There’s something magical about pumpkin cinnamon rolls that makes them a must-try. Imagine waking up to the warm aroma of sweet, spiced dough filling your kitchen, gently beckoning you to indulge. The fluffy texture combined with the luscious cream cheese frosting creates a heavenly experience in every bite.

These delightful treats are perfect for cozy autumn weekends or festive gatherings. Each roll is like a hug for your taste buds, promising an explosion of flavors that’s impossible to resist. I honestly believe they can turn any frown upside down, even on the cloudiest days.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • These pumpkin cinnamon rolls are easy to prepare, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels
  • The rich flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon create a deliciously warm and inviting treat
  • Their beautiful swirls and creamy frosting make them visually stunning on any table
  • Versatile enough for breakfast or dessert, they fit any occasion beautifully

I remember the first time I made pumpkin cinnamon rolls for my family; the smiles on their faces were priceless as they devoured them almost instantly.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Pumpkin Puree: Use canned pumpkin puree for convenience or make your own from fresh pumpkins if you’re feeling adventurous.

  • All-Purpose Flour: Regular all-purpose flour works best; ensure it’s measured accurately for perfect texture.

  • Brown Sugar: The deep flavor of brown sugar adds richness and moisture to your rolls.

  • Cinnamon: Use ground cinnamon for warmth and spice; it pairs perfectly with pumpkin.

  • Active Dry Yeast: Essential for that fluffy rise; ensure it’s fresh for best results.

  • Milk: Use whole milk for richness; it helps activate the yeast and enriches the dough.

  • Eggs: Eggs provide structure and moisture; use room temperature eggs for better incorporation.

  • Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is key for a smooth and luscious frosting.

  • Powdered Sugar: For sweetness in the frosting; sift it to avoid lumps for a silky finish.

  • Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavor profile of both the rolls and frosting.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare the Dough: Start by warming 1 cup of milk until it’s warm but not hot. In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk with active dry yeast and let it sit until frothy.

Add Pumpkin and Eggs: Once frothy, mix in pumpkin puree and two room-temperature eggs until well combined. This gives your dough that lovely autumn flavor.

Mingle the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this mixture into your wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.

Knead Like You Mean It: Turn out your dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. You want it soft but not too sticky—think cloud-like!

Let It Rise: Place your dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 1 hour). Patience is key here!

Roll and Fill: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface, sprinkle brown sugar mixed with cinnamon generously across it before rolling tightly into a log shape.

Now you’re ready to slice those beauties into individual rolls! Place them in a greased baking dish and let them rise again while you preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Keep an eye on them as they bake—your kitchen will be filled with amazing aromas! Bake until golden brown (around 20-25 minutes), then cool slightly before slathering on that dreamy cream cheese frosting made from softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and just enough milk to reach desired consistency.

Enjoy each bite of these delightful pumpkin cinnamon rolls as they melt in your mouth!

Life is too short not to enjoy sweet treats like these—happy baking!

You Must Know

  • Pumpkin cinnamon rolls are perfect for cozy mornings
  • The warm, spiced aroma wafts through your home, making you feel like a pastry chef
  • They’re fluffy, sweet, and drizzled with creamy frosting—truly irresistible for any breakfast or brunch gathering

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing the dough ingredients and allow it to rise before rolling it out. Bake until golden brown, ensuring a soft texture inside and a slight crunch outside.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger, or add nuts for extra crunch. You can also swap regular sugar for brown sugar for a deeper flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover pumpkin cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to enjoy that fresh-baked taste again.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For perfect pumpkin cinnamon rolls, make sure your yeast is fresh
  • Knead the dough well to ensure fluffiness
  • Lastly, let the rolls cool slightly before icing to avoid a melty mess!

Sometimes I mix up this recipe with my kids during chilly weekends; their laughter fills the kitchen while we sprinkle flour everywhere. It’s chaos but magical!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use canned pumpkin for pumpkin cinnamon rolls?

Yes, canned pumpkin works perfectly and saves time while baking delicious rolls.

How do I know when my dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size; poke it lightly and see if it springs back.

Can I freeze leftover pumpkin cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely! Freeze them individually wrapped to enjoy later without losing flavor or texture.

Print

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

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Pumpkin cinnamon rolls are the ultimate autumn indulgence. With their warm, spiced aroma and fluffy texture, these rolls are swirled with rich pumpkin and cinnamon goodness, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for cozy mornings or festive gatherings, each bite offers an explosion of flavors that’s sure to brighten your day. Easy to make and visually stunning, these treats will become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.

  • Author: Logan Reed
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 12 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Warm milk until it’s slightly hot; combine with yeast and let sit until frothy.
  2. Mix in pumpkin puree and eggs until well blended.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt; gradually incorporate into wet ingredients to form a soft dough.
  4. Knead dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth; place in an oiled bowl and let rise for about 1 hour until doubled.
  5. Roll dough out into a rectangle; spread softened butter, sprinkle with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon, then roll tightly into a log.
  6. Slice rolls and place in a greased baking dish; allow to rise again while preheating oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown; cool slightly before frosting with cream cheese mixture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll (75g)
  • Calories: 260
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

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