When the crisp autumn air starts nipping at your nose, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of warm pumpkin cinnamon rolls wafting through your home. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy roll that bursts with the warm flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon, topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. It’s like a cozy hug in dessert form, perfect for chilly mornings or festive gatherings.

These delightful pumpkin cinnamon rolls have been a staple in my family for years. I remember the first time I made them; it was a chilly October morning, and I wanted to impress my friends during our annual fall brunch. As soon as they took their first bite, the looks on their faces were priceless. The combination of flavors and textures had everyone swooning, and, well, let’s just say there were no leftovers. If you’re looking to elevate your breakfast game this fall, these rolls will not disappoint!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These pumpkin cinnamon rolls are incredibly easy to prepare and require minimal hands-on time
- Their flavor profile is a harmonious blend of sweet pumpkin and warm spices that’s simply irresistible
- Visually stunning with their swirled design, they are perfect for impressing guests at any occasion
- Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or store them for later; they taste divine either way!
I’ll never forget the delight on my friends’ faces when they tasted these pumpkin cinnamon rolls for the first time. Their smiles said it all!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Pumpkin Puree: Use canned or homemade puree; just ensure it’s 100% pure pumpkin for optimal flavor.
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All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your dough; keep it handy for dusting surfaces while rolling.
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Active Dry Yeast: Make sure it’s fresh; this is crucial for fluffy rolls that rise beautifully.
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Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and depth; dark brown sugar gives an extra caramel-like flavor.
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Cinnamon: The spice of life! Use freshly ground if possible for a more robust flavor.
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Milk: Warm it slightly before mixing; it helps activate the yeast effectively.
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Eggs: One large egg will bind everything together perfectly in your dough.
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Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese makes for a luscious glaze that perfectly complements the rolls.
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Powdered Sugar: Essential for that sweet glaze; sift it to avoid lumps in your frosting.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates your glaze from ordinary to extraordinary.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Activate Your Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk with active dry yeast and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit until frothy—this signals that your yeast is alive and ready.
Create Your Dough Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add in the frothy yeast mixture along with pumpkin puree and one egg. Mix until combined.
Knead It Out: On a floured surface, knead the dough for about five minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You want it to feel soft but not sticky—like a gentle pillow.
Let It Rise!: Place your kneaded dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size—this usually takes about an hour.
Roll It Out & Fill It Up!: Once risen, roll out the dough into a rectangular shape about ¼ inch thick on a floured surface. Spread softened butter over it generously before sprinkling brown sugar and cinnamon on top.
Shape Those Rolls!: Starting from one long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Cut it into equal pieces—about 12 should do—and place them cut-side up in a greased baking dish.
Bake Until Golden Brown!: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while letting those beauties rise again for about 30 minutes covered with cloth. Bake them for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Whip Up That Glaze!: While your rolls are cooling slightly, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
Once cooled slightly but still warm to touch (just enough to make you impatient), drizzle that creamy goodness over each roll generously!
Now you have homemade pumpkin cinnamon rolls that look delightful and taste heavenly! Serve them warm alongside coffee or tea—your guests will love you forever.
In conclusion, making these pumpkin cinnamon rolls is not just about satisfying cravings but creating memories filled with laughter and joy around the table. So grab your apron, channel your inner baker extraordinaire, and let’s get rolling!
You Must Know
- Pumpkin cinnamon rolls are not just delicious; they fill your kitchen with heavenly aromas
- These rolls are fluffy, sweet, and perfect for cozy mornings or special gatherings
- When you serve them fresh out of the oven, everyone will be begging for the recipe!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing dry ingredients first, then add in wet ingredients while kneading. Let dough rise until doubled in size to ensure fluffiness.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding nuts for crunch or swapping pumpkin with sweet potato for a unique flavor twist. A cream cheese glaze also elevates these rolls beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover pumpkin cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave for soft, gooey goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfect pumpkin cinnamon rolls, ensure your yeast is fresh for proper rising
- Don’t skip the resting time; it’s crucial for texture
- Experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth and depth of flavor
I remember the first time I made pumpkin cinnamon rolls. My friends devoured them so fast, I barely got to taste one! Their smiles and satisfied sighs made all the flour-covered chaos worth it.
FAQ
How do I know if my dough has risen properly?
Look for the dough to double in size and feel airy to the touch.
Can I make pumpkin cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them the night before and refrigerate before baking.
What should I serve with pumpkin cinnamon rolls?
Pair them with coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful breakfast treat.
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
When the crisp autumn air arrives, warm pumpkin cinnamon rolls become a must-have treat. These fluffy rolls, infused with pumpkin and fragrant cinnamon, are topped with a creamy glaze that makes every bite feel like a cozy hug. Perfect for chilly mornings or festive gatherings, they’re sure to impress family and friends. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or saved for later, these delightful rolls will brighten your day and fill your home with irresistible aromas.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup milk (warm)
- 1 large egg
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by combining warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar in a bowl; let it froth for about 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, pumpkin puree, and egg; mix until combined.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in an oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled (about an hour).
- Roll out the dough to a rectangle about ¼ inch thick; spread softened butter over it and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll tightly from one long side to form a log; cut into 12 equal pieces and place in a greased baking dish.
- Let rise again for about 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- While cooling slightly, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth; drizzle over warm rolls.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (75g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg