Gingerbread-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls: Festive Flavors, Classic Comfort
Spiced cream cheese filling meets fluffy coconut icing for a cozy holiday treat.
Gingerbread-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls: A Festive Twist on a Classic Favorite
The holidays are all about comfort, warmth, and the kind of kitchen aromas that instantly evoke joy. If you love traditional cinnamon rolls, prepare to fall head over heels for gingerbread-spiced cinnamon rolls. This recipe upgrades the nostalgic classic by infusing it with all the cozy flavors of gingerbread—think molasses, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. Each tender swirl is layered with spiced cream cheese filling and finished with fluffy coconut icing, creating a showstopping centerpiece for your breakfast table or holiday brunch.
Why Gingerbread-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls?
- Holiday Flavors: Warm spices and subtle sweetness offer a nostalgic gingerbread aroma that fills your home.
- Soft & Pillowy Texture: The yeast dough ensures a light, tender bite in every roll.
- Cream Cheese Filling: Ultra-creamy and tangy, balancing the spices beautifully.
- Coconut Icing: A snowy topping with coconut extract and sparkly sugar adds festive flair.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare and chill the unbaked rolls overnight for stress-free mornings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each component brings its own layer of flavor and texture to these remarkable rolls. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
For the Dough
- Milk (whole milk preferred for richness)
- Active dry yeast
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
For the Spiced Filling
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Ground ginger
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground allspice
- Ground cloves
- Ground nutmeg
- Unsalted butter (melted)
For the Coconut Icing
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- Coconut extract
- Milk
- Flaked sweetened coconut (for topping)
- Sparkling sugar (optional, for garnish)
Step-By-Step Guide: Baking Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls
From the yeasted dough to the creamy coconut icing, every layer is designed to bring out the cozy essence of the holiday season. Follow along for the ultimate bakery-style results right at home.
1. Make the Dough
- Warm the Milk: In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk to 110°–115°F (just warm to the touch). Remove from heat.
- Activate the Yeast: Whisk 1 tablespoon of the sugar into the warm milk, then sprinkle the yeast over top. Whisk gently and let rest 5 minutes until foamy. This ensures the yeast is alive and activated.
- Add Eggs and Butter: Whisk in the eggs, vanilla, and melted butter until well blended.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine flour, the remaining sugar, and salt. Pour in the wet ingredients and stir with a spatula until a shaggy clump forms.
- Knead the Dough: Mix on medium-low for 7–9 minutes, until dough is smooth and pulls away cleanly from the sides of the bowl.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Gingerbread-Spiced Filling
- Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, blend sugar, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg to create a fragrant spice mixture.
- Cream Cheese Spread: Dollop softened cream cheese by the teaspoonful over the rolled-out dough, then spread it gently into a thin layer with a butter knife. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even—pockets of creaminess are delicious.
3. Shape, Fill, and Slice
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12×24-inch rectangle.
- Add Filling: Distribute the spiced sugar evenly over the cream cheese layer. Drizzle melted butter all over to bind the filling.
- Cut and Roll: Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, slice the dough rectangle crosswise in half. Starting at the edge closest to you, tightly roll each half into a log. Pinch the seams and place seam-side down on your work surface.
- Slice into Buns: Cut each log into 8 equal buns, about 1 1/2 inches thick. You’ll have a total of 16 rolls.
4. Second Rise and Baking
- Prepare the Pans: Generously butter or spray two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans.
- Arrange and Proof: Place 8 rolls in each pan, pinwheel side up, spacing them evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise again in a warm place until edges just touch, about 20–30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. When ready, bake rolls for 35–40 minutes until puffed and golden on top.
- Cool Slightly: Let the rolls rest 15 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack or serving board.
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5. Coconut Cream Cheese Icing
- Cream Together: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy and smooth.
- Add Sugar and Flavor: Beat in powdered sugar, coconut extract, and milk. Whip until the icing is velvety and light.
- Ice the Rolls: Slather the warm rolls with plenty of icing, letting it drip over the sides.
- Decorate: Finish with a generous sprinkle of sweetened coconut and a dusting of sparkling sugar for a frosted, snowy effect.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Busy holiday mornings? Prepare ahead for stress-free baking. Here’s how:
- Overnight: Shape rolls and arrange in pans as directed. Cover tightly and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Allow to come to room temperature (about 30 minutes) before baking as usual.
- Freezer: Unbaked, shaped rolls can be frozen in pans (before final rise); thaw overnight in fridge, let rise, and bake per instructions.
- Storing Baked Rolls: Leftover baked rolls keep well at room temperature (covered) up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Rewarm before serving for best texture.
Serving Ideas & Holiday Variations
- Festive Toppings: Try a drizzle of molasses, bits of candied ginger, or orange zest.
- Mini Cinnamon Rolls: Slice logs thinner for bite-size treats—great for brunch spreads.
- Vegan Adaptation: Substitute plant-based milk, vegan butter, and vegan cream cheese; omit eggs.
- Make It Nutty: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for crunch.
Ingredient Substitutions Table
| Original Ingredient | Replacement Option | Effect on Flavor/Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Whole milk | Almond/Soy/Oat milk | Subtle change, lighter texture |
| Eggs | Flaxseed egg | Vegan, slightly denser roll |
| Cream cheese | Vegan cream cheese | Tangy, similar spreadability |
| Coconut extract | Vanilla or almond extract | Different accent; still aromatic |
Expert Tips for Fluffy, Impressive Rolls
- Proofing the Yeast: Always start with fresh, active yeast – look for foaming within five minutes.
- Don’t Overflour: Add flour gradually and stop once the dough cleans the sides of the bowl but still feels soft and slightly tacky.
- Uniform Slices: Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss for neat, even cinnamon rolls.
- Bake Until Just Golden: Overbaking dries out the rolls; they should be set in the center but soft when pressed lightly.
- Warm Icing: Ice rolls while they’re still slightly warm so the icing soaks into every swirl.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What makes these “gingerbread-spiced” cinnamon rolls different?
A: Classic cinnamon rolls use a brown sugar and cinnamon filling, while gingerbread-spiced rolls layer in ground ginger, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg for a festive, complex holiday flavor.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, after the first rise and shaping, cover tightly and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Let rolls come to room temperature before baking, or freeze for longer storage after shaping (defrost and allow a second rise).
Q: How do I keep my cinnamon rolls soft?
A: Don’t overbake; check for light golden tops and soft centers. Store cooled rolls in an airtight container and rewarm gently before serving.
Q: Are there dairy-free or vegan options?
A: Substitute dairy milk, butter, and cream cheese with plant-based versions. Use a flaxseed egg to replace eggs in the dough.
Q: Can I frost the rolls with something other than coconut icing?
A: Definitely! Vanilla cream cheese icing, orange glaze, or simple milk-based icing work beautifully as alternatives, if you prefer a different flavor profile.
Bringing Holiday Magic to Your Kitchen
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a big family breakfast, or simply want to treat yourself, these gingerbread-spiced cinnamon rolls bring all the fun and flavor of the season to your table. The marriage of a fluffy, buttery roll with spiced filling and cloud-like coconut icing makes this a recipe you’ll come back to each winter.
Experiment, adapt, and share these with loved ones. Holiday mornings just got sweeter.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11914/cinammon-rolls/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a41530669/gingerbread-spiced-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/
- https://triedandtasty.com/pioneer-womans-cinnamon-rolls/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQNNTN6ukIM
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g64166545/sweet-rolls-recipes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g41767405/gingerbread-recipes/
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