Gingerbread Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting Recipe

There’s something magical about the scent of gingerbread spice cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven. When paired with a luscious maple frosting, this recipe becomes an irresistible breakfast treat that you’ll find yourself making again and again. These rolls strike the perfect balance of warm spices and sweet glaze, bringing cozy comfort to your kitchen any time of year.

this Recipe

Whether you’re baking for a holiday brunch or a weekend indulgence, these gingerbread spice cinnamon rolls with maple frosting are guaranteed to please. The soft, pillowy dough is infused with festive spices, rolled around a cinnamon-sugar filling, and topped with a creamy maple glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Warm gingerbread spices combined with classic cinnamon for a unique flavor twist
• Soft, fluffy dough that rises perfectly every time
• Sweet and creamy maple frosting adds rich depth and smooth sweetness
• Perfect for holiday breakfasts or cozy weekend treats
• Make-ahead friendly and freezer-safe for easy enjoyment later

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your gingerbread spice cinnamon rolls with maple frosting. This recipe yields about 12 rolls, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.

• 1 cup whole milk, warmed (110°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for filling)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for frosting)
• 1-2 tablespoons whole milk (to thin frosting if needed)

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 1 hour rising)
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Servings: 12 rolls
• Calories: Approximately 320 per roll

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, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and activated.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and all the gingerbread spices: ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
3. Add the melted butter, remaining sugar, egg, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
6. Once risen, roll the dough into a 15×10-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough, then tightly roll it up from the long edge.
7. Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal slices and place them cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
8. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
9. For the frosting, whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, and 1 tablespoon milk until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach drizzling consistency. Drizzle generously over warm rolls before serving.

Tips for the Best Results

• Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• Knead the dough well to develop gluten for soft, fluffy rolls.
• Use packed brown sugar in the filling for the richest flavor.
• Let the rolls rise fully to get that light and airy texture everyone loves.
• Drizzle the maple frosting while rolls are still warm for perfect melting and soaking.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover gingerbread spice cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the rolls before baking or after, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and frozen in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

To reheat, warm rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil for 10-15 minutes. Add extra maple frosting after warming for a fresh, indulgent touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature and let it rise a bit before rolling out and baking.

What’s the difference between these and regular cinnamon rolls?

These rolls include classic gingerbread spices like ginger, cloves, and nutmeg, giving them a cozy holiday twist alongside the traditional cinnamon. The maple frosting also adds a rich, complementary sweetness.

Can I substitute the maple syrup in the frosting?

You can use honey or a mild corn syrup, but maple syrup gives a unique flavor that pairs perfectly with the gingerbread spices, so it’s best if you can use it.

How do I prevent the rolls from drying out?

Store them airtight and reheat gently. You can also brush the rolls with melted butter after baking to lock in moisture before frosting.