Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re looking for a cozy and delightful breakfast treat that embodies the spirit of fall, you’ve come to the right place! These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are a warm hug on a plate, filled with comforting spices and topped with a luscious brown butter cream cheese frosting. This recipe is not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s about creating beautiful moments with family and friends during those crisp autumn mornings.

Whether it’s a busy weekday or a leisurely weekend, these rolls are perfect for any occasion. They are sure to impress at brunch gatherings or simply serve as a special treat for yourself. Let’s dive into why these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls will become your new favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a baking expert. With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, anyone can whip up these delicious rolls!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet filling and gooey frosting. It’s a fun way to get everyone involved in the kitchen!
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake them fresh in the morning. Perfect for busy mornings!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and cinnamon creates an irresistible taste that screams fall.
• Perfectly Soft: Thanks to the pumpkin puree, these rolls are incredibly soft and fluffy, making each bite heavenly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you will need:

For the Dough:

• 2 1/4 Teaspoons Instant Dry Yeast (1 Standard American Package)
• 6oz (3/4 Cup) Warm Water (check your yeast for temp, usually around 115F/46C)
• 50 Grams (1/4 Cup) Granulated Sugar/Caster Sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Butter, browned
• 1 Large Egg, at room temperature
• 1 Tablespoon Dry Milk Powder
• 1 Teaspoon Salt
• 5.3oz (2/3 Cup) Pure Pumpkin Puree (Not Pumpkin Pie Filling)
• 1 Tablespoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 406 Grams- 468 Grams (3 1/4- 3 3/4 Cup) All-Purpose Flour/Plain Flour

For the Filling:

• 150 Grams (3/4 Cup) Brown Sugar
• 1 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1 1/2 Teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 3oz (6 Tablespoons) Butter, browned

For the Frosting:

• 4oz Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature
• 2oz (1/4 Cup) Browned Butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 Tablespoon Pure Vanilla Extract
• 2 Tablespoons Heavy Cream
• 180 Grams (1 1/2 Cups) Confectioners Sugar/Powdered Sugar

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with your own twists:

• Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a wonderful crunch to your rolls.
• Change the Frosting: Try using maple syrup instead of vanilla for a unique flavor boost.
• Sweeten Up: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle some caramel sauce over the frosted rolls.
• Spice It Up: Add more spices like nutmeg or ginger into the dough for an even bolder flavor.

How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by gently warming your water until it reaches about 115°F (46°C). Pour this warm water into a mixing bowl and sprinkle in the instant dry yeast along with granulated sugar. Let it sit for about five minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial as it activates the yeast, which will help your rolls rise beautifully!

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Once your yeast mixture is ready, mix in the browned butter, egg, dry milk powder, salt, pure pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice. Gradually add in flour until you form a soft dough. Knead it on a lightly floured surface until smooth. This step helps develop gluten in the flour which gives your cinnamon rolls their delightful structure.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about one hour. Patience is key here; this rising time helps make those rolls fluffy!

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While waiting for your dough to rise, mix together brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice in another bowl. This blend will create that warm filling we all adore.

Step 5: Roll It Out

Once risen, punch down your dough gently to release air bubbles. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle shape. Spread melted browned butter over it before sprinkling your sugar-spice mixture evenly across.

Step 6: Shape Your Rolls

Starting from one long side of the rectangle, roll up tightly into a log shape. Cut into twelve even pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover them again with a towel and let them rise for another twenty minutes while you preheat your oven.

Step 8: Bake

Bake your rolls at 350°F (175°C) for about twenty-seven minutes until golden brown on top.

Step 9: Make the Frosting

While they bake, whip together cream cheese, browned butter, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and confectioners sugar until creamy and smooth.

Step 10: Frost & Enjoy!

Once baked and slightly cooled, generously frost each roll with that creamy goodness! Serve warm for maximum enjoyment.

And there you have it—deliciously soft Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls that fill your home with warmth and joy! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Making the perfect Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls can be a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll ensure they’re fluffy, flavorful, and utterly irresistible!

• Use Fresh Yeast: Always check the expiration date of your yeast. Fresh yeast ensures that your dough rises beautifully, resulting in soft and pillowy rolls.

• Warm Ingredients: Make sure your water is warm but not hot. This temperature activates the yeast without killing it, giving you a great rise during the proofing stage.

• Don’t Rush the Rising: Allow your dough enough time to rise until it’s doubled in size. Patience here means better texture and flavor in your rolls.

• Brown the Butter Well: Browning your butter adds a rich and nutty flavor to both the dough and the frosting. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning!

• Store Leftovers Correctly: If you have any rolls left (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat them gently in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back their softness.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Serving Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls can be just as fun as making them! With a few thoughtful touches, you can turn this delicious treat into an unforgettable breakfast experience.

Garnishes

• Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: Sprinkle some chopped nuts on top of the frosting for added crunch and flavor.
• Pumpkin Seeds: Roasted pumpkin seeds add a unique texture and reinforce that lovely pumpkin flavor.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits balances out the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls and adds refreshing flavors.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy side that complements the rolls’ soft texture.
• Maple Bacon-Inspired Tempeh: For those who prefer a savory touch, maple-flavored tempeh strips give you that sweet-savory combo without using bacon.
• Coffee or Spiced Tea: Pairing these rolls with a warm beverage enhances the cozy fall vibe—consider pumpkin spice lattes or chai tea for extra warmth!

With these serving suggestions and tips, you’re all set to enjoy your Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls to their fullest potential! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delightful breakfasts throughout the week. You can make them ahead of time and store or freeze them for later enjoyment!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool completely.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap individual cinnamon rolls tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months!

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, let the rolls thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• For a quick reheat, pop one in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls.

Can I make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water.

How do I ensure my Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls rise properly?

Make sure your yeast is fresh and activated correctly with warm water (about 115°F/46°C). A warm spot in your kitchen will also help the dough rise beautifully!

What makes these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls special?

These rolls combine the warm flavors of pumpkin spice and cinnamon with a rich brown butter cream cheese frosting that takes them over the top!

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin puree?

No! Pure pumpkin puree is essential for this recipe. Pumpkin pie filling contains extra sugars and spices that will affect the final flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls! They capture all the cozy flavors of fall and are sure to become a beloved breakfast treat in your home. Enjoy creating delicious memories with family and friends as you savor each fluffy roll. Happy baking!