Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Fall Baking Recipe

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls: just the name conjures up images of cozy autumn mornings, doesn’t it? Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of warm spices and sweet pumpkin, all swirled into a soft, pillowy roll. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s an experience, a hug in pastry form!

Cinnamon rolls themselves have a rich history, tracing back to Scandinavia, where they’re known as “kanelbullar” in Sweden and “kanelsnegle” in Denmark. These sweet treats have evolved over time, with variations popping up across the globe. Adding pumpkin to the mix is a relatively modern twist, but it’s one that perfectly complements the traditional cinnamon spice, creating a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting.

What makes pumpkin cinnamon rolls so universally loved? It’s a combination of factors. The soft, slightly chewy texture is incredibly satisfying, while the warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger create a comforting and inviting aroma. The addition of pumpkin puree not only adds a subtle sweetness and moistness but also a boost of nutrients. Plus, let’s be honest, they’re simply fun to eat! Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert, these rolls are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. Get ready to bake up a batch of pure autumnal bliss!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk, warmed to 110-115°F
• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• For the Filling:
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Dough:

Alright, let’s get started with the heart of our cinnamon rolls – the dough! This is where the magic happens, and trust me, the aroma alone is worth the effort.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Make sure everything is nicely combined so the yeast can do its thing evenly.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and pumpkin puree. The milk temperature is crucial here – too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate properly. Aim for that sweet spot between 110-115°F. A kitchen thermometer is your best friend!
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. It’s okay if it looks a little rough at this stage.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 6-8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step. If using a mixer, knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is a good time to catch up on your favorite show or prep the filling!

Preparing the Filling:

While the dough is rising, let’s whip up that irresistible pumpkin spice filling. This is what gives our cinnamon rolls that warm, comforting flavor.

1. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Use a fork or a hand mixer to cream the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. Make sure the butter is truly softened – it’ll make your life so much easier!

Assembling and Baking the Cinnamon Rolls:

Now for the fun part – rolling, slicing, and baking! Get ready for your kitchen to smell absolutely divine.

1. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Aim for an even thickness so the rolls bake evenly.
2. Spread the Filling: Spread the pumpkin spice filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges. This will help seal the rolls.
3. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Try to keep the roll as tight as possible to prevent gaps in the finished rolls.
4. Slice the Rolls: Use a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss to slice the log into 12 equal rolls. Dental floss is a great trick for getting clean, even slices without squishing the dough. Simply slide the floss under the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull to slice.
5. Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy. This second rise is important for achieving that soft, fluffy texture.
6. Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them – if they start to brown too quickly, you can tent them with foil.
7. Cool Slightly: Let the cinnamon rolls cool in the baking dish for about 10-15 minutes before frosting. This allows them to set slightly and prevents the frosting from melting completely.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting:

No cinnamon roll is complete without a generous slathering of cream cheese frosting! This tangy, sweet frosting perfectly complements the warm, spiced flavors of the rolls.

1. Combine Frosting Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Make sure both are at room temperature to avoid lumps.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined. Be careful not to add it all at once, or you’ll end up with a cloud of powdered sugar!
3. Add Milk and Vanilla: Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Frosting and Serving:

The final step – the best part! Get ready to indulge in these warm, gooey, and utterly delicious pumpkin cinnamon rolls.

1. Frost the Rolls: Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. Don’t be shy – the more frosting, the better!
2. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy! These are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a breakfast treat; they’re a warm hug on a chilly morning, a delightful dessert after a comforting meal, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try, and here’s why: the combination of the warm spices, the moist pumpkin-infused dough, and the sweet, tangy cream cheese frosting creates a symphony of flavors that will dance on your taste buds. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and spice, comforting and indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make.

But the best part? You can totally customize these rolls to your liking! Feeling adventurous? Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a delightful crunch. Or, if you’re a chocolate lover (like me!), sprinkle some chocolate chips into the dough before rolling it up. For a truly decadent experience, drizzle some melted white chocolate over the frosted rolls.

Serving suggestions? Oh, the possibilities are endless! These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are fantastic on their own, of course, but they also pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Imagine serving them warm from the oven at your next brunch, holiday gathering, or even just a cozy weekend breakfast. They’re guaranteed to be a hit!

And don’t think these are just for breakfast! They make a fantastic dessert too. Warm them up slightly and serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an extra special treat. You could even crumble them over yogurt or oatmeal for a delicious and festive topping.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a recipe that’s been passed down through my family, tweaked and perfected over the years, and now I’m sharing it with you. I truly believe that baking is an act of love, and these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious way to show your loved ones how much you care.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some magic in your kitchen. I promise, the aroma alone will fill your home with warmth and happiness.

Ready to Bake?

Don’t be intimidated by the thought of making cinnamon rolls from scratch. This recipe is designed to be easy to follow, even for beginner bakers. Just take your time, follow the instructions carefully, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Baking should be fun, so relax and enjoy the process!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made your own batch of these delicious Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? Did you serve them to rave reviews? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! I can’t wait to see what you create. Happy baking!