Oh, honey, let me tell you about a little magic that happens in my kitchen. It’s that time of year when cozy smells fill the air!
I just adore baking, especially when it involves something as comforting as these Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting. They are a true hug in a bite.
I remember one chilly morning, juggling work calls and school drop-offs. I needed a simple win.
These rolls were my delicious secret weapon. They truly transformed my busy day!
They’re perfect for a holiday brunch or a sweet pick-me-up. Trust me, your family will absolutely adore them.
These rolls are also surprisingly easy to whip up. You got this, busy woman!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting
You know that feeling of wanting something amazing without all the fuss?
These Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting deliver just that.
They are incredibly easy to make, even for a beginner baker.
The warm, comforting flavors are simply irresistible.
Plus, your home will smell absolutely divine!
It’s pure joy, without the stress.
These rolls are always a huge hit.
Ingredients for Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Think of these as your building blocks for pure deliciousness.
I always say, good ingredients make for great baking, and these Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting are no exception.
You’ll find the exact measurements for everything at the very bottom of this article. It’s super handy for printing!
For the Dough
These are the basics that create that wonderfully soft and fluffy base.
Warm Milk
This is crucial for waking up your yeast.
Not too hot, not too cold, just right.
Active Dry Yeast
Our little magical helper that makes the rolls rise!
It gives them that lovely, airy texture.
Granulated Sugar
A touch of sweetness for the dough itself.
It also feeds our hardworking yeast.
Large Egg
This adds richness and helps bind everything together.
It makes the dough beautifully tender.
Unsalted Butter
Butter makes everything better, doesn’t it?
It adds flavor and a tender crumb.
Salt
Just a pinch balances the sweetness.
It really enhances all the other flavors.
All-Purpose Flour
The foundation of our rolls.
It gives structure and chewiness.
Print
Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting – Get the Recipe!
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting are a delicious and festive treat, combining the warm flavors of gingerbread with classic cinnamon rolls, topped with a sweet maple frosting.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon allspice
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2–4 tablespoons milk or cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- **For the Dough:** In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes, until foamy.
- Stir in the egg, melted butter, and salt. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
- **For the Filling:** In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice.
- **Assemble the Rolls:** Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
- Spread the ½ cup softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll up the dough.
- Cut the roll into 12 equal slices.
- Place the slices in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise again in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- **For the Maple Frosting:** While the rolls are baking, in a medium bowl, whisk together the softened butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of milk/cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk/cream as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before spreading the maple frosting generously over the warm rolls.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure your milk is the correct temperature for activating the yeast.
- Don’t over-knead the dough; it should be smooth and elastic.
- For a richer flavor, you can use dark brown sugar in the filling.
- If you don’t have allspice, you can omit it or add a pinch more of the other spices.
- Roll the dough tightly to ensure the rolls hold their shape.
- The rolls are best served warm.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before serving.
- These rolls can be prepared the night before. After placing the cut rolls in the baking dish, cover them tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before baking as directed.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
For the Gingerbread Spice Filling
This is where the gingerbread magic truly happens!
These spices will make your kitchen smell divine.
Unsalted Butter
This softened butter acts as the perfect glue.
It holds all those delicious spices in place.
Light Brown Sugar
That deep, molasses-y sweetness is key.
It gives the filling its signature caramel notes.
Ground Cinnamon
The star of any cinnamon roll, really.
It brings warmth and classic spice.
Ground Ginger
Hello, gingerbread flavor!
It adds that lovely, zesty kick.
Ground Cloves
A small but mighty spice.
It offers a warm, aromatic depth.
Ground Nutmeg
Another classic holiday spice.
It provides a subtle, sweet earthiness.
Allspice
Just a hint brings all the flavors together.
It truly rounds out our spice blend.
For the Maple Frosting
This creamy, dreamy topping is the crowning glory.
It perfectly complements the warm spices.
Unsalted Butter
The base for our rich, smooth frosting.
It gives it that luxurious texture.
Powdered Sugar
Also known as confectioners’ sugar.
It dissolves beautifully for a silky finish.
Maple Syrup
This is our secret weapon for flavor.
It adds a natural sweetness and lovely aroma.
Milk or Cream
To get that perfect drizzly or spreadable consistency.
You can adjust it to your liking.
Vanilla Extract
A splash of vanilla always brightens flavors.
It adds a touch of comforting sweetness.
How to Make Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting
Okay, now for the fun part: making these glorious Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting!
Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through each step.
It’s easier than you think, truly.
Just follow along, and soon you’ll have warm, spicy rolls.
Preparing the Dough for Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls
First, grab a large bowl for your dough ingredients.
Pour in your warm milk, then sprinkle in the yeast and granulated sugar.
Let it sit quietly for about 5-10 minutes.
You want to see it get nice and foamy, like a little cloud.
That means your yeast is happy and alive!
Next, stir in the egg, melted butter, and salt.
Gradually add the flour, mixing as you go.
It will come together into a soft dough.
Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
Now, knead it for about 5-7 minutes.
It should feel smooth and springy.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat.
Cover it with plastic wrap.
Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours.
It should double in size, a beautiful sight!
Creating the Aromatic Gingerbread Spice Filling
While your dough is rising, let’s make the filling.
Grab a small bowl for this delightful mix.
Combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
Don’t forget that little bit of allspice too!
Stir everything together until it’s well blended.
The smell alone is enough to get your mouth watering.
This is the heart of your gingerbread spice flavor.
Assembling Your Perfect Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls
Once your dough has risen beautifully, gently punch it down.
Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface again.
Roll the dough into a nice 12×18-inch rectangle.
It doesn’t have to be perfect, just a good shape.
Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
Leave a small border around the edges, about half an inch.
Now, sprinkle your fragrant brown sugar mixture over the butter.
Make sure it covers everything nicely.
Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll up the dough.
Keep it snug so the layers stay together.
Use a sharp knife or even dental floss to cut the roll.
Aim for 12 equal slices.
Place these lovely slices into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cover them again with plastic wrap.
Let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
They should look puffy and happy.
Baking for Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Once preheated, pop those rolls in the oven.
Bake for 20-25 minutes.
They’re done when they’re golden brown and cooked through.
The edges will look perfectly toasted.
Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible!
Whipping Up the Silky Maple Frosting
While the rolls are baking, let’s make the frosting.
In a medium bowl, combine softened butter and powdered sugar.
Add the maple syrup, about 2 tablespoons of milk or cream, and vanilla extract.
Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy.
If it’s too thick, add a little more milk or cream.
You want a consistency that’s easy to spread or drizzle.
This maple frosting is truly the perfect match.
The Grand Finale: Frosting and Serving
Once your Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting come out of the oven,
Let them cool just for a few minutes.
They should still be warm, but not piping hot.
Spread that glorious maple frosting generously over the rolls.
Don’t be shy; cover every inch!
Serve them warm and watch them disappear.
These are truly a treat, perfect for any occasion.
Tips for Success
I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years. These simple tips will make your Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting absolutely perfect.
Baking is truly a science, but a fun one!
Ensuring Perfect Yeast Activation
- Always check your yeast’s expiration date.
- Warm milk should feel like a baby’s bath.
- Too hot kills it; too cold, it won’t activate.
- Look for that lovely foamy top.
Handling the Dough with Care
- Don’t over-knead your dough.
- It should be smooth and elastic.
- A slightly sticky dough is okay.
- Lightly floured surfaces prevent sticking.
Achieving the Ideal Roll
- Roll your dough into an even rectangle.
- Spread the butter almost to the edges.
- Roll the dough tightly from one long side.
- This keeps the filling from oozing out.
Storing Your Delicious Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Room temperature is fine for 2-3 days.
- Refrigerate for longer freshness, up to 5 days.
- Gently reheat for that fresh-baked taste.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need a fancy kitchen to make these amazing Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting.
Just a few basic tools will do the trick!
Essential Baking Tools
- A large mixing bowl for the dough.
- A 9×13-inch baking dish is perfect.
- A rolling pin helps shape the dough.
- Parchment paper makes cleanup easy.
Mixing and Measuring Gear
- Measuring cups and spoons are a must.
- A whisk for the frosting works wonders.
- A rubber spatula helps scrape every bit.
- You might want a kitchen timer too.
Variations for Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting
One of my favorite things about baking is experimenting.
These Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting are super versatile!
Feel free to get creative and make them your own.
Dietary Adaptations
- For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and butter.
- Ensure your margarine is baking-friendly.
- Gluten-free flour blends can often be substituted.
- Check yeast instructions for GF flour.
Flavor Enhancements
- Add a swirl of molasses to the filling.
- Finely chopped candied ginger adds a spicy bite.
- A sprinkle of orange zest brightens the flavor.
- Try a touch of cardamom for warmth.
Holiday Twists
- Drizzle with white chocolate for extra sweetness.
- Top with chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Garnish with festive sprinkles or edible glitter.
- A dusting of powdered sugar looks like snow.
Serving Suggestions for Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting
These glorious Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting are amazing on their own.
But with a few thoughtful additions, they become an experience!
Perfect Pairings
- A hot cup of coffee or spiced tea.
- A tall glass of cold milk complements them nicely.
- Serve alongside fresh fruit for balance.
- Crispy bacon or sausage adds a savory touch.
Presentation Ideas
- Arrange them artfully on a festive platter.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon.
- Add a few fresh cranberries for color.
- A sprig of rosemary gives a lovely touch.
FAQs about Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting
I get a lot of questions about these Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting.
Let’s tackle some of the common ones!
Can I prepare Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting the night before?
Absolutely, you can!
It’s a fantastic time-saver for busy mornings.
Once you’ve placed the cut rolls in your baking dish, cover them tightly.
Pop them in the refrigerator overnight.
In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes.
This allows them to warm up and get puffy again.
Then bake as directed, and enjoy fresh rolls!
What’s the best way to store leftover Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls?
Keep your delicious Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting in an airtight container.
They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days.
If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
To reheat, a quick zap in the microwave works wonders.
Or warm them in a low oven for that fresh-baked feel.
Can I use different spices in my Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls?
Of course, baking is all about personal taste!
While the classic gingerbread spices are divine, feel free to experiment.
You could add a pinch of cardamom for a unique twist.
Or a little more ginger for an extra kick.
Some people love a hint of star anise too.
Play around and find your perfect blend!
Why are my Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls not rising?
This is a common question, and usually, the culprit is the yeast.
First, check your yeast’s expiration date; old yeast won’t work.
Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, when activating the yeast.
Too hot will kill the yeast, and too cold won’t activate it.
Also, ensure your rising spot is warm and free from drafts.
Patience is key; sometimes, it just needs a little more time.
Is there a dairy-free option for Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting?
Yes, absolutely! You can definitely make these dairy-free.
Swap out the regular milk for a plant-based milk like almond or soy.
Use a good quality dairy-free butter substitute for both the dough and filling.
For the maple frosting, use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk or cream.
The flavors of your Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting will still shine through beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Baking these Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting is more than just making a treat.
It’s about creating warmth and joy in your home.
There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh-baked goods.
It fills the air with comfort and happy memories.
Each bite is a little piece of heaven, truly.
So go ahead, embrace the joy of baking.
Share these delicious rolls with loved ones, or savor them yourself.
You deserve every sweet, spicy moment!
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