Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting

Gingerbread spice cinnamon rolls are a festive twist on a classic breakfast treat, combining the nostalgic flavors of the holidays with the indulgent texture of warm, fluffy rolls. These rolls are infused with a blend of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg, giving them a deep, spiced aroma and taste that perfectly captures the essence of gingerbread. A touch of molasses in the filling adds richness and warmth, enhancing every swirl of sugary spice.

What sets these cinnamon rolls apart is their maple frosting. Blending cream cheese, maple syrup, and vanilla, the frosting is smooth, tangy, and decadently sweet, providing a luscious contrast to the spiced rolls beneath. Whether you’re preparing them for a cozy winter morning, a holiday brunch, or a weekend indulgence, these gingerbread cinnamon rolls will fill your kitchen with warmth and your plate with joy.

These rolls are not only comforting and festive but also surprisingly approachable to make at home. With a soft, enriched dough, richly spiced filling, and creamy maple frosting, every bite is a celebration of flavor and seasonal cheer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Festive Gingerbread Flavor: Perfectly spiced with molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
2. Soft, Fluffy Dough: Enriched with milk, butter, and egg for a tender texture.
3. Decadent Maple Frosting: Creamy and sweet with a subtle maple finish.
4. Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepped the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
5. Holiday Crowd-Pleaser: A unique twist on a classic that’s perfect for gatherings.

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Ingredients

For the Dough

• Active dry yeast
• Warm non-fat milk
• Granulated sugar
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Salt
• Egg
• All-purpose flour

For the Filling

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Molasses
• Packed brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground ginger
• Ground cloves
• Allspice
• Nutmeg
• All-purpose flour

For the Frosting

• Cream cheese, softened
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Pure maple syrup
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Maple extract
• Ground cinnamon (optional)

Variations

Make It Nutty

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a crunchy texture.

Glaze Instead of Frosting

Use a simple maple glaze instead of cream cheese frosting for a lighter finish.

Vegan Option

Use plant-based milk, butter, and cream cheese to make it dairy-free.

Add Orange Zest

A little zest in the dough or frosting adds a bright contrast to the spices.

Use Whole Wheat Flour

Substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for added fiber and depth.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add sugar, butter, salt, egg, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 2

Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a medium bowl, mix softened butter, molasses, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and flour until a thick paste forms.

Step 4

Roll the dough into a rectangle (approximately 9×14 inches) on a floured surface. Spread the filling evenly over the dough.

Step 5

Roll up the dough tightly from the long side. Slice into 12 even pieces and place in a greased baking dish.

Step 6

Cover and let the rolls rise again for 30–45 minutes, or until puffy.

Step 7

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

While the rolls bake, beat together cream cheese, butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, maple extract, and optional cinnamon until smooth and fluffy.

Step 9

Spread frosting over warm rolls. Serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use warm milk, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
• Allow enough time for both rises to ensure soft rolls.
• Don’t overbake—check rolls at 20 minutes to avoid dryness.
• Soften butter and cream cheese fully for a smooth frosting.
• Use dental floss or a serrated knife for clean roll slices.

How to Serve

Serve warm with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or mulled cider. These cinnamon rolls are perfect for holiday breakfasts, weekend brunches, or as a dessert centerpiece. For extra indulgence, top with a drizzle of maple syrup just before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover tightly and store at room temperature for 1 day, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze unfrosted rolls after baking. Reheat and frost just before serving for best texture.

Reheating

Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or microwave individual rolls for 15–20 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I make these the night before?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate overnight. Let rise at room temp for 30 minutes before baking.

2. What if I don’t have maple extract?

You can skip it or replace with more vanilla for a classic cream cheese frosting.

3. Can I use instant yeast?

Yes, reduce rising time slightly as instant yeast activates faster.

4. Can I freeze the unbaked rolls?

Yes, freeze after slicing. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then let rise before baking.

5. What’s the best way to keep rolls soft?

Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap to retain moisture.

6. Can I use a stand mixer to knead the dough?

Absolutely, use the dough hook on medium speed for about 5 minutes.

7. Can I reduce the sugar in the filling?

Yes, though it may affect sweetness and texture slightly.

8. What’s the purpose of molasses in the filling?

It deepens the flavor and adds moisture, mimicking classic gingerbread taste.

9. Can I skip the second rise?

It’s not recommended—skipping reduces fluffiness and volume.

10. How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

They’ll be golden brown and an instant-read thermometer in the center should read 190°F (88°C).

Conclusion

Gingerbread spice cinnamon rolls with maple frosting are a festive and irresistible take on a classic favorite. With a rich, warmly spiced filling and a smooth maple cream cheese frosting, these rolls are perfect for holiday mornings or any time you want to treat yourself to something special. Simple to prepare and bursting with seasonal flavor, they’re sure to become a new tradition in your home baking repertoire.

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