There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, especially when they’re infused with the warm, spicy notes of gingerbread. I remember the first time I whipped up a batch of these Frosted Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls. They were for a cozy gathering with friends during the chilly fall months, and the first bite transported us all into a world of fluffy sweetness and comforting spices. It became an instant favorite, and now, it’s part of my seasonal tradition. Picture it: soft, pillowy rolls topped with a creamy icing, all while your kitchen fills with the tantalizing scent of cinnamon and ginger. It’s pure bliss.
Reasons to try it
Why make these delightful little rolls? Well, they’re not just a feast for the senses; they’re a splendid way to gather around the table with loved ones, creating cherished memories. The intermingling flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses come together to create a comforting hug for your taste buds. Plus, when finished with a drizzle of smooth icing, these rolls become a showstopper at any brunch or festive gathering. You might find yourself making them regularly, and that’s a good thing! They are just versatile enough for any occasion—from lazy Sunday mornings to holiday parties—while filling your home with that warm, cozy vibe we all crave.
Gather these ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The backbone of your rolls, providing the necessary structure. If you’re short on time, you could experiment with bread flour for a slightly chewier texture.
- Whole Wheat Flour (1 cup): This adds a nutty depth and a touch of heartiness. If you’re looking for something lighter, you could swap it out for more all-purpose flour.
- Brown Sugar (1/2 cup + 1 cup for filling): It’s essential for that rich, caramel-like sweetness your filling craves. Light or dark, it works wonders here!
- Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup): Just a touch to sweeten the dough nicely.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda (1 teaspoon each): These magical leavening agents are crucial for fluffy rolls—don’t leave them out!
- Spices: (1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon cloves): The true flavor booster! Toasting these spices before adding can elevate the flavor profile even further—try it!
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to balance out the sweetness.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Whole milk is best, but if you’re dairy-free, almond or oat milk would work well, too.
- Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup melted + 1/2 cup softened for filling): The secret to richness! Don’t skip using real butter for the best flavor.
- Molasses (1/4 cup): This is where the magic of gingerbread comes from—dark and rich.
- Large Egg (1): It adds moisture and richness to your dough.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon for icing): Just the right touch to your frosting—don’t forget it!
- Powdered Sugar (1 cup for icing): This sweetens the deal beautifully.
- Milk (2 tablespoons for icing): Just enough to create that dreamy drizzle over your rolls.
Preparing Frosted Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls
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In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. This is the base, so whisk it well to combine the ingredients evenly.
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In another bowl, mix together the milk, melted butter, molasses, and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms. Don’t overmix; we want tender rolls, not chewy bread!
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Now comes the fun part! Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread softened butter all over the dough, like you’re giving it a gentle massage. Then sprinkle the filling mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon evenly across the buttered surface.
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Roll the dough tightly into a log, and with a sharp knife, slice it into rolls. Place them in a greased baking dish, making sure to leave some space between them for rising. Cover and let rise for about 30 minutes.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and as it warms up, enjoy the anticipation. Once preheated, bake your rolls for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells like a dream.
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For the icing, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and velvety. Go for a consistency that you can drizzle over the warm rolls.
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As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, while they’re still warm and blissful, drizzle that icing generously over the top. Let it soak into the rolls for extra sweetness!
Best way to enjoy it
Serving these Frosted Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls is all about the experience. They’re best enjoyed fresh and warm, with a steaming cup of coffee or spiced tea by your side. You could cut them into generous swirl portions and let everyone dive in or arrange them on a lovely serving platter for a more elegant touch. For an extra twist, serve them with a side of whipped cream or fresh fruit to balance the sweetness. The rolls also make for a delightful breakfast treat or a rich afternoon snack—really, the possibilities are as wide as your imagination!
How to store and freeze
If you find yourself with leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To keep them fresh, you can also pop them in the fridge, but just make sure to warm them up in the microwave before consuming—they’ll need a few moments to get that loveliness back. If you’re planning ahead, these rolls freeze beautifully. Just let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; they can last for up to three months! When you’re ready for a warm treat, simply thaw and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Pro chef tips
- When working with your dough, don’t be afraid to get hands-on. Knead gently but firmly to bring it together—this builds that lovely texture we love.
- Keep an eye on your rolls while they bake; ovens can be tricky! Look for golden tops and a toothpick test to ensure they’re cooked through.
- For an even richer flavor, consider adding finely chopped candied ginger to the filling! It adds a delightful zing!
- If you’re feeling adventurous, incorporate different spices based on your taste preference, or try adding nuts or dried fruit to the filling for an extra touch.
Creative Twists
Want to shake things up a bit? How about adding some chopped pecans or walnuts as part of your filling? For a zesty touch, consider swirling in some orange zest for a delightful citrus twist. If you’re not a fan of icing, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey could do the trick; the sweetness from the rolls is more than enough to shine through. You can also experiment with flavored gentle frostings, like cream cheese or maple, for a fun and unique take.
Common questions
- How long does it take to prep? Prepare for about 20-30 minutes; the dough will need time to rise, adding some waiting time.
- What can I serve it with? Pair your rolls with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent!
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the rolls, let them rise, and refrigerate overnight before baking the next morning.
- Can I alter the recipe to be dairy-free? Absolutely! Substitute with plant-based butter and milk; they’ll be just as delightful.
- What can I do with leftover rolls? Try them toasted and topped with a bit of cream cheese for a delightful breakfast treat!
These Frosted Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are truly a labor of love that rewards you with every bite. They warm not just your belly, but your heart, filling your home with sweet memories and spices that linger long after the last roll has been devoured. So go on, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and indulge in the joy of baking. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Feel free to share your twists and experiences; we all learn together in this culinary journey!
Frosted Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls
Description
These Frosted Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls infuse warm ginger and cinnamon flavors into fluffy rolls, topped with a creamy icing for a perfect seasonal treat.Ingredients for Frosted Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls
Dough
Icing
Instructions
Making the Rolls
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Prepare Dough
In a large bowl, whisk the flours, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. -
Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, molasses, and egg. Pour into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.Avoid overmixing to keep rolls tender. -
Shape the Rolls
Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle, spread softened butter, sprinkle filling, roll tightly, and slice.Leave space between rolls for rising. -
Bake
Cover and let the rolls rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Icing Instructions
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Make Icing
Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.Adjust milk to achieve desired drizzle consistency. -
Drizzle Icing
Once rolls are out of the oven, drizzle icing over while warm.Let icing soak into the rolls for extra sweetness.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 400kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 12g60%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 60mg20%
- Sodium 300mg13%
- Potassium 150mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 20g
- Protein 4g8%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 0 mg
- Calcium 80 mg
- Iron 1.5 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 0 IU
- Vitamin K 0 mcg
- Thiamin 0.3 mg
- Riboflavin 0.1 mg
- Niacin 1 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.1 mg
- Folate 50 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.2 mcg
- Phosphorus 150 mg
- Magnesium 20 mg
- Zinc 0.5 mg
- Copper 0.2 mg
- Manganese 0.5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
