There’s something magical about pumpkin rolls that makes your taste buds dance like nobody’s watching. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, pillowy roll filled with sweet cream cheese frosting, where the flavors of warm spices and rich pumpkin collide in a delightful embrace. The aroma wafting through your kitchen is like a warm hug on a chilly autumn day, promising comfort and joy in every bite.
Pumpkin rolls have been the star of many family gatherings for me, evoking memories of laughter, love, and a few flour-covered mishaps. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a cozy Sunday afternoon, these rolls are the perfect treat to share with loved ones, making any moment feel special. So grab your apron and prepare for an unforgettable flavor experience that will leave you craving more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These pumpkin rolls are incredibly easy to make and perfect for any occasion
- Their rich flavor profile combines sweetness with warm spices for ultimate comfort
- The visual appeal is undeniable; they look as good as they taste!
- Plus, they are versatile enough to be enjoyed as breakfast, dessert, or even a snack
I remember the first time I made these pumpkin rolls; my friends couldn’t stop raving about them and demanded I make them again!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Canned Pumpkin: Use pure pumpkin puree for the best flavor. Avoid pumpkin pie filling as it contains added sugars and spices.
-
All-Purpose Flour: This is your basic building block. Sift it well to ensure a light texture in your rolls.
-
Granulated Sugar: Balanced sweetness enhances the richness of the pumpkin. Adjust according to your taste preference.
-
Baking Powder: Essential for helping your rolls rise beautifully; fresh baking powder ensures maximum fluffiness.
-
Cinnamon: A warm spice that pairs perfectly with pumpkin; use freshly ground cinnamon if possible for better flavor.
-
Eggs: Large eggs help bind the ingredients together while adding moisture to the batter.
-
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and sweetness; opt for pure vanilla extract over imitation for superior flavor.
-
Cream Cheese: The star of the filling; it should be softened at room temperature for easy spreading.
-
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling without adding graininess; sift before mixing for smoothness.
-
Butter: Use unsalted butter in your filling for a creamy texture without overpowering saltiness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Create the Pumpkin Batter: In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, sugar, and salt until combined. In another bowl, whisk eggs until frothy then add canned pumpkin and vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients while stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; lumps are okay!
Bake Your Rolls: Spread the batter evenly onto your prepared pan using a spatula. Bake in preheated oven for 13-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
Roll It Up: Once out of the oven, immediately invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel generously dusted with powdered sugar. Roll up tightly from one short end to create an impressive spiral.
Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: Beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Unroll your cooled cake gently and spread this luscious filling evenly across its surface before rolling it back up.
Enjoy each glorious bite of these heavenly pumpkin rolls filled with cream cheese frosting! They are sure to bring smiles all around as you gather friends or family around the table – just don’t forget to save one for yourself!
This amazing pumpkin rolls recipe is perfect for fall gatherings and cozy evenings. The warm spices and sweet aroma will make your kitchen feel like a hug on a chilly day. Just remember, practice makes perfect; even the best bakers have their off days!
Key Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Rolls: Always use fresh pumpkin puree for the best flavor and texture. I learned this the hard way with a can of “mystery” pumpkin once.
Watch Your Dough Consistency: The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. Too dry? Your rolls will be sad little lumps instead of fluffy goodness.
Don’t Rush the Rising Time: Give your dough plenty of time to rise; patience is key! I’ve tried to shortcut this before, resulting in rolls that were more like hockey pucks.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your dough and letting it rise until doubled in size. While waiting, make your filling, ensuring everything is ready before baking for seamless success.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to play with spices or add nuts and chocolate chips to the filling for fun variations. It’s your kitchen; let your creativity shine!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover pumpkin rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For reheating, pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds or warm them in the oven.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- This delicious pumpkin rolls recipe shines with warm spices and creamy filling
- Ensure you measure ingredients accurately for consistent results every time you bake these delightful treats
- They are perfect for sharing during holiday festivities or family gatherings!
There’s nothing quite like serving homemade pumpkin rolls to friends during Thanksgiving dinner; watching their eyes light up as they taste my secret recipe brings me joy every year.

FAQ
What can I substitute for pumpkin puree?
You can use butternut squash puree or sweet potato puree as alternatives.
How do I know when my pumpkin rolls are done?
Pumpkin rolls are ready when they’re golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Can I freeze pumpkin rolls?
Yes, freeze them after baking; wrap tightly to maintain freshness up to two months.
Pumpkin Rolls
Pumpkin rolls are a delightful autumn treat that combines fluffy pumpkin cake with rich cream cheese frosting, creating a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Ideal for cozy family gatherings or festive occasions, these rolls not only taste amazing but also fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of fall. Easy to make and visually stunning, pumpkin rolls are sure to impress your loved ones and leave them asking for more!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and sugar. In another bowl, whisk eggs, then add pumpkin and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients gently until just mixed; do not overmix.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 13-15 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- After baking, invert the cake onto a towel dusted with powdered sugar and roll it up tightly.
- For the filling, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth; spread over cooled cake before rolling it back up.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg


