Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked gingerbread cinnamon rolls, their soft, fluffy texture melting in your mouth, swirled with a deliciously sticky and gooey gingerbread filling. These aren’t just any cinnamon rolls; they’re giant, utterly divine gingerbread rolls, expertly infused with rich molasses directly into the dough for unparalleled softness. And the best part? They are completely egg-free, dairy-free, and come with a convenient overnight option, making your holiday mornings truly magical and stress-free. Topped with an amazing maple ‘cream cheese’ frosting that’s so good you’ll want to eat it by the spoon, these gingerbread cinnamon rolls are designed to be the highlight of your festive season.
Why These Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls Will Be Your New Holiday Tradition
While classic cinnamon rolls hold a special place in our hearts, these gingerbread cinnamon rolls elevate the experience to an entirely new level. They beautifully marry the comforting warmth of traditional Christmas cookies with the beloved, gooey texture of a perfect cinnamon roll. Every bite delivers a symphony of holiday flavors – the deep, comforting richness of molasses perfectly balanced with the invigorating kick of ginger and cinnamon. It’s truly like receiving a warm hug on a cold winter morning.
But the appeal of this recipe extends beyond just incredible flavor. We’ve crafted these rolls to be incredibly inclusive, ensuring everyone at your holiday table can enjoy them. They are naturally vegan, completely eggless, dairy-free, and can be effortlessly made gluten-free. So, whether you follow a specific diet or simply appreciate a phenomenal breakfast pastry, these rolls promise to be a crowd-pleaser. Even those who aren’t vegan or gluten-free will be astonished by their luxurious taste and texture, guaranteeing no one misses out on the holiday fun.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Vegan Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls
Creating these delightful vegan cinnamon rolls requires a handful of simple, readily available ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial for achieving that incredible taste and texture:
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our dough, providing structure and chewiness. While we opt for standard all-purpose flour for its reliability, a gluten-free alternative is easily incorporated for those with sensitivities. Detailed instructions for the gluten-free version are provided further down.
- Active Dry Yeast: This is what gives our rolls their signature rise and airy texture. If you choose to use rapid-rise yeast, be aware that your dough will proof (rise) at a faster rate. For the gluten-free variation, rapid-rise yeast is specifically recommended to ensure optimal results.
- Brown Sugar: We specifically use brown sugar in both the dough and filling. Its rich, caramel-like notes perfectly complement the molasses, enhancing the overall gingerbread flavor profile. You can substitute with granulated sugar or even coconut sugar if you prefer a refined sugar-free option, though the depth of flavor might vary slightly.
- Dairy-Free Milk: The liquid component for our dough. For the best creamy texture and flavor, we highly recommend using a rich dairy-free milk like oat milk or a creamy soymilk. Warm milk is essential for activating the yeast properly.
- Vegan Butter: Essential for both the dough’s richness and the luscious filling. Brands like Miyoko’s Kitchen offer exceptional flavor and texture. For a nut-free option, Flora Plant Butter is a fantastic alternative that delivers equally delicious results.
- Dairy-Free Yogurt: This might seem like an unusual addition, but it’s a secret ingredient! It effectively replaces the eggs typically found in traditional brioche-style cinnamon roll dough, contributing to the dough’s softness, moisture, and tender crumb.
- Molasses: Unlike many gingerbread cinnamon roll recipes that only feature molasses in the filling, we incorporate it directly into the dough. This makes a significant difference, adding incredible moisture, a deep, complex richness, and that authentic gingerbread flavor that truly sets these rolls apart. It contributes to their extra softness.
- Ground Ginger & Cinnamon: The quintessential spices that define gingerbread. These warming spices provide the comforting, aromatic essence that makes these rolls perfect for the holiday season.
- Vegan Heavy Cream (for pre-bake): Pouring this over the rolls just before baking creates an incredibly moist, gooey bottom layer, making these rolls even more decadent.
- Powdered Sugar, Vegan Cream Cheese, Maple Syrup, Vanilla Extract (for frosting): These ingredients come together to create the irresistibly tangy, sweet, and smooth maple ‘cream cheese’ frosting that beautifully crowns our gingerbread rolls.
Step-by-Step Visual Guide: Crafting Your Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls
Making these easy cinnamon rolls is a rewarding process, whether you prefer to mix by hand or use a stand mixer. The fundamental steps remain largely similar, ensuring a straightforward baking experience. Here’s a visual overview of how your dough will transform into these delectable treats:
Effortlessly Adaptable: Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls
Yes, absolutely! Making these gingerbread cinnamon rolls gluten-free is incredibly simple, ensuring that everyone can partake in this delicious holiday treat. The key is to start with a reliable gluten-free dough base. We recommend adapting our proven favorite gluten-free vegan cinnamon roll dough. Once you have this base dough, you’ll simply incorporate the signature gingerbread elements: stir the molasses, ground ginger, and cinnamon directly into the dough. For the filling, swap out the simple cinnamon-sugar mixture from the base recipe and instead use our rich, sticky gingerbread filling. It’s a straightforward adjustment that yields equally soft, flavorful, and irresistible gluten-free gingerbread cinnamon rolls.
Simplify Your Holiday Morning with the Overnight Option
For those who dream of waking up to the delightful aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls without the morning rush, our overnight option is a game-changer. You can prepare these gingerbread sweet rolls the night before, completing all steps right up until the second proof. Once your perfectly swirled rolls are nestled in their casserole dish, simply cover them tightly with plastic wrap or a clean cloth and transfer them to the refrigerator to rest overnight.
On Christmas morning, or whenever you plan to bake, take the casserole dish out of the fridge. Let it sit on the counter or near a warming oven while your oven preheats. This allows the dough to come closer to room temperature and complete its final rise. Then, simply proceed with baking your gingerbread cinnamon rolls according to the recipe instructions, and enjoy a stress-free, deliciously fragrant start to your day!
Don’t Forget to Save This Recipe!
Love this recipe? Add it to your favorite recipe board on Pinterest so you can easily find it for every holiday season! Sharing is caring, and we’d love for you to spread the gingerbread joy.
If you try this delightful recipe, please take a moment to leave a comment and a rating below. Your feedback helps others discover and enjoy these recipes! We also adore seeing your culinary creations, so be sure to tag @the_bananadiaries on Instagram and use the hashtag #thebananadiaries. Happy baking!
Small Batch GIANT Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls – Vegan & Eggless!
- Author: thebananadiaries
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 giant rolls (scaled to 1x)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Just 6 GIANT soft and fluffy gingerbread cinnamon rolls infused with molasses in the dough for extra softness and swirled with a deliciously sticky and gooey gingerbread filling! Absolutely no eggs, no dairy, and YES there’s an overnight option! Let’s not forget about that maple ‘cream cheese’ frosting too 🙂 These gingerbread cinnamon rolls are everything your holiday morning should be!
Ingredients
Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls:
- 2 1/2 cups (300 g) all-purpose flour, divided (plus more for flouring surface)* see notes for Gluten Free
- 1 packet (7 g) quick rise dry active yeast
- 3 tbsp (45 g) granulated sugar or coconut sugar, divided
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 cup (120 mL) dairy-free milk, unsweetened, warmed
- 2 tbsp (45 g) dairy free yogurt, room temperature
- 1 tbsp molasses
- 3 tbsp (45 g) vegan butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Pre-bake:
- 1/2 cup (120 mL) vegan heavy cream
Vegan Cinnamon Roll Filling:
- 3 tbsp vegan butter, room temperature
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp molasses
- 2/3 cup (65 grams) light brown sugar
Dairy Free Icing:
- 1– 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp vegan butter, room temperature
- 2 tbsp vegan cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Please read through all instructions before beginning. The overnight option and gluten-free option are detailed in the notes section below.
- Prep: Lightly grease a medium-sized bowl with olive oil or coconut oil, and set it aside.
- Activate the Yeast: In a microwave-safe bowl, gently heat the dairy-free milk until it reaches precisely 110°F (43°C) – using a food thermometer is crucial for accuracy. If the milk is too cool or too hot, the yeast will not activate properly. Stir in 1 tablespoon of sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the mixture, gently stir with a spoon, then cover the bowl and let it sit in a warm spot for 10 minutes until foamy.
- Prepare the Dough: Once the yeast is activated and foamy, pour the mixture into a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough attachment. Add the remaining sugar, dairy-free yogurt, molasses, vanilla extract, ground ginger, and cinnamon. Mix on medium speed until all ingredients are well combined. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing on medium speed until it begins to incorporate. Finally, add the vegan butter and continue kneading (either by hand or with the stand mixer) until you achieve a smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky dough ball.
- First Proof: Transfer the prepared dough into the greased medium bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and place it in a warm environment to rise for approximately 1 hour. The dough should double in size. A warm spot could be near a sunny window, in a turned-off oven with the light on, or on top of your oven as it preheats for another dish.
- While Dough is Rising: Lightly grease a medium casserole dish (a 7×10 inch dish works well for 6 large rolls) with oil and set it aside. In a small bowl, combine the softened vegan butter, molasses, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger for the gooey cinnamon roll filling. Mix until well combined and set aside.
- Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls: After the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. Lightly flour a clean work surface and place the dough in the center. Sprinkle a little extra flour over the dough and on your rolling pin. Roll the dough out into a large square, approximately 12 inches by 12 inches. Evenly spread the gingerbread cinnamon roll filling mixture across the entire surface of the dough, extending to the edges. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice one side of the dough into 2-inch intervals, yielding six 2×12-inch strips. Carefully roll each strip tightly from one end to the other to form 6 giant, even cinnamon rolls. Arrange them snugly into your oil-greased casserole dish.
- Second Proof: Cover the casserole dish with a clean towel or plastic wrap once more. Place it near or on top of your oven while the oven preheats to 350°F (175°C). Allow the cinnamon rolls to rise for an additional 30 minutes during this preheating period.
- Bake the Cinnamon Rolls: Just before placing the rolls into the preheated oven, pour the vegan heavy cream evenly over the tops of the rolls. Bake for 30-32 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden brown and the rolls are puffy and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let them cool in the dish for 5-10 minutes while you prepare the frosting.
- Prepare the Dairy-Free Frosting: In a medium bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the room temperature vegan butter and vegan cream cheese until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue creaming until the frosting is completely smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Serve and Enjoy! Generously spread the prepared frosting over the warm vegan gingerbread cinnamon rolls. Serve them immediately for the best experience. If you happen to have any leftovers (unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and warm them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Notes
Overnight Option: If you’re preparing these rolls a day in advance, follow all instructions up to and including the second rise (Step 7). Instead of placing them by the oven to preheat, cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove the rolls from the fridge and place them in a turned-off oven with the light on for 20-25 minutes to slowly warm up. Then, remove them from the oven and let them rest on the counter or near the oven as it preheats to 350°F (175°C), allowing them to finish rising before baking.
Gluten-Free Vegan Cinnamon Rolls: For a successful gluten-free version, we highly recommend using our tried-and-true gluten-free vegan cinnamon rolls recipe as your base dough. When making that dough, simply incorporate the molasses, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger into the main dough mixture. Then, for the filling, use the gingerbread filling recipe detailed in this post instead of the standard cinnamon-sugar filling from the GF recipe. This ensures maximum flavor and perfect texture.
Gingerbread Cookie Topping: Want to go the extra mile for presentation and flavor? The charming gingerbread cookies seen on some of our rolls are made using our delicious vegan gingerbread cookie recipe. They make a fantastic, festive topping that’s both decorative and incredibly tasty!