fluffy Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are everything you want in a holiday breakfast — soft, spiced, sweet, and festive. With molasses, gingerbread spices, and a drizzle of glaze, they bring holiday magic straight to your table.