Description
Warm, fluffy, and bursting with holiday flavor, these Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls are filled with a rich molasses-spiced blend and topped with creamy maple frosting. Perfect for cozy mornings, holiday brunches, or whenever you crave something sweetly spiced and comforting.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
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1 package (7g) active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
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¾ cup (177ml) warm non-fat milk
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⅓ cup (67g) granulated sugar
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3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter, softened
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 large egg
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3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
For the Filling:
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6 tablespoons (84g) unsalted butter, softened
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1 tablespoon molasses
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¾ cup (150g) packed brown sugar
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1 tablespoon cinnamon
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½ teaspoon ground ginger
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¼ teaspoon ground cloves
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¼ teaspoon allspice
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¼ teaspoon nutmeg
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2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour
For the Frosting:
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4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
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2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened
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2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
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2 cups (226g) powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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¼ teaspoon maple extract
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½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
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Make the Dough:
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In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
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Add sugar, butter, salt, egg, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic (by hand or with a dough hook).
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Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
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Prepare the Filling:
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In a bowl, mix softened butter, molasses, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and flour until a smooth paste forms.
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Assemble Rolls:
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Roll out the risen dough on a lightly floured surface into a 16×12 inch rectangle.
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Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
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Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal rolls.
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Place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
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Bake:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
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Make the Frosting:
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In a bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, and maple syrup until smooth.
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Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, maple extract, and optional cinnamon. Beat until fluffy.
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Frost and Serve:
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Let rolls cool for 5–10 minutes, then spread frosting over warm rolls.
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Serve warm and enjoy!
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Notes
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Rolls can be prepared the night before: refrigerate after step 3, then let come to room temperature before baking.
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Maple extract enhances the frosting flavor—don’t skip it if you have it!
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American