These rolled treats nestle perfectly in a large square kraft box making them a perfect homemade Christmas food gift.
Ingredients
For the dough:1/4 c.granulated sugar
1 tbsp.dry active yeast (not instant or rapid rise)
1 tsp.ground cinnamon
3/4 tsp.ground ginger
1/2 tsp.kosher salt
1/8 tsp.ground cloves
3 1/2 c.all-purpose flour, divided
1 c.whole milk
2 tbsp.unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for bowl
1large egg
2 tbsp.molasses
For the filling and assembly:1/2 c.packed light brown sugar
6 tbsp.unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for pan
1 tbsp.ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp.ground ginger
1/4 tsp.ground cloves
All-purpose flour, for work surface
For the topping:4 oz.cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 tsp.pure vanilla extract
1 1/3 c.confectioners sugar, divided
2 tsp.molasses
1 tsp.warm water
Method
* Whisk together sugar, yeast, cinnamon, ginger, salt, cloves, and 1 3/4 cups flour in a bowl.
* Combine milk and butter in a small saucepan.
* Cook over low heat until the butter has melted and mixture reads between 105°F and 110°F on an instant-read thermometer.
* Add milk mixture, egg, and molasses to flour mixture.
* Beat with a dough hook attached to a stand mixer, on low speed, until moistened.
* Continue beating, gradually adding remaining 1 3/4 cups flour, until smooth and pliable, 4 to 5 minutes.
* Transfer dough to a lightly buttered mixing bowl; cover with plastic wrap or a towel.
* Set bowl in a warm place and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Make the filling and assemble:
* Combine brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves in a bowl.
* Butter a 9- by 13-inch or 8- by 8-inch baking dish. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 12- by 16-inch rectangle.
* Spread with cinnamon-sugar mixture. Starting from the long side, roll up into a log.
* Cut into 12 (if using a 9- by 13-inch baking dish) or 9 (if using an 8- by 8-inch baking dish) pieces and place, cut sides up, in prepared dish.
* Cover with a towel and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
* Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake until cooked through and lightly browned, 20 to 25 minutes.
Make the topping:* Combine cream cheese, vanilla, and 1 cup confectioners sugar in a bowl.
* Whisk together molasses, water, and remaining 1/3 cup confectioners sugar in a separate bowl.
* Spread cream cheese mixture on warm rolls, then drizzle with molasses glaze.