Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Homemade Gourmet Taste: The soft, buttery dough mingles beautifully with the rich filling, delivering an exquisite bakery-quality taste right from your kitchen.

Luxurious Finish: A generous swirl of cinnamon cream cheese frosting melts beautifully into the warm rolls, creating a rich, creamy topping that elevates every bite.

Perfect for Sharing: With 12 fluffy rolls per batch, these treats are perfect for sharing at gatherings, holidays, or simply with loved ones at home.

Aromatic Delight: As these rolls bake, the lovely combination of pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and vanilla fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to come together in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Ingredients

• Pumpkin Purée: Adds natural sweetness and a rich, autumn flavor.
• Warm Milk & Active Dry Yeast: Activates the yeast for the perfect rise.
• Granulated & Brown Sugar: Sweetens the dough and creates a delicious filling.
• Unsalted Butter: Offers richness and tenderness to the rolls.
• Egg: Provides structure and enhances the tenderness of the rolls.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds sweetness while complementing the spices.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the perfect texture for the rolls.
• Ground Cinnamon & Pumpkin Pie Spice: Infuse the rolls with classic fall flavors.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and regulates yeast activity.
• Cream Cheese & Powdered Sugar: Combined to create a decadent frosting.

How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

While the process may take a few extra steps compared to traditional cinnamon rolls, the results are undeniably worth it! Let’s get started:

1. Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Stir gently and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy.

2. Add the Wet Ingredients

Mix together the pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract into the activated yeast until the mixture is smooth.

3. Add the Dry Ingredients

Gradually incorporate the flour, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.

4. Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 7 to 8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Be careful not to add excessive flour!

5. Let it Rise

Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

6. Mix the Filling

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Set it aside for later.

7. Roll the Dough

Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into an 18×12 inch rectangle. Ensure the thickness is consistent for even baking.

8. Add the Filling

Spread softened butter over the entire surface of the dough and sprinkle the sugar-spice mixture on top, pressing it lightly into the butter.

9. Roll and Cut

Carefully roll the dough tightly from the longer side. Slice it into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.

10. Rise Again

Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan with a little space between each for expansion. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm area for 30-40 minutes until puffy.

11. Preheat and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 22-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.

12. Cool and Make the Frosting

Allow the rolls to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, beat together cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and a dash of cinnamon until combined.

13. Frost and Serve

Generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and savor each bite!

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Milk Temperature Matters: Make sure your milk is at 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast effectively.
• Keep the Dough Soft: Resist adding too much flour; the dough should remain slightly tacky for soft rolls.
• Use Pure Pumpkin: Ensure you use 100% pumpkin purée, as pumpkin pie filling has added sugars and spices that can alter the results.
• Soften Your Butter: Let it come to room temperature without melting, ensuring it’s spreadable but not runny.
• Create a Warm Spot: If your home is cold, turn your oven to the lowest setting for a few minutes, turn it off, and let the dough rise inside.
• Make Ahead: You can slice the rolls and place them in the pan, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Just let them come to room temperature and rise before baking the next day.
• Get Creative: Add chopped pecans, raisins, or swap the frosting for a maple glaze for a fun twist!

How to Store Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

These delightful rolls can stay soft and delicious for several days when stored properly:

To Store: Keep frosted rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

To Freeze: It’s best to freeze unfrosted rolls. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat and frost before serving.

To Reheat: Microwave individual rolls for 15-20 seconds until warm. If unfrosted, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought pumpkin purée?

Absolutely! Store-bought 100% pumpkin purée is perfect for this recipe. Just avoid pumpkin pie filling.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?

If the dough doesn’t rise, it may be due to inactive yeast or improper temperature. Make sure the milk is warm (not hot) and your yeast is fresh.

How can I make these rolls vegan?

You can substitute the butter with vegan butter, use a dairy-free milk, and replace the egg with a flax egg or applesauce.

Can I add extra spices to the filling?

Yes! Feel free to add nutmeg, ginger, or more cinnamon to your liking for an even spicier flavor.

How long do these rolls last in the fridge?

Frosted pumpkin cinnamon rolls can last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, and they’ll still taste delicious!