Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the cozy, comforting aroma of fresh-baked gingerbread spice cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen. These rolls, paired with a luscious maple frosting, are the perfect way to brighten any morning or sweeten an afternoon. Whether you’re baking for family or friends, this gingerbread spice cinnamon rolls recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite you’ll make on repeat.

this Recipe

With a perfect balance of warm spices and the rich sweetness of maple frosting, these rolls bring seasonal flavors to a classic treat. Let’s dive into how you can create this delightful twist on cinnamon rolls that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Warm gingerbread spices blend perfectly with cinnamon for a unique flavor.
• Soft, fluffy dough that melts in your mouth.
• Rich maple frosting adds a sweet, natural finish without being overpowering.
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
• Make-ahead friendly and freezes well for future treats.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create the soft gingerbread spice dough, spicy filling, and creamy maple frosting.

Dough

• 3/4 cup warm whole milk (110°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Filling

• 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Maple Frosting

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 1 hour rising)
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Servings: 8 rolls
• Calories: Approximately 320 per serving

How to Make Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with maple frosting – Recipe You’ll Make on Repeat

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugars, melted butter, and egg. Add in the yeast mixture and stir well.
3. Mix the flours, spices, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
4. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled.
5. Meanwhile, prepare the filling by mixing brown sugar, softened butter, and spices until crumbly and spreadable.
6. Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
7. Starting on the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut into eight equal slices and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
8. Cover the rolls with a clean towel and let rise for 20-30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F.
9. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before frosting.
10. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract; beat until smooth. Spread generously over warm rolls.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use warm milk, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
• For softer rolls, cover the dough with a damp cloth during rising to prevent drying.
• Don’t overfill with the cinnamon-gingerbread mixture to avoid spilling during baking.
• Let the rolls cool slightly before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting too much.
• Use pure maple syrup for the frosting for a rich and authentic flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a warm oven to restore softness.

You can freeze unbaked rolls by wrapping the pan tightly and freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, let rise, then bake as directed. Baked rolls freeze well too; thaw and warm before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for the whole wheat flour if you prefer a lighter texture. The whole wheat flour adds a bit of nuttiness and depth but isn’t essential.

How do I know when my dough has risen enough?

The dough should roughly double in size and look puffier and airy. Pressing your finger gently into the dough should leave a slight indentation that slowly fills back in.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

What’s the best way to reheat cinnamon rolls without drying them out?

Microwaving covered with a damp paper towel helps retain moisture. Alternatively, warming in a low oven covered with foil keeps them soft and fluffy.