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Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in these soft and fluffy gingerbread cinnamon rolls topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting, perfect for festive occasions or cozy mornings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the dough, providing a lovely balance to the spices.
  • 2 teaspoons dry active yeast Leavens the dough, helping it rise and become fluffy.
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Adds a warm, sweet spice to the dough and filling.
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger Infuses the rolls with a zesty, aromatic flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves Introduces a deep, warm spice that complements the other flavors.
  • 3 3/4 cups all purpose flour Forms the structure of the dough, allowing it to rise beautifully.
  • 1 cup whole milk Provides moisture and richness to the dough.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter Contributes to the fluffiness of the dough and enriches the filling.
  • 1 large egg Binds the ingredients together and helps with leavening.
  • 1/2 cup molasses Adds depth, moisture, and the characteristic flavor of gingerbread.
For the Filling
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor to the filling.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Adds a warm, sweet spice.
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger Enhances the filling's flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves Complements the filling with a warm spice.
For the Frosting
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese Creates a rich, creamy frosting.
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar Sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth consistency.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances the frosting's flavor.
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter Adds a nutty flavor when browned.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness in frosting.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Optional for added flavor in frosting.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger Optional for added flavor in frosting.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves Optional for added flavor in frosting.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Whisk the dry ingredients: In a stand mixer bowl, combine sugar, yeast, cinnamon, ginger, salt, cloves, and 1 3/4 cups flour.
  2. Heat the milk and butter: In a saucepan, warm the milk and butter until the butter melts, reaching a temperature between 105°F and 110°F.
  3. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the milk mixture, egg, and molasses to the flour mixture. Mix on low speed with a dough hook until combined, gradually adding in the remaining flour.
  4. Adjust the dough if necessary: If the dough is sticky, incorporate an additional 1/4 cup of flour. Beat until a smooth dough ball forms, about 4-5 minutes.
  5. Let the dough rise: Transfer the dough to a buttered bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Filling Preparation
  1. Prepare the filling: In one bowl, whisk together brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. In another bowl, mix together butter, molasses, and salt.
  2. Butter the baking dish: Generously butter a 9×13 baking dish to prevent sticking.
Rolling and Baking
  1. Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Spread the molasses butter over the dough, and then sprinkle the sugar mixture on top.
  2. Shape the rolls: Roll the dough into a tightly formed log, trim the ends, and cut into 12 equally sized pieces. Place them cut side up in the prepared baking dish.
  3. Second rise: Cover the dish and let the rolls rise again until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  4. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F in preparation for baking.
  5. Bake the rolls: Place the rolls in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
Frosting Preparation
  1. Make the frosting: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat until it is light brown with a nutty aroma, then allow to cool.
  2. Combine the frosting ingredients: In a mixing bowl, beat the browned butter with cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves until smooth. Adjust the frosting thickness with milk or more sugar as necessary.
  3. Frost and serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls and serve immediately for the best experience.

Notes

For the best results, ensure your yeast is fresh; expired yeast will prevent the dough from rising properly. Serve warm for maximum gooeyness.