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There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven, but when you add gingerbread spices and a rich maple cream cheese frosting to the mix, it becomes a holiday-worthy treat that’s perfect for cozy mornings. These Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls are packed with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves. The addition of maple frosting brings a sweet and earthy finish, making each bite absolutely irresistible.

The key to making these rolls extra soft and fluffy is the use of the Tangzhong method, a Japanese technique that involves cooking a portion of the flour and milk before mixing it with the rest of the dough. This ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that lasts for days. Whether you’re preparing them for a festive brunch, a special breakfast, or simply craving a comforting dessert, these cinnamon rolls are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfectly Spiced for the Holidays

The gingerbread spices in the filling—cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg—capture the essence of the season, making these rolls perfect for holiday gatherings.

2. Soft, Fluffy Texture

Thanks to the Tangzhong method, these cinnamon rolls stay incredibly soft and light, even after a couple of days. The dough is perfectly pillowy!

3. Delicious Maple Frosting

The maple cream cheese frosting adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the rolls, making each bite a blend of spicy warmth and rich, creamy goodness.

4. Impressive Yet Easy

While these rolls look and taste indulgent, the recipe is actually straightforward. With step-by-step instructions, you’ll achieve bakery-quality cinnamon rolls right at home.

5. Customizable

You can easily tweak the recipe by adding your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or even swapping the frosting for a glaze if you prefer a lighter option.

Ingredients

For the Tangzhong

Whole milk
Bread flour

For the Dough

Bread flour
Sugar
Instant dry yeast
Salt
Whole egg + egg yolk (room temperature)
Whole milk (at 80°F/27°C)
Tangzhong mixture
Unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)

For the Gingerbread Filling

Ground cinnamon
Ground ginger
Ground cardamom
Ground cloves
Ground nutmeg
Potato starch
Unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
Dark brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Vanilla extract
Salt

For the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Full-fat cream cheese (room temperature)
Unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
Pure maple syrup
Vanilla extract
Salt

Toppings

Orange zest
Gingerbread cookies (optional)

Variations

Gluten-Free: To make the rolls gluten-free, swap out the bread flour for a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives to make these rolls dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.
Nut-Free: The recipe is naturally nut-free, but you could add some chopped nuts or even raisins to the filling if you like extra texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Make the Tangzhong

In a small saucepan, combine the whole milk and bread flour. Whisk continuously over medium heat until the mixture thickens and reaches a temperature of about 150°F (65°C). Once thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. This is your Tangzhong.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the whole egg, egg yolk, and warm milk (about 80°F/27°C), followed by the Tangzhong mixture. Mix the ingredients until they form a dough. Add the softened butter and knead the dough until smooth and elastic. You can knead the dough by hand or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 7-10 minutes. Once the dough is smooth, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Make the Gingerbread Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and potato starch. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Add the spice mixture and mix until well combined.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Spread the gingerbread filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along the edges.

Step 5: Roll and Slice the Dough

Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log. Once rolled, slice the dough into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, leaving a little space between each roll.

Step 6: Second Rise and Bake

Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for 45-60 minutes, or until puffy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 25-30 minutes or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.

Step 7: Make the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting. Beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the frosting is light and smooth.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Once the rolls are done baking, let them cool for about 10 minutes before spreading the maple cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Garnish with orange zest and crushed gingerbread cookies if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Dough: Knead the dough just until it’s smooth. Overworking the dough can result in dense rolls.
Let the Dough Rise Properly: Give the dough plenty of time to rise. A slow, gradual rise creates the softest rolls.
Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, make sure the butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature before using them.
Properly Roll the Dough: Roll the dough tightly to ensure each cinnamon roll is packed with filling and rises beautifully during baking.

How to Serve

These Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls are perfect on their own, but you can also pair them with a warm cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or chai for a cozy, comforting breakfast or dessert. If you’re feeling indulgent, top them with additional whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them, and they’ll stay fresh for about a week.

Freezing

These cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully. Once baked and cooled, wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight, then warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat individual rolls, place them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, simply roll it out, fill it, and let it rise before baking.

2. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Bread flour is preferred for a chewy, soft texture, but all-purpose flour can be used in a pinch.

3. Can I skip the Tangzhong step?

While you can make the rolls without Tangzhong, it does contribute to a fluffier, more tender texture, so it’s highly recommended.

4. How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

The rolls should be golden brown and puffed up. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, indicating they’re fully cooked.

5. Can I make these cinnamon rolls dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese substitutes, and the recipe will still work wonderfully.

6. Can I add nuts to the filling?

Feel free to add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the filling for added crunch and flavor.

7. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes! You can freeze the rolls before baking. Once you’ve rolled and sliced the dough, freeze the unbaked rolls on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When ready to bake, let them rise, then bake as directed.

8. Can I use a different frosting?

While maple cream cheese frosting is a perfect match for these rolls, you can substitute it with a glaze or a traditional cream cheese frosting if you prefer.

9. How long should I let the rolls cool before frosting them?

Let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes before

applying the frosting, so it doesn’t melt too much.

10. Can I make these rolls smaller or larger?

Yes! You can adjust the size of the rolls. If you want smaller rolls, simply slice them thinner, or if you prefer larger rolls, slice them thicker.

Conclusion

These Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting are the perfect holiday treat—soft, fluffy, and full of warming spices. The maple cream cheese frosting adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the spiced filling. Whether you’re enjoying them as a festive breakfast or a cozy dessert, these cinnamon rolls are sure to become a holiday favorite!