If you’re looking to cozy up your mornings with a warm, spiced treat that captures the essence of fall, this Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe will quickly become your go-to indulgence. Imagine pillowy soft rolls infused with pumpkin’s rich color and moisture, swirled with a fragrant blend of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, then topped with a lush, tangy cream cheese frosting that melts delightfully into every bite. It’s the perfect combination of comfort and seasonal flavor that makes breakfast feel like a special occasion, whether it’s a weekend brunch or a holiday gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but crucial, each playing a special role to create the texture, flavor, and color that make these rolls irresistible. From the gooey pumpkin purée that keeps the dough tender, to the blend of warm spices in the filling, every component comes together beautifully.
- Warm milk (3/4 cup): Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough for softness.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): The magic behind the dough’s rise and fluffiness.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds sweetness and aids yeast fermentation.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup): Brings richness and tenderness to the dough.
- Pumpkin purée (1/2 cup): Gives moistness, beautiful color, and that unmistakable autumn essence.
- Large egg (1): Adds structure and richness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- All-purpose flour (3 1/2 cups): Provides the sturdy base for the soft but elastic dough.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/3 cup for filling): Melts smoothly into the cinnamon sugar mixture for a luscious filling.
- Brown sugar, packed (3/4 cup): Adds depth and caramel notes to the filling.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The star spice that gives cinnamon rolls their signature flavor.
- Pumpkin pie spice (1/2 teaspoon): Adds complexity and warmth to the spice blend.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Creates a tangy, creamy frosting that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/4 cup for frosting): Adds silkiness and smoothness to the frosting.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the frosting’s flavor.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons, as needed): Adjusts frosting consistency for easy spreading.
How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by waking up your yeast with warm milk, yeast, and a touch of sugar for about 5 to 10 minutes until it’s bubbly and alive. This step ensures your dough will rise perfectly. Next, stir in the rest of your sugar, melted butter, pumpkin purée, egg, and salt. These ingredients combine to create a slightly sweet, tender dough with a subtle pumpkin flavor. Slowly add the flour while mixing until the dough forms, then knead it for 6 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover it, and give the dough a warm spot to rise until doubled in size—patience here pays off in softness and volume.
Step 2: Roll and Fill
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and roll it out into a 16 by 12 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the softened butter evenly across the surface to create that irresistible gooey layer inside each bite. Mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice in a small bowl, then sprinkle the mixture generously over the butter, making sure every bit of dough gets a share of the warm, spiced sweetness. Starting from the long edge, roll it tightly into a log to keep all that filling inside, then slice into 12 perfect rolls that fit snugly in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Cover again and let them puff up for the second rise for 30 to 45 minutes—this is when those rolls get wonderfully fluffy.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C), then bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until their tops turn an inviting golden brown. The aroma alone will have your kitchen smelling like pure autumn joy. The rolls are done when they are cooked through but still tender and soft inside—resist the urge to overbake for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls bake, whip together the cream cheese and butter until silky smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, blending it all into a creamy frosting. Add a splash of milk as needed to get a spreadable consistency that’s not too runny. Once the rolls are warm from the oven, generously slather the frosting over the top so it slowly softens and seeps into every crevice, creating an irresistible coating that’s both sweet and tangy.
How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your pumpkin cinnamon rolls with a few toasted chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the softness of the rolls. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty finishing touch and a hint of extra sweetness without overpowering the spices.
Side Dishes
These rolls are already quite the star, but pairing them with a cup of rich coffee, spiced chai tea, or a creamy latte elevates the experience. Fresh fruit slices like crisp apples or pear also offer a fresh contrast to the richness of the rolls and frosting.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of a traditional pull-apart pan, try baking individual rolls in cute ramekins or muffin tins for adorable single servings. Drizzle a little caramel sauce or maple syrup over the top to amp up the indulgence at your next brunch party or holiday gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover pumpkin cinnamon rolls stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to enjoy their freshness. For longer storage, refrigeration is best to keep the cream cheese frosting safely preserved.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, these rolls freeze beautifully. After the second rise, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, allow the rolls to thaw and come to room temperature before popping them in the oven. This extra step helps them bake evenly and retain their delightful texture.
Reheating
To reheat, use a microwave or oven. For a quick fix, microwave a roll for 20 to 30 seconds until warm and soft. For even better texture, warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, tented with foil to avoid drying out. Reapply frosting if desired for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned purée in the Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe?
Yes, but fresh pumpkin should be cooked and pureed until smooth, then drained well to remove excess moisture before using. This ensures your dough isn’t too wet and maintains the right texture.
Can I make these rolls vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk and use a plant-based butter alternative. For the cream cheese frosting, opt for vegan cream cheese and vegan butter for a delicious dairy-free version.
How important is the second rise for these rolls?
The second rise is crucial. It allows the rolls to become even fluffier and helps develop that soft, tender crumb everyone loves in a cinnamon roll.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the filling?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even dried cranberries add great texture and flavor contrast to the warm spices in the Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe.
What’s the best way to get the cream cheese frosting spread smoothly?
Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before mixing. Start with less milk and add a little at a time until you reach a creamy but spreadable consistency that isn’t too runny.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the warmth and fragrance of freshly baked Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe filling your home, bringing comfort and joy with every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these rolls are worth the effort and will have everyone asking for seconds. Grab your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you’ll love how they brighten your mornings and celebrate the flavors of the season like no other!
Print
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls combine the cozy flavors of pumpkin and warm spices for a delightful fall breakfast treat. Soft, fluffy rolls filled with a cinnamon-spiced brown sugar filling are baked to golden perfection and topped with a creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfect for holiday mornings or a special weekend brunch, these homemade rolls bring seasonal comfort to your table.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin purée
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast and Prepare Dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and a tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active. Then add the remaining sugar, melted butter, pumpkin purée, egg, and salt. Mix until well combined. Gradually incorporate the flour until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough by hand for 6–8 minutes or with a dough hook until smooth and elastic. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Filling and Roll Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12 inch rectangle. Evenly spread the softened butter over the surface. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Starting at the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log and slice it into 12 even rolls. Place the rolls into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and allow them to rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow to cool briefly.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting and Finish: While the rolls are warm, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk as needed to achieve a spreadable consistency. Spread the frosting generously over the warm rolls and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For overnight rolls, assemble the rolls after the second rise, then cover and refrigerate. Remove from the fridge and let come to room temperature before baking.
- Add chopped pecans to the filling for an added crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
