Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting

Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting: A Holiday Treat 🎄✨🍴

1. Introduction

Step into the holiday spirit with Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting, a warm and festive twist on a classic favorite. These soft, spiced rolls are swirled with a sweet molasses filling and topped with a rich, creamy maple frosting that captures the essence of the season. Perfect for cozy mornings, brunches, or gifting to loved ones, these cinnamon rolls are sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.

To explore the origins and evolution of cinnamon rolls as a beloved comfort food, visit this link. For tips on crafting perfect yeast dough, explore our guide on yeast bread techniques here.

2. What Are Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls?

Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls elevate the classic cinnamon roll by infusing the dough with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, creating a cozy, seasonal flavor profile. The molasses-infused filling adds depth and sweetness, while the luscious maple frosting ties everything together with a touch of holiday magic. These rolls are easy to make at home and bring the comforting aromas of the season to your kitchen, making them ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert during the festive season.

For more holiday baking inspiration, browse our collection of festive treats here.

3. Ingredients List (Exact Measurements)

To create these mouthwatering Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting, gather the following ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup whole milk (warmed to 110°F/43°C)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 large egg
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons molasses

The Maple Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

These carefully selected ingredients ensure your rolls will be both flavorful and festive. For more ingredient ideas, explore our guide on seasonal flavors here.

4. Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of warmed milk, 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active. Stir in ¼ cup of melted butter, 1 large egg, and the remaining sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon each of ground ginger and cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size. For dough-making tips, visit our guide on perfect yeast dough techniques here.

Preparing the Filling

Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle (about 12×16 inches). Spread ½ cup of softened butter evenly over the dough. In a small bowl, mix ¾ cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of molasses. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the butter. Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the long side. Cut into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or dental floss. For rolling techniques, browse our collection of easy pastry recipes here.

Baking the Rolls

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving space between each. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before frosting. For baking advice, explore our resource on holiday baking tips here.

Making the Maple Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat 4 oz of softened cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of softened butter until smooth. Gradually add 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2–3 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy. Drizzle or spread the frosting over the warm rolls. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. For frosting inspiration, explore our guide on sweet glaze ideas here.

5. Customizing Your Rolls

To make your Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls truly unique, consider these customizations:

• Sweetness Variations: Swap molasses for honey or maple syrup in the filling for a different sweetness profile.
• Texture Additions: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for added texture.
• Spice Variations: Experiment with spices like cardamom or allspice for a unique twist.
• Vegan Option: Substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.

These tweaks ensure the recipe suits diverse tastes and dietary needs. For more customization ideas, check out our creative swaps here.

6. Serving Suggestions

These rolls shine when served warm with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or spiced cider for a cozy holiday experience. Pair them with savory breakfast items like scrambled eggs or sausage for a balanced meal. Package them in decorative tins or boxes for thoughtful homemade gifts. For more pairing ideas, browse our collection of holiday breakfast inspiration here.

7. Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is highly adaptable:

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour blends for the dough for a safe alternative.
• Pantry-Friendly Substitutes: Substitute almond milk for whole milk if needed.
• Simplified Frosting: Omit cream cheese in the frosting for a simpler maple glaze.

These variations ensure everyone can enjoy the rolls. For more substitution ideas, check out our healthy swaps here.

8. Nutritional Information

Each Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Roll with Maple Frosting contains approximately 350 calories. Here’s the macronutrient breakdown per roll:

• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fats: 15g
• Proteins: 5g

Please note these values may vary slightly based on portion sizes and specific ingredients used. Enjoy responsibly!

9. FAQs Section

Here are answers to some common questions about this recipe:

Q: Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning for fresh rolls.

Q: Why didn’t my dough rise?

If your dough didn’t rise, ensure your yeast is fresh and the milk isn’t too hot, which can kill the yeast. Also, make sure the environment is warm enough for proofing.

Q: Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes, freeze unbaked rolls after shaping. Thaw, rise, and bake when ready to serve. For baked rolls, freeze after cooling completely and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q: What can I use instead of molasses?

Honey, maple syrup, or dark corn syrup work well as substitutes without compromising the flavor profile.

10. Conclusion

Making Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting is a simple yet rewarding way to bring warmth and sweetness to your holiday table. With their soft texture, spiced aroma, and endless customization options, these rolls are sure to become a favorite for any occasion. Whether you stick to the original recipe or experiment with your own twists, this treat promises to delight everyone who tries it.

We’d love to see your creations! Share your photos on social media using the hashtag #GingerbreadCinnamonRolls and tag us for a chance to be featured. Have feedback or questions? Leave a comment below—we’re here to help! For more easy holiday recipes, explore our collection of festive baking inspiration here. Happy baking! 🎄✨🍴

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