Gingerbread Hanukkah Cinnamon Roll

Featured in: Sweet Tooth Fix

Enjoy chewy, spice-forward treats blending gingerbread and cinnamon roll flavors. Each cookie features a soft molasses dough, filled with buttery cinnamon sugar and rolled into spirals. After baking, drizzle with vanilla glaze for a festive finish. These sweets are perfect for Hanukkah celebrations, offering warm spices and eye-catching swirls. Prep ahead for easy holiday baking, and add blue and white sugar crystals for a signature touch. Vegetarian-friendly and ideal for cozy gatherings, they combine American-Jewish flavors in every bite.

Updated on Sun, 26 Oct 2025 11:31:00 GMT
Soft Gingerbread Hanukkah Cinnamon Roll Cookies drizzled with decadent glaze on a festive plate.  Save
Soft Gingerbread Hanukkah Cinnamon Roll Cookies drizzled with decadent glaze on a festive plate. | tastyeffect.com

Soft, spiced cookies inspired by gingerbread and cinnamon rolls, perfect for Hanukkah celebrations. These festive treats combine warm spices and a swirl of cinnamon&sugar for a delightful holiday cookie.

I first baked these Gingerbread Hanukkah Cinnamon Roll Cookies for a family celebration. Rolling the dough with my kids felt festive and the cinnamon&sugar aroma filled the kitchen, turning baking into a cozy tradition.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups (280 g)
  • Ground ginger: 1 tsp
  • Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
  • Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp
  • Ground cloves: 1/4 tsp
  • Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
  • Salt: 1/4 tsp
  • Unsalted butter (softened): 1/2 cup (115 g)
  • Brown sugar (packed): 1/2 cup (100 g) for dough & 1/3 cup (65 g) for filling
  • Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup (50 g)
  • Unsulphured molasses: 1/3 cup (80 ml)
  • Egg: 1 large
  • Vanilla extract: 1 tsp for dough & 1/2 tsp for glaze
  • Cinnamon Filling - Unsalted butter (melted): 3 tbsp (40 g)
  • Cinnamon Filling - Ground cinnamon: 1 1/2 tsp
  • Glaze - Powdered sugar: 1 cup (120 g)
  • Glaze - Milk: 1–2 tbsp (15–30 ml)

Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter & Sugars:
In a large bowl, cream softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
Beat in molasses, egg, and vanilla until well combined.
Combine & Form Dough:
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
Roll Out Dough:
Divide dough in half. Roll each half between sheets of parchment into a 9x7-inch rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
Prepare Filling:
Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Spread half evenly over each rectangle.
Form Logs & Chill:
Roll rectangles from the long side into tight logs. Wrap in parchment. Chill at least 45 minutes until firm.
Slice & Bake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line sheets with parchment. Slice logs into 1/2-inch rounds, place 2 inches apart. Bake 10–12 minutes until edges set and lightly golden. Cool on pan 5 minutes, then transfer to rack.
Glaze:
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Warm, spiced Gingerbread Hanukkah Cinnamon Roll Cookies sprinkled with holiday-themed sugar crystals.  Save
Warm, spiced Gingerbread Hanukkah Cinnamon Roll Cookies sprinkled with holiday-themed sugar crystals. | tastyeffect.com

Serving these cookies at Hanukkah brings our family together. Everyone loves swirling glaze and adding festive sprinkles as their own special touch.

Required Tools

Hand or stand mixer, mixing bowls, rolling pin, parchment paper, baking sheet, sharp knife, wire rack

Notes

For a Hanukkah touch, sprinkle with blue and white sugar crystals after glazing. Dough can be made a day ahead and chilled overnight. Try whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 130, Total Fat: 4.5 g, Carbohydrates: 22 g, Protein: 1.5 g

Delightful Gingerbread Hanukkah Cinnamon Roll Cookies with a rich cinnamon filling and sweet glaze. Save
Delightful Gingerbread Hanukkah Cinnamon Roll Cookies with a rich cinnamon filling and sweet glaze. | tastyeffect.com

Make a batch and celebrate Hanukkah with warmth and sweetness. Enjoy sharing these spiced cookies with loved ones!

Recipe FAQ

How can I ensure the cookies have a soft texture?

Use unsulphured molasses and avoid overbaking. Chilling the dough also helps maintain tenderness.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight for enhanced flavor and easier slicing.

Is it possible to make these cookies dairy-free?

Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy milk for the glaze.

What’s the best way to achieve even swirls?

Roll the dough tightly between parchment sheets and slice with a sharp knife for uniform rounds.

Can I use whole wheat flour for these cookies?

Whole wheat flour adds a heartier texture; substitute for all-purpose flour if desired.

Do these cookies freeze well?

Yes, store baked or unbaked cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Gingerbread Hanukkah Cinnamon Roll

Spiced gingerbread cookies with cinnamon-sugar swirl, ideal for festive Hanukkah dessert trays.

Prep duration
30 min
Cook duration
12 min
Complete duration
42 min
Created by Laura Bennett


Skill level Medium

Heritage American-Jewish Fusion

Output 24 Portions

Dietary requirements Meat-free

Components

Cookie Dough

01 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 teaspoon ground ginger
03 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
05 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
06 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
07 1/4 teaspoon salt
08 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
10 1/4 cup granulated sugar
11 1/3 cup unsulphured molasses
12 1 large egg
13 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Filling

01 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
02 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
03 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Glaze

01 1 cup powdered sugar
02 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
03 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Phase 01

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt until evenly blended.

Phase 02

Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.

Phase 03

Incorporate Molasses, Egg, and Vanilla: Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until fully integrated and smooth.

Phase 04

Combine Wet and Dry Components: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a uniform, soft dough forms.

Phase 05

Shape and Roll Dough: Divide dough evenly. Roll each portion between two sheets of parchment paper into a rectangle measuring 9 by 7 inches and 1/4 inch thick.

Phase 06

Prepare and Apply Cinnamon Filling: Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the filling. Evenly spread half the mixture over each rectangle of dough.

Phase 07

Form Logs and Chill: Starting from the long edge, gently roll the dough rectangles into tight logs. Wrap each log in parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes until firm.

Phase 08

Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Phase 09

Slice Cookies: Cut each chilled log into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Arrange on prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.

Phase 10

Bake: Bake cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until edges are set and lightly golden. Let rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Phase 11

Prepare and Add Glaze: Combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze. Whisk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.

Necessary tools

  • Hand or stand mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Rolling pin
  • Parchment paper
  • Baking sheet
  • Sharp knife
  • Wire rack

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk (dairy).
  • Verify decorative sprinkles for gluten or allergen contamination before use.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are approximate guides only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy: 130
  • Fats: 4.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Proteins: 1.5 g