These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect cozy treat for autumn mornings or holiday breakfasts. Soft, fluffy, and loaded with warm spices, these rolls are filled with a pumpkin-spiced swirl and topped with a creamy glaze that melts in your mouth.
If you love all things pumpkin, this recipe is a must-try!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Stand mixer (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife or dental floss for slicing
- Baking dish or pan (9×13-inch)
- Small saucepan
Ingredients Overview
- Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture and a delightful pumpkin flavor to the dough.
- Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise and gives the rolls their fluffy texture.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: Brings the warm, spiced flavor of fall.
- Brown Sugar: Sweetens the filling with a rich, caramel-like flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Forms the base of the irresistible glaze.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1/2 cup warm milk (100–110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
Glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (for desired consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Dough:
- Activate Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, pumpkin puree, egg, and the remaining sugar. Stir in the yeast mixture.
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add flour, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead by hand or with a stand mixer (fitted with a dough hook) for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let Dough Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Assemble the Rolls:
- Prepare Filling:
- Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice in a bowl until combined.
- Roll Out Dough:
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a large rectangle (approximately 16×12 inches) on a floured surface.
- Spread Filling:
- Evenly spread the filling mixture over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll and Slice:
- Roll the dough tightly into a log from the long edge. Cut into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Arrange and Rise:
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
Bake and Glaze:
- Bake Rolls:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Make Glaze:
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla. Add milk, a little at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency.
- Glaze Rolls:
- Spread the glaze over the warm rolls and serve.
Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is active for a perfect rise. If it doesn’t foam, start again with fresh yeast.
- Roll Neatly: Tightly rolling the dough helps the filling stay inside.
- Don’t Overbake: Check rolls at the 20-minute mark to prevent dryness.
What to Serve With This Recipe
- Coffee or Latte: Pumpkin cinnamon rolls pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a pumpkin spice latte.
- Fresh Fruit: Balance the richness of the rolls with a side of fresh fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.
Can I freeze these?
Absolutely. Freeze baked rolls without glaze. Reheat and glaze when ready to serve.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
You can make your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect cozy treat for autumn mornings or holiday breakfasts. Soft, fluffy, and loaded with warm spices, these rolls are filled with a pumpkin-spiced swirl and topped with a creamy glaze that melts in your mouth.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Stand mixer (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling Pin
- Sharp knife or dental floss for slicing
- Baking dish or pan (9x13-inch)
- Small saucepan
Ingredients
- Dough:
- 1/2 cup warm milk 100–110°F
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- Glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 –2 tablespoons milk for desired consistency
Instructions
- Make the Dough:
- Activate Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, pumpkin puree, egg, and the remaining sugar. Stir in the yeast mixture.
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add flour, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead by hand or with a stand mixer (fitted with a dough hook) for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let Dough Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Assemble the Rolls:
- Prepare Filling:
- Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice in a bowl until combined.
- Roll Out Dough:
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a large rectangle (approximately 16x12 inches) on a floured surface.
- Spread Filling:
- Evenly spread the filling mixture over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll and Slice:
- Roll the dough tightly into a log from the long edge. Cut into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Arrange and Rise:
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
- Bake and Glaze:
- Bake Rolls:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Make Glaze:
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla. Add milk, a little at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency.
- Glaze Rolls:
- Spread the glaze over the warm rolls and serve.
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