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5 stars (6 ratings)

Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

A special way to treat your family: gingerbread cinnamon rolls! Make them a day or two before, and enjoy them hot from the oven on Christmas morning!
Prep Time1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Proofing Time:2 hours 5 minutes
Total Time3 hours 40 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: gingerbread cinnamon rolls
Servings: 12
Calories: 418kcal

Ingredients

For the dough

For the filling

For the icing

  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from half a lemon)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (from half a lemon)

Instructions

To make the dough:

  • Stir the warm water, dark brown sugar, and molasses together in a large bowl.
  • Sprinkle the yeast on top, and allow it to dissolve for 5 minutes.
  • Whisk the oil, buttermilk, egg, and salt together in a small bowl or liquid measuring cup.
  • Add to the larger bowl, along with 4 1/2 cups of the flour.
  • Stir together until incorporated.
  • If the dough seems sticky, continue to work in more flour (1/4 cup at a time), until it gathers itself into a ball and pulls away cleanly from the sides of the bowl (you may not need all of the flour).
  • Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes, then place it in an oiled bowl (lightly covered).
  • Place the covered bowl in a warm place and allow it to proof for 1 hour.
  • Punch the dough down, and on a lightly floured surface, roll it out to a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.

To make the filling:

  • Spread the soft butter on the surface of the dough, leaving about ½ inch margin on one long edge of the rectangle.
  • Stir the brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves together in a small bowl.
  • Sprinkle the spiced sugar all over the buttered dough, in an even layer.
  • Starting at one long side of the rectangle, roll the dough into a long log.
  • Seal the log along the unbuttered edge.
  • Cut the log into 12 equal portions, and lay them cut side up in an 8-inch round skillet or baking dish.
  • Cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
  • Allow the rolls to come to room temperature, then let them rise a second time, for 1 hour.
  • Preheat it to 350 degrees F.
  • Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until puffed and golden.

To make the icing:

  • Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth.
  • Stir in the milk.
  • Add the lemon zest and juice and stir until smooth.
  • Drizzle the warm rolls with icing and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 418kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 148mg | Potassium: 213mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 280IU | Vitamin C: 0.8mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 2.8mg