Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Fall Baking Recipe

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls: just the words alone conjure up images of cozy autumn mornings, the scent of warm spices filling the air, and a sweet, comforting treat that’s simply irresistible. Have you ever bitten into a cinnamon roll so perfect that it momentarily transports you to a state of pure bliss? Well, prepare yourself, because this recipe is about to do just that!

Cinnamon rolls, in their various forms, have a rich history, tracing back to Scandinavia where they are known as “kanelbullar” in Sweden and “kanelsnegle” in Denmark. These sweet, yeasty buns, swirled with cinnamon and sugar, have evolved over time and across cultures, becoming a beloved breakfast staple and dessert worldwide. The addition of pumpkin elevates this classic to a whole new level of autumnal deliciousness.

What makes Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls so universally adored? It’s the perfect combination of textures – the soft, pillowy dough, the gooey, spiced filling, and the creamy, decadent frosting. The pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness and moistness that complements the cinnamon beautifully. Plus, let’s be honest, the aroma alone is enough to make anyone fall in love! Whether you’re looking for a special treat for a holiday brunch, a comforting weekend breakfast, or simply a way to brighten up a chilly day, these rolls are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience the magic of pumpkin spice in every single bite!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup milk, warmed to 110-115°F
• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• For the Filling:
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Dough:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. This ensures the salt and sugar are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for proper yeast activation and flavor.
2. Activate the Yeast: In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This step is essential to ensure your yeast is alive and active. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the melted butter, eggs, and pumpkin puree to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined. The pumpkin puree adds moisture and that signature pumpkin flavor, so don’t skip it!
4. Form the Dough: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
5. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead in a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the right consistency. Proper kneading develops the gluten, which gives the rolls their structure and chewiness.
6. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. A warm environment helps the yeast work its magic and allows the dough to rise properly. You can place the bowl in a slightly warmed oven (turned off!) or near a sunny window.

Preparing the Filling:

1. Soften the Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This will make it easier to spread evenly over the dough.
2. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix until well combined and creamy. The brown sugar adds a rich, molasses-like flavor that complements the pumpkin perfectly.

Assembling and Baking the Rolls:

1. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
2. Spread the Filling: Spread the prepared filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges. This border will help seal the rolls.
3. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. A tight roll is key to preventing the rolls from unraveling during baking.
4. Cut the Rolls: Using a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices. Dental floss creates a cleaner cut than a knife, preventing the rolls from getting squished.
5. Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy. This second rise allows the rolls to become light and airy.
6. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Bake the Rolls: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. The rolls should be cooked through but still soft. If they start to brown too quickly, you can tent them with foil.
8. Cool Slightly: Let the rolls cool in the baking dish for 10-15 minutes before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting completely.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Soften the Cream Cheese and Butter: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature. This is crucial for a smooth and creamy frosting.
2. Combine Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
3. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined. Be careful not to add all the powdered sugar at once, as it can create a cloud of dust.
4. Add Milk and Vanilla: Add the milk and vanilla extract and beat until smooth and fluffy. Add more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Frosting and Serving:

1. Frost the Rolls: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the warm rolls.
2. Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy! These pumpkin cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed warm.

Tips for Success:

• Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh and active for the best results.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaked rolls will be dry and tough. Keep a close eye on them while they’re baking.
• Adjust Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar in the filling and frosting to your liking.
• Add Nuts: For extra flavor and texture, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. This will slow down the rising process and allow the flavors to develop even further. Just bring the dough to room temperature before rolling it out. You can also assemble the rolls and refrigerate them overnight before baking.

Variations:

• Maple Glaze: Instead of cream cheese frosting, try a maple glaze. Simply whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a little milk until smooth.
• Pumpkin Spice Glaze: Add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to the cream cheese frosting for an extra boost of pumpkin flavor.
• Orange Zest: Add orange zest to the dough or filling for a bright and citrusy twist.

Storage Instructions:

• Store leftover pumpkin cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. From the intoxicating aroma that fills your kitchen to the first warm, gooey bite, this is a treat that will truly delight your senses. I know there are a million cinnamon roll recipes out there, but trust me, the addition of pumpkin puree and the warm spices takes these to a whole new level of autumnal deliciousness. The pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness and incredible moisture, ensuring that each roll is perfectly soft and tender.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s the perfect embodiment of fall comfort food. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you want to curl up with a blanket, a cup of coffee, and a good book. It’s also surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re a beginner baker. The steps are straightforward, and the results are guaranteed to impress. Plus, who can resist the combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, and cream cheese frosting? It’s a classic for a reason!

But the best part? You can totally customize these rolls to your liking!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Go Nuts! Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a delightful crunch. Toasted pecans are especially delicious.
* Spice it Up! Experiment with different spices. A pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or even cardamom can add a unique twist.
* Chocolate Chips! Because everything is better with chocolate, right? Fold in some mini chocolate chips into the dough or sprinkle them on top of the frosting.
* Maple Glaze: Swap out the cream cheese frosting for a simple maple glaze. Just whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a touch of milk until smooth.
* Orange Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* Breakfast Casserole: Cut the baked rolls into bite-sized pieces and toss them with a custard mixture (eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla) and bake for a delicious breakfast casserole.
* Ice Cream Topping: Crumble leftover rolls over vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
* Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the rolls up to the point of baking, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This is a great option for busy mornings!
* Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with vegan butter, the milk with plant-based milk, and the cream cheese with vegan cream cheese. You’ll still get amazing results!

I truly believe that these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls will become a new favorite in your household. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or any time you’re craving something warm, comforting, and delicious.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these incredible rolls. I’m confident that you’ll love them as much as I do.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try any of the variations? Did you make them for a special occasion? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear what you think. Happy baking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help. Enjoy your delicious, homemade Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls!