Skip to Content
Menu

Gingerbread Cinnamon Roll Twists

  • Save Recipe
  • Jump to Recipe
By Pillsbury Contributor
Updated Oct 24, 2024
  • Save
  • Pin
  • Print
  • Share
  • Jump to Recipe

Craving something cozy? These Gingerbread Cinnamon Roll Twists are a warm and wonderful mashup of two classic treats. They have the subtle spice of gingerbread, combined with the ooey gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls. These twisted cinnamon rolls are like a holiday treat that you’ll want to make all year round, especially because they’re so easy to whip up.

What makes this cinnamon roll twist recipe so extra-special has to be the warm, spiced gingerbread filling—think molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and all the good stuff that gives gingerbread its unmistakable flavor. It’s a fun, flavorful spin on traditional cinnamon rolls, but with extra cozy vibes baked in. The dough gets rolled and twisted with this irresistible filling and baked until golden brown, then topped with luscious cream cheese icing for that perfect finish.

Whether you’re serving these at a holiday brunch or just want a special weekend breakfast, these Gingerbread Cinnamon Roll Twists will be a hit. They’re super simple to make but look and taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. Plus, the presentation is sure to impress your guests, making these twists a fabulous, festive option for any occasion.

How to Make Twisted Cinnamon Rolls

These Gingerbread Cinnamon Roll Twists are oh-so simple to make, thanks to refrigerated Pillsbury™ Grands!™ Cinnamon Rolls. You can check out the detailed directions below, but here’s the rundown of how it’s done:

Mix the Filling

Heat oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, mix butter, sugar, molasses, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg until it’s smooth and evenly blended.

Fold the Dough

Unroll one cinnamon roll log into a rectangle. Spread half of the filling evenly, then fold the dough like a letter. Repeat with the remaining cinnamon roll log.

Shape the Twists

Cut each dough strip in half lengthwise. Gently stretch and twist each piece into a rope, then twist two ropes together. Tie each twist into a knot and place in a muffin pan.

Bake and Serve

Bake for 23 to 25 minutes. Drizzle with cream cheese icing and serve warm. For full details, check the recipe directions below!

How to Store Gingerbread Cinnamon Roll Twists

Leftover rolls? Lucky you! To keep your Gingerbread Cinnamon Roll Twists fresh and delicious, it’s important to store them properly. Once they’ve cooled completely, place the twists in an airtight container. You can leave them at room temperature, where they’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to three days. The airtight container helps lock in moisture, preventing the twists from drying out and ensuring they remain tender.

If you want to keep your twisted cinnamon rolls fresh for even longer, just freeze them! Wrap each twist individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll last in the freezer for up to a month. When you're ready to enjoy them again, just let them thaw at room temperature, then pop them in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds to warm them up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gingerbread Cinnamon Roll Twists Variations

If you want to mix things up with your Gingerbread Cinnamon Roll Twists, there are plenty of flavor variations to explore! One fun option is to swap out the gingerbread spices for a warm, aromatic cardamom blend. Simply use 2 teaspoons each of cinnamon and cardamom in the filling instead of the ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. This will give your twists a more delicate, floral flavor—like a delicious cardamom roll that’s perfect for brunch or an afternoon treat.

Or try a seasonal spin and replace the gingerbread spices with 1 tablespoon of apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice. Either of these swaps will add a cozy fall flavor without too much fuss. The apple pie spice will bring in subtle notes of cloves and allspice, while pumpkin pie spice adds the warmth of nutmeg and cinnamon. Both work beautifully with the cinnamon roll dough, giving you new flavors to enjoy with the same easy prep.

Feel free to experiment with your favorite spice blends—whether you love the classic gingerbread flavor or want to explore something new, this cinnamon roll twist recipe is endlessly customizable!

What to Serve With Gingerbread Cinnamon Roll Twists?

These twisted cinnamon rolls are a delicious treat that pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee, making them ideal for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack. The rich, spiced flavors complement the bold, roasted notes of coffee, especially if you opt for a medium or dark roast. You can also enjoy them with a latte or cappuccino for an extra indulgent pairing.

If you're serving these twists as part of a brunch or breakfast spread, they’ll go beautifully alongside classic favorites like scrambled eggs, bacon, or fresh fruit. A yogurt parfait or a light fruit salad would add a refreshing balance to the rich, buttery twists. They’re also perfect for rounding out a spread of other pastries, like croissants or scones. Whether you're hosting a holiday brunch or just enjoying a low-key weekend breakfast, these twists fit right in!

Can You Make This Cinnamon Roll Twist Recipe Ahead of Time?

You can absolutely make these Gingerbread Cinnamon Roll Twists ahead of time, making them a great option for entertaining. After rolling the dough with the gingerbread filling and shaping the twists, place them in the muffin pan and cover them with plastic wrap. Pop them in the fridge for up to a couple of hours before baking. This allows you to get all the prep work done ahead of time, so you can simply bake them fresh when you're ready.

When you're ready to bake, just preheat the oven, remove the twists from the fridge, and bake them as directed. If the dough feels too cold or stiff, you may want to let the twists sit at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes before putting them in the oven. This make-ahead option is perfect for hosting brunch—or for a quick, stress-free morning treat!

How Do You Roll Twisted Cinnamon Rolls?

Rolling the Gingerbread Cinnamon Roll Twists might sound tricky, but it’s actually quite simple once you get the hang of it! After spreading the filling and folding the dough into thirds, you’ll cut each section into strips. Gently stretch and twist each strip to create a rope, then twist two ropes together. Finally, tie the twisted ropes into a knot and place them in the muffin pan.

If you need a visual guide, be sure to check out the video below. It shows the step-by-step process of rolling and shaping the twists, making it even easier to follow along. Watching the technique in action will help you master that perfect twist and knot for beautiful, bakery-worthy results!

Gingerbread Cinnamon Roll Twists

  • Prep Time 15 min
  • Total 40 min
  • Ingredients 8
  • Servings 10
  • Save
  • Pin
  • Print
  • Share
  • Keep Screen On

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Step 
    1
    Heat oven to 350° F. In a small bowl, create the filling by mixing together butter, sugar, molasses, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg.
  • Step 
    2
    Without separating the individual rolls, unroll 1 cinnamon roll log to form a large rectangle. Evenly spread half of the filling inside. Fold 1/3 of the dough over itself, and fold the remaining 1/2 on top like folding a letter. Repeat with the remaining cinnamon rolls and filling.
  • Step 
    3
    Pull apart each strip of dough and cut each piece in half lengthwise. Take each piece and gently stretch and twist it to create a rope. Twist the 2 ropes around each other, twist this rope around your fingers, and tie it into a knot. Place the knot in a nonstick muffin pan. Repeat with the remaining ropes to form 10 twisted knots.
  • Step 
    4
    Bake for 23 to 25 minutes. Drizzle with the cream cheese icing and serve warm.

Nutrition

No nutrition information available for this recipe

Tips from the

Pillsbury Kitchens

© 2024 ®/TM General Mills All Rights Reserved