Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, perfectly blending the nostalgia of gingerbread with the comforting goodness of cinnamon rolls. Just picture waking up to the inviting aroma of these warm treats wafting through your home; it’s bound to ignite a sense of coziness and excitement. The soft, pillowy texture paired with the rich flavors of warm spices like ginger and cinnamon will make your heart skip a beat. And let’s not forget about the creamy eggnog glaze that crowns each roll. Whether it’s a special holiday gathering or a lazy Sunday morning, these rolls are the perfect way to spread joy and indulge a little. So grab your apron, and let’s embark on this baking journey together!

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Why This Recipe Works

The enchanting combination of warm spices and soft dough creates a delightful emotional experience. With every bite, you’ll find yourself wrapped in the cozy warmth of the holidays. Utilizing yeast ensures fluffy, airy rolls, while the moistness from the molasses paired with cream cheese frosting adds indulgence. This recipe is crafted to be beginner-friendly, encouraging creativity in the kitchen without the intimidation often associated with baking.

Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

Bursting with flavors, these Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy weekends. The heavenly Eggnog Cream Cheese frosting takes these rolls to the next level, making them an irresistible treat. Ideal for sharing or savoring alone, these rolls evoke warmth and nostalgia, perfect for embracing the holiday spirit.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 cups organic All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Artisan Bread flour
• 1 packet Rapid Rise Yeast (2 ¼ tsps)
• ½ cup organic brown sugar + 1 Tbsp
• 2 tsps ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ⅛ teaspoon allspice
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 1 ¼ cup Almond milk, room temp.
• 2 large organic eggs, room temp.
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• ¼ cup WARM water
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted + cooled to WARM

For the Filling:

• 4 Tbsps molasses
• ½ cup WARM Almond milk
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened at room temp.
• ½ cup organic brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Eggnog Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4-5 cups organic powdered sugar, sifted
• 8 oz. organic cream cheese, softened at room temp.
• 2-3 Tbsps high-quality eggnog
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of ground cinnamon

Preparing the Dough

Combine Yeast and Sugar

First things first, you’ll want to mix the yeast and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar in a bowl. Gradually pour in the warm water while stirring with a fork or whisk. Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes so the yeast has time to activate—it will bubble up nicely!

Mix Wet Ingredients

Next, add room temperature almond milk, melted butter (make sure it’s warm), vanilla, and molasses to your yeast mixture. Whisk until everything is well combined, and take a moment to enjoy the sweet aroma.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, bread flour, remaining brown sugar, grounded spices, and sea salt. Once mixed, gradually incorporate this into the wet ingredients. Stir until a dough begins to form.

Knead the Dough

Now it’s time for a little muscle! Switch to the kneading attachment and knead the dough on high speed for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels a bit sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time until you reach the right consistency.

Let the Dough Rise

Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil, place your dough inside, and cover it. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is so crucial for that soft texture!

Preparing the Filling

Make the Molasses Mixture

While waiting for the dough to rise, whisk together the warm almond milk and molasses in a bowl until it’s all smooth. This mixture will help keep everything moist and flavorful.

Create Spice Mixture

In a smaller bowl, combine the softened butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Mix it well to create a sweet buttery blend that will add a delightful kick to the filling.

Shaping and Baking the Rolls

Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen beautifully, dust your workspace with flour and roll it out into a rectangle about 9 inches by 14 inches. Spread the butter mixture evenly over the dough, followed by the spice mixture. Make sure to cover every inch!

Cut and Arrange the Rolls

Now comes the fun part! Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, then cut it into 1.5-inch pieces. Arrange these rolls in a lined baking dish, cover them, and let them rise for another 20 minutes.

Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F and pour the molasses mixture over the rolls before baking. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when they puff up and look irresistible!

Preparing the Eggnog Cream Cheese Glaze

Beat the Cream Cheese

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and eggnog, mixing until everything is velvety and creamy. This glaze is where the magic happens!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the rolls warm with extra glaze on top for that delightful finishing touch.
• Pair these rolls with a hot cup of spiced cider or coffee for a cozy holiday breakfast.

Tips for Success

To ensure everything turns out perfectly, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing. Don’t skip the rising times either; allowing the rolls to rise fully is key for that perfect texture everyone loves!

Variations

Feel free to experiment! You might try different spices like cardamom or swap the almond milk for coconut milk for a unique twist. Adding nuts or dried fruit to the filling also brings extra texture and flavor to the mix.

Storage Tips

Leftover rolls? No problem! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to reheat, just pop them in the oven or microwave for a few seconds, and you’re good to go!

FAQs

Q1: Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
A1: Absolutely! Just substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for regular flour.

Q2: How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
A2: A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Q3: Can I prepare the dough the night before?
A3: Yes! Prepare the dough, let it rise, and refrigerate overnight before rolling and baking.

Q4: Is it necessary to use eggnog in the cream cheese glaze?
A4: While it adds a lovely flavor, you can use milk instead for a simpler glaze.

Q5: Can these rolls be frozen?
A5: Yes! You can freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 3 months. Just thaw them before baking.

Indulging in these Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls transcends just feeding the body; it’s a celebration of warmth and love shared with family and friends during the holiday season. Their delectable taste and festive appeal make them the perfect addition to any gathering, bringing comfort and joy to all. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or adorned with a luscious glaze, these rolls are sure to create lasting memories and heartwarming moments around the table. Enjoy your baking adventure!

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