Warm up your kitchen this fall with these irresistibly soft and fluffy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls! This recipe takes the classic cinnamon roll and gives it an autumn twist by incorporating pumpkin puree and warm spices, creating a cozy treat perfect for the season. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking for a special weekend breakfast, these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls will hit the spot.
Why You'll Love This Perfect Pumpkin Recipe
- Perfectly Spiced. These rolls are infused with pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon, offering a warm, comforting flavor that’s perfect for fall.
- Moist and Fluffy. The addition of pumpkin puree not only adds flavor but also keeps the rolls extra moist and tender.
- Easy to Make. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cinnamon rolls are perfect even for beginner bakers.
Whether you're enjoying them fresh out of the oven or reheated the next day, these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate cozy treat to accompany your morning coffee or evening tea.
What Do Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Taste Like?
Pumpkin cinnamon rolls taste like a delightful blend of pumpkin pie and classic cinnamon rolls—soft, spiced, sweet, and perfect for fall!
What Is The Secret To Perfect Cinnamon Rolls?
Achieving the perfect cinnamon roll texture involves a few key steps:
- Dough Consistency. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Proper kneading ensures that your rolls will be fluffy rather than dense.
- Room Temperature Ingredients. Make sure all your ingredients, especially the butter, eggs, and milk, are at room temperature. This helps everything combine more smoothly.
- Proper Rise. Allowing the dough to rise until it’s doubled in size ensures that the rolls will be light and airy.
Ingredients You'll Need
Dough
- Pumpkin Puree- Adds moisture and a subtle pumpkin flavor.
- Egg- To bind the dough.
- All-Purpose Flour- Provides the structure for the dough.
- Sugar- Sweetens the dough and helps it rise.
- Milk- Adds moisture and richness.
- Butter- Makes the rolls tender and flavorful.
- Yeast- Helps the dough rise, making the rolls fluffy.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice- Infuses the dough with warm fall flavors.
- Salt- Enhances the flavors.
Filling
- Brown Sugar- Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- Cinnamon- The star spice for that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
- Butter- Helps create a gooey, rich filling.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice- Complements the pumpkin flavor in the dough.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream Cheese- Provides a tangy, creamy base for the frosting.
- Powdered Sugar- Sweetens the frosting to perfection.
- Vanilla Extract- Adds depth to the flavor.
- Butter- Adds richness and helps the frosting spread smoothly.
How To Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
- Activate the Yeast. In a small bowl, warm the milk to about 110°F and stir in the sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes, or until it’s frothy.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, melted butter, and eggs. Add the yeast mixture and stir until smooth.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients. Gradually add the flour, pumpkin pie spice, and salt to the wet ingredients. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
- First Rise. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Make the Filling. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and softened butter until well combined.
- Roll Out the Dough. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the Filling. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough.
- Roll and Cut. Roll the dough up tightly, starting from the long side, and cut it into 12 even pieces.
- Second Rise. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover them with a towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Prepare the Frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the Rolls. Once the rolls have slightly cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.
- Enjoy! Serve warm with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Tips And Tricks
Making Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls can be a delightful and rewarding baking project. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your rolls turn out perfectly:
- Homemade vs. Canned. If you have the time, homemade pumpkin puree often has a richer flavor and less moisture compared to canned. However, canned pumpkin works perfectly well and is convenient.
- Gentle Kneading. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, but don’t overwork it. Over-kneading can make the rolls tough instead of light and fluffy.
- Consistent Rolling. When rolling the dough into a log, roll it tightly enough to hold its shape but not so tight that the filling oozes out or the dough tears.
Variations
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious treat on their own, but you can easily customize them with different variations to suit your taste preferences. Here are some creative ideas to inspire your next batch:
- Nutty Addition- Sprinkle chopped pecans over the cinnamon sugar filling before rolling up the dough. The nuts add a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
- Chocolate Glaze- Drizzle a chocolate ganache or chocolate glaze over the baked rolls instead of the usual frosting.
- Maple Syrup- Add a tablespoon or two of pure maple syrup to the pumpkin dough for a subtle maple flavor.
What To Enjoy With Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat on their own, but pairing them with complementary sides and drinks can elevate your experience even further. Here are some delicious ideas to enjoy with them:
- Hot Coffee or Espresso- The warm, robust flavor of coffee pairs perfectly with the sweetness and spice of pumpkin cinnamon rolls. A pumpkin spice latte would be an excellent choice for a seasonal touch.
- Crispy Bacon- The salty, savory crunch of crispy bacon provides a nice contrast to the soft, sweet rolls.
- Whipped Cream- A dollop of homemade whipped cream on top of warm rolls can add a luxurious, creamy texture.
How Long Do They Last?
These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
If you want to keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.
Can You Freeze Them?
Yes, these rolls freeze well! You can freeze them before or after baking. If freezing before baking, let the rolls rise, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
If freezing after baking, allow the rolls to cool completely, then freeze individually. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
More Brilliant Breakfast Recipes
- Ham and Cheese Frittata
- Low Carb Blueberry Muffins
- Pumpkin French Toast
- Protein Waffles
- Breakfast Scramble
- Pumpkin Butter
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Ingredients
For The Dough
- 1 cup Pumpkin Puree
- 4 cups All Purpose Flour
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Egg
- 1/2 cup Milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 packet Active Dry Yeast
- 1 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
For The Filling
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar
- 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
- 1/4 cup Butter, softened
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast. In a small bowl, warm the milk to about 110°F and stir in the sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes, or until it’s frothy.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, melted butter, and eggs. Add the yeast mixture and stir until smooth.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients. Gradually add the flour, pumpkin pie spice, and salt to the wet ingredients. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
- First Rise. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Make the Filling. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and softened butter until well combined.
- Roll Out the Dough. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the Filling. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough.
- Roll and Cut. Roll the dough up tightly, starting from the long side, and cut it into 12 even pieces.
- Second Rise. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover them with a towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Prepare the Frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the Rolls. Once the rolls have slightly cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.
- Enjoy! Serve warm with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
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