Holiday meals bring out the magic in family traditions. While everyone cherishes their go-to recipes, trying something new can add excitement. This year, whip up overnight gingerbread cinnamon rolls to impress your guests and create a new favorite.

This delicious recipe is inspired by a well-known culinary expert. These gingerbread cinnamon rolls have quickly become a staple in many kitchens.

(Psst… check out her festive decorating tips too!)

Why This Recipe Stands Out

With a passion for holiday baking, this expert knows how to create memorable meals. From crafting holiday cookies to festive gatherings, she excels in making the season special. Here’s what she shares about her favorite Christmas morning recipe: “I adore many holiday dishes, but the aroma of cinnamon rolls baking truly embodies Christmas for me.”

Preparing Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls in Advance

The beauty of these cinnamon rolls lies in their make-ahead nature! With the dough rising overnight, you can tackle most of the work before Christmas morning, leaving just the baking to enjoy when the time comes. Here are some options for prepping your rolls ahead of time.

Prepare Them the Night Before:

Make the recipe up to step four. Refrigerate the rolls overnight to prevent excessive rising. Cover them with plastic wrap in the baking dish and chill. When ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, then follow baking instructions.

Freezing for Later:

For even earlier preparation, assemble the rolls up to step four and freeze for up to three months. Thaw the prepared rolls in the fridge or at room temperature before baking.

Baking Ahead:

If you're short on time, bake the rolls completely in advance and freeze them. Once cooled, wrap them well and store for up to three months. When serving, simply thaw and warm them in the oven.

p.s. Interested in more cinnamon roll recipes? Explore our additional favorites for the holiday season.

Spiced Orange Date-Paste Cinnamon Rolls

Special Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls

Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls

Description

Make your Christmas morning stress-free with these overnight cinnamon rolls.

Ingredients

for the rolls:
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 tablespoon brown sugar
3/4 cup warm whole milk
4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
1 egg
1/3 cup molasses
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

for the cinnamon sugar filling:
6 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg OR ground cloves

for the frosting:
4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
4 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract or the seeds from 1/2 a vanilla bean

Instructions

1. In a stand mixer with a dough hook, combine yeast and brown sugar. Add warm milk and stir gently. Let it sit until foamy, about 10 minutes. Mix in melted butter, egg, and molasses. Gradually add flour and salt, kneading until smooth, about 5 minutes. Coat the bowl with oil, place the dough back inside, and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled.

2. For the sugar filling, combine sugars, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in a separate bowl.

3. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.

4. Roll the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle (approximately 9×24 inches). Spread the butter evenly, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling and press lightly into the butter. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge closest to you, pinching the seam to seal. Cut into 10-12 rolls and place in the prepared dish. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

5. On baking day, allow the rolls to reach room temperature while preheating the oven to 350°F, about 30-45 minutes. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

6. In a medium bowl, whip cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix well. Beat in vanilla. Spread frosting over warm rolls. Enjoy!