The aroma of freshly baked pumpkin cinnamon rolls wafts through the air, inviting you to indulge in their warm, spiced goodness. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy roll with gooey cinnamon filling and a drizzle of sweet icing melting on top—it’s pure bliss.
This delightful treat is perfect for cozy autumn mornings or holiday gatherings when you want to impress loved ones with something extraordinary. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These pumpkin cinnamon rolls are easy to make, allowing even novice bakers to shine
- Their rich flavors blend perfectly, creating a delightful experience for your taste buds
- The rolls are visually stunning, boasting vibrant orange hues that brighten any breakfast table
- Versatile enough for any season, they can be served warm or enjoyed later as a sweet snack
Family and friends have raved about how these rolls turned a simple brunch into a memorable feast.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Pumpkin Puree: Use canned or fresh pumpkin puree for the best flavor; just ensure it’s 100% pure pumpkin.
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All-Purpose Flour: A versatile option; choose high-quality flour to give your rolls the perfect texture.
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Active Dry Yeast: Make sure it’s fresh so your dough rises beautifully and creates that fluffy interior.
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Cinnamon: Use ground cinnamon for a warm spice kick; it’s the star of this sweet show.
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Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds depth and moisture to your filling—don’t skimp on it!
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Butter: Use unsalted butter for the dough and filling; it enhances flavor without adding extra saltiness.
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Milk: Warm milk helps activate the yeast, giving your rolls that lovely rise and soft texture.
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Eggs: They add richness and help bind the ingredients together—essential for perfect rolls.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brings out all those delicious flavors in both the dough and frosting.
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Powdered Sugar: Essential for making the creamy glaze that tops off your rolls—sweetening them just right!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare yourself for some magical baking moments! Let’s dive into creating these irresistible pumpkin cinnamon rolls.
Dough Preparation: Start by warming 1 cup of milk until it’s just warm to the touch. Combine the milk with 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast in a bowl and let it sit until foamy—about 5 minutes.
Add Ingredients: In another mixing bowl, whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Create a well in the center and add ½ cup melted unsalted butter, 1 egg, 1 cup of pumpkin puree, and the activated yeast mixture.
Knead the Dough: Mix until combined then transfer to a floured surface. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes. It should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
Let it Rise: Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm area until doubled in size—about an hour.
Create Filling: While waiting, mix together ½ cup softened butter, ¾ cup brown sugar, 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
Roll Out Dough: Once risen, punch down your dough gently before rolling it into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Spread the filling evenly over this rectangle using an offset spatula.
Shape Rolls: Roll up tightly from one end to create a log shape. Cut into equal pieces—about 12-15—and place them cut-side up in a greased baking dish.
Bake Them Off: Cover the rolls again with your towel and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while they rise. Bake until golden brown—about 25-30 minutes.
Icing Time: For icing, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar with vanilla extract and enough milk until you reach your desired consistency. Drizzle generously over warm rolls before serving!
Now you have wonderfully fluffy pumpkin cinnamon rolls ready to devour! Trust me; they will be gone faster than you can say “pumpkin spice latte.” Enjoy every bite!
You Must Know
- These pumpkin cinnamon rolls are not just delicious; they fill your kitchen with a cozy aroma
- The cream cheese frosting makes them irresistibly decadent, turning breakfast into a special occasion
- Perfect for fall gatherings or simply indulging yourself on a lazy Sunday morning
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while preparing the dough. Roll it out evenly, and cut into strips before baking. This sequence maximizes fluffy texture and even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap traditional spices with nutmeg or ginger for a unique flavor twist. Add chocolate chips or nuts to the filling for extra indulgence.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover pumpkin cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat in the microwave for about 10 seconds to revive their warmth and gooeyness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect pumpkin cinnamon rolls, ensure the dough rises properly by keeping it warm and covered
- Avoid overworking the dough to maintain that light fluffiness
- Don’t skip the cream cheese frosting; it’s what dreams are made of!
Creating these pumpkin cinnamon rolls reminded me of my grandma’s kitchen during Thanksgiving. Her warm hugs and even warmer pastries made every holiday unforgettable, leaving us all begging for seconds.
FAQ
Can I use canned pumpkin puree for pumpkin cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and saves time in preparation.
How do I know when my dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size after about one hour in a warm environment.
Can I freeze pumpkin cinnamon rolls?
Yes! Freeze them unbaked, then pop them directly into the oven when ready to bake.
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Indulge in the warm, spiced goodness of homemade pumpkin cinnamon rolls. These delightful treats are soft and fluffy, filled with gooey cinnamon sugar and topped with a sweet glaze. Perfect for cozy autumn mornings or festive gatherings, they promise to impress family and friends alike. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will leave everyone craving more!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar (plus extra for filling)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (plus extra for filling)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 3 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Warm the milk until just warm to the touch, then mix with yeast and let sit for 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, brown sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center; add melted butter, egg, pumpkin puree, and yeast mixture.
- Mix until combined, then knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for about an hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare filling by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until creamy.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread filling evenly, roll tightly into a log, and cut into slices.
- Place cut rolls in a greased baking dish, cover again to rise for another 30 minutes while preheating oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- For icing, whisk powdered sugar with vanilla and enough milk to achieve desired consistency; drizzle over warm rolls.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (80g)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
