Autumn is the season of warmth, spice, and everything nice. And what better way to embrace the flavors of fall than with a batch of homemade Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls? These soft, fluffy rolls are infused with the rich, earthy flavor of pumpkin, complemented by aromatic cinnamon and nutmeg, and then finished with a smooth, tangy cream cheese icing. The combination of these flavors creates a treat thatâs perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a cozy afternoon snack.
PrintThe Ultimate Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls : Fluffy, Flavorful, and Irresistible
đ⨠Treat yourself to The Ultimate Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls! đ Soft, fluffy, and packed with cozy pumpkin spice, these rolls are the perfect autumn indulgence. 𧥠Drizzled with rich icing, theyâll make your morning (or any moment) extra special. đ
#UltimatePumpkinRolls đđŠ #CozyAutumnVibes đ #CinnamonRollDreams đ #PumpkinPerfection 𧥠#FluffyDelight ⨠#SweetAndSpicy đ #FallFlavors đ´ #HomemadeTreats đĄ #ComfortFood đ #BakingBliss đŤ
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Ingredients
For Pumpkin Yeast Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon dry active yeast
- ½ cup white granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 cups all-purpose flour (reserve some for dusting the work surface)
- ž cup cream or whole milk, for topping
For Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ž cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Cream Cheese Icing:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup confectionerâs sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pumpkin Yeast Dough
The first step in creating your perfect pumpkin cinnamon rolls is to make the yeast dough. Follow these steps:
- Warm the Milk: Begin by heating the milk to a lukewarm temperature. You can either do this on the stovetop or in the microwave. The ideal temperature should be between 120°F and 130°F. The milk should feel warm but not hot to the touch.
- Activate the Yeast: Pour the warm milk into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle the dry yeast over the top. Let the yeast sit for 5 minutes to bloom, or until it becomes foamy. This step is crucial for ensuring your dough rises properly.
- Mix the Dough Ingredients: Once the yeast has bloomed, whisk in the sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree. Keep whisking until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the Flour Gradually: Begin adding the flour, about ½ cup at a time, stirring well with each addition. At first, youâll use a whisk to incorporate the flour into the mixture. As the dough thickens, switch to a spatula to keep mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Once a dough ball begins to take shape, turn the dough out onto a floured work surface. Start kneading the dough by hand, adding more flour as needed, until it becomes smooth, soft, and elastic. You should knead for about 4â5 minutes.
- Proof the Dough: After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and place it in a warm, draft-free area. Let the dough rise for 1 to 1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
While the dough is proofing, you can start preparing the filling!
2. Make the Pumpkin Filling
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the spiced pumpkin filling:
- Cream the Butter: In a medium mixing bowl, place the softened butter. Beat it with a hand mixer or stand mixer for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add the Spices and Pumpkin: Add the brown sugar, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat everything together until the filling is smooth and uniform. You should end up with a spreadable mixture thatâs rich and fragrant.
3. Assemble the Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Once your dough has proofed and doubled in size, itâs time to assemble the rolls:
- Roll Out the Dough: Punch the dough down gently to release the air. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle about 20Ă20 inches in size. The dough should be about ½ inch thick.
- Spread the Filling: Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the prepared pumpkin spice filling evenly over the dough, making sure to cover the entire surface.
- Cut the Dough into Strips: Once the filling is spread out, use a sharp knife to slice the dough into 12 even strips. I recommend starting in the middle of the rectangle, then cutting it into quarters, and finally cutting each quarter into three pieces.
- Roll the Strips into Rolls: Carefully roll each strip of dough into a spiral, making sure not to squeeze out the filling as you go. Once rolled, place the cinnamon rolls into a parchment-lined 9Ă13-inch baking dish.
- Proof the Rolls Again: Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and allow them to rise for another 30â45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
4. Bake the Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Itâs time to bake the rolls to perfection:
- Preheat the Oven: While the rolls are proofing, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Bake the Rolls in Two Phases: Place the rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the rolls from the oven and evenly pour the cream or milk over the top. This will help keep the dough moist and prevent it from drying out during baking. Return the rolls to the oven and bake for an additional 22â25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top.
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese icing:
- Cream the Cream Cheese: In a small mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese for a few minutes until itâs smooth and creamy.
- Add the Confectionerâs Sugar: Gradually add the confectionerâs sugar, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the bowl. Beat everything together until smooth and creamy. You should have a thick, smooth icing thatâs easy to spread.
6. Assemble and Serve
Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before frosting them:
- Spread the Icing: Use a spoon or spatula to spread about two-thirds of the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls. Reserve the remaining icing to serve individually, so guests can add more if they like.
- Serve Warm: These rolls are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but they can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.
Notes
- Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft but not sticky. If itâs too sticky, add more flour as needed until you get the right texture.
- Proofing Temperature: Yeast dough needs warmth to rise. If your kitchen is cool, place the dough near a warm oven or in a slightly heated room to encourage the yeast to activate.
- Filling Distribution: Spread the filling evenly across the dough to ensure every bite has the perfect amount of spice and sweetness.
- Donât Overbake: Keep an eye on your rolls during baking. You want them to be golden brown, but you donât want them to dry out.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Whether youâre a pumpkin fan or just looking for a comforting baked good to enjoy with your family, these pumpkin cinnamon rolls will become a seasonal favorite. They offer all the beloved elements of a classic cinnamon roll but with the added twist of pumpkin, making them an extra special indulgence. Imagine the delicious aroma of warm cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen as they bakeâitâs the ultimate fall experience.
Why Youâll Love This Recipe
- Fluffy Texture: These cinnamon rolls are made from a pumpkin yeast dough, which gives them an incredibly soft, pillowy texture thatâs irresistible.
- Spiced Perfection: A mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin puree in the filling offers the perfect balance of spice and sweetness.
- Cream Cheese Icing: The cream cheese icing adds a tangy, smooth contrast to the sweet, spiced rolls, making every bite a decadent experience.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe makes 12 generous servings, perfect for sharing with friends and family at gatherings or holiday breakfasts.
- Versatility: These rolls can be enjoyed any time of dayâwhether paired with your morning coffee or served as a dessert after a meal.
Pumpkin cinnamon rolls are the perfect fall treat. The warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon, pumpkin, and brown sugar come together in a deliciously soft, fluffy dough, with the cream cheese icing providing the perfect finishing touch. And the best part? They are not only delicious but incredibly fun to make.
Ingredients: Everything You Need for Perfect Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Before you begin, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand. Youâll need:
For Pumpkin Yeast Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon dry active yeast
- ½ cup white granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 cups all-purpose flour (reserve some for dusting the work surface)
- ž cup cream or whole milk, for topping
For Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ž cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Cream Cheese Icing:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup confectionerâs sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
This recipe is broken down into easy-to-follow steps. From preparing the dough to baking the rolls and finishing them with a creamy icing, weâll guide you through the entire process. Letâs get started!
1. Prepare the Pumpkin Yeast Dough
The first step in creating your perfect pumpkin cinnamon rolls is to make the yeast dough. Follow these steps:
- Warm the Milk: Begin by heating the milk to a lukewarm temperature. You can either do this on the stovetop or in the microwave. The ideal temperature should be between 120°F and 130°F. The milk should feel warm but not hot to the touch.
- Activate the Yeast: Pour the warm milk into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle the dry yeast over the top. Let the yeast sit for 5 minutes to bloom, or until it becomes foamy. This step is crucial for ensuring your dough rises properly.
- Mix the Dough Ingredients: Once the yeast has bloomed, whisk in the sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree. Keep whisking until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the Flour Gradually: Begin adding the flour, about ½ cup at a time, stirring well with each addition. At first, youâll use a whisk to incorporate the flour into the mixture. As the dough thickens, switch to a spatula to keep mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Once a dough ball begins to take shape, turn the dough out onto a floured work surface. Start kneading the dough by hand, adding more flour as needed, until it becomes smooth, soft, and elastic. You should knead for about 4â5 minutes.
- Proof the Dough: After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and place it in a warm, draft-free area. Let the dough rise for 1 to 1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
While the dough is proofing, you can start preparing the filling!
2. Make the Pumpkin Filling
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the spiced pumpkin filling:
- Cream the Butter: In a medium mixing bowl, place the softened butter. Beat it with a hand mixer or stand mixer for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add the Spices and Pumpkin: Add the brown sugar, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat everything together until the filling is smooth and uniform. You should end up with a spreadable mixture thatâs rich and fragrant.
3. Assemble the Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Once your dough has proofed and doubled in size, itâs time to assemble the rolls:
- Roll Out the Dough: Punch the dough down gently to release the air. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle about 20Ă20 inches in size. The dough should be about ½ inch thick.
- Spread the Filling: Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the prepared pumpkin spice filling evenly over the dough, making sure to cover the entire surface.
- Cut the Dough into Strips: Once the filling is spread out, use a sharp knife to slice the dough into 12 even strips. I recommend starting in the middle of the rectangle, then cutting it into quarters, and finally cutting each quarter into three pieces.
- Roll the Strips into Rolls: Carefully roll each strip of dough into a spiral, making sure not to squeeze out the filling as you go. Once rolled, place the cinnamon rolls into a parchment-lined 9Ă13-inch baking dish.
- Proof the Rolls Again: Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and allow them to rise for another 30â45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
4. Bake the Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Itâs time to bake the rolls to perfection:
- Preheat the Oven: While the rolls are proofing, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Bake the Rolls in Two Phases: Place the rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the rolls from the oven and evenly pour the cream or milk over the top. This will help keep the dough moist and prevent it from drying out during baking. Return the rolls to the oven and bake for an additional 22â25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top.
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese icing:
- Cream the Cream Cheese: In a small mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese for a few minutes until itâs smooth and creamy.
- Add the Confectionerâs Sugar: Gradually add the confectionerâs sugar, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the bowl. Beat everything together until smooth and creamy. You should have a thick, smooth icing thatâs easy to spread.
6. Assemble and Serve
Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before frosting them:
- Spread the Icing: Use a spoon or spatula to spread about two-thirds of the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls. Reserve the remaining icing to serve individually, so guests can add more if they like.
- Serve Warm: These rolls are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but they can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.
The Experience: Flavors, Textures, and Aromas
These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are a sensory delight from start to finish. The dough is soft, light, and fluffy, with just the right amount of pumpkin flavor and spice. The filling is rich and gooey, with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The cinnamon and nutmeg offer that cozy autumn vibe, while the pumpkin puree brings an earthy, creamy richness.
The cream cheese icing adds the perfect finishing touch. Itâs smooth and tangy, providing a delightful contrast to the sweet, spiced rolls. When you take a bite, you get a burst of flavors that will remind you of crisp fall mornings. The aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin fills your home as these rolls bake, making them a true treat for the senses.
Tips for Success
To ensure your pumpkin cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly, here are some helpful tips:
- Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft but not sticky. If itâs too sticky, add more flour as needed until you get the right texture.
- Proofing Temperature: Yeast dough needs warmth to rise. If your kitchen is cool, place the dough near a warm oven or in a slightly heated room to encourage the yeast to activate.
- Filling Distribution: Spread the filling evenly across the dough to ensure every bite has the perfect amount of spice and sweetness.
- Donât Overbake: Keep an eye on your rolls during baking. You want them to be golden brown, but you donât want them to dry out.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
If youâd like to try some variations or substitutions, here are a few ideas:
- Milk Alternatives: You can substitute whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk for a dairy-free version of the rolls.
- Pumpkin Alternatives: If you donât have pumpkin puree, you can use mashed sweet potatoes or butternut squash puree for a different flavor profile.
- Spices: You can experiment with other spices such as ginger, cloves, or allspice to add a personal touch to the filling.
- Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for an added crunch.
- Icing Variations: Instead of cream cheese icing, try a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk for a lighter topping.
Serving Suggestions
These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are some ideas for serving them:
- With Coffee: Serve these rolls with a hot cup of coffee or chai latte for a delightful breakfast or brunch.
- As a Dessert: These rolls make a fantastic dessert, especially when paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- For Special Occasions: Pumpkin cinnamon rolls are a great addition to Thanksgiving breakfast or any autumn gathering.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it for a quick bake the next morning. Just make sure to allow enough time for proofing when youâre ready to bake.
Final Thoughts: A Recipe to Cherish
Pumpkin cinnamon rolls are the ultimate fall comfort food. They combine all the best flavors of the season in a soft, sweet, and indulgent treat thatâs perfect for sharing with loved ones. With the right combination of spices, a fluffy dough, and a tangy cream cheese icing, these rolls are sure to become a cherished recipe in your home.
Make these pumpkin cinnamon rolls for your next fall gathering, or simply enjoy them on a cozy morning with family. No matter the occasion, these rolls will always bring warmth, comfort, and a taste of autumn to your table. Happy baking!