Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate fall breakfast. These delightful treats combine a pumpkin spiced dough with a sweet brown sugar filling, all topped with a luscious brown butter cream cheese frosting. Perfect for cozy gatherings or lazy weekend mornings, they bring warmth and flavor to any occasion. The unique blend of spices and pumpkin not only makes them delicious but also visually appealing, creating a perfect centerpiece for your breakfast table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and cinnamon creates an irresistible taste that captures the essence of fall.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls can be enjoyed any time of day.
• Easily Customizable: Add nuts or dried fruits to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
• Homemade Delight: Making these rolls from scratch fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas that everyone will love.
• Great for Sharing: This recipe yields 12 rolls, making it easy to share with family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool helps knead the dough efficiently, ensuring it’s perfectly smooth and elastic without much effort.
• Mixing bowls: A variety of bowls is useful for separating ingredients during preparation.
• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough to the right thickness for filling.
• Baking sheet: Use this to bake your cinnamon rolls evenly, achieving a golden-brown color.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls feature simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully.

Dough Ingredients

• 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

Filling Ingredients

• 150 Grams (3/4 Cup) Brown Sugar
• 1 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1 1/2 Teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice

Frosting Ingredients

• 3oz (6 Tablespoons) Butter, browned
• 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

How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl or stand mixer:
1. Combine warm water and instant dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add granulated sugar, browned butter, egg, dry milk powder, salt, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix well.
3. Gradually add all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Knead the dough either by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook:
* Knead until smooth and elastic, about 5–7 minutes.
* Place in a greased bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

While the dough rises:
* In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and additional pumpkin pie spice. Set aside.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

After the dough has risen:
1. Punch down the dough to release air.
2. Roll out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 16×12 inches.
3. Spread softened butter over the surface of the rolled-out dough.

Step 5: Add Filling

Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough:
* Press gently to ensure it sticks.

Step 6: Roll Up and Cut

Starting from one long side:
1. Roll up tightly into a log.
2. Cut into equal pieces about 1.5 inches thick.

Step 7: Second Rise

Place cut rolls in a greased baking sheet:
* Cover them again with a towel and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 8: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C):
* Bake rolls for about 25–27 minutes until golden brown.

Step 9: Make Frosting

While rolls bake:
1. Beat together browned butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and confectioners’ sugar until smooth.

Step 10: Frost and Serve

Once baked:
* Spread frosting over warm cinnamon rolls before serving. Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a cozy breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack, these rolls can be paired with different accompaniments for an amazing experience.

With Coffee

• A warm cup of coffee complements the spices in the rolls, enhancing their flavor and providing a comforting start to your day.

Topped with Nuts

• Adding chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cream cheese frosting adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.

Served Warm

• Enjoying these rolls while they are still warm allows the frosting to melt slightly, creating a deliciously gooey treat.

As Dessert

• These rolls can easily transition into dessert. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finish to any meal.

With Fresh Fruit

• Pairing your Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears introduces a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the rolls.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Achieving the perfect Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls takes a bit of care and attention. Here are some tips to ensure your rolls turn out fluffy and flavorful.

• Use fresh yeast – Ensuring your yeast is fresh helps the dough rise properly, making your cinnamon rolls light and airy.

• Knead well – Properly kneading the dough enhances gluten development, resulting in a soft and pillowy texture.

• Don’t skip the resting time – Allowing the dough to rest helps it rise and develop flavor. Be patient; good things take time!

• Brown your butter – Browning the butter adds depth of flavor to both the dough and frosting, making everything taste richer.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls can enhance your meal experience. Here are some tasty options to consider:

1. Scrambled Eggs – Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and balance out the sweetness of the rolls.

2. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits offers freshness and acidity that complements the cinnamon rolls.

3. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy side that pairs well with pumpkin flavors.

4. Apple Cider – A glass of warm apple cider brings out autumnal flavors that match perfectly with pumpkin.

5. Chai Tea – The spices in chai tea harmonize beautifully with pumpkin, creating a comforting beverage pairing.

6. Oatmeal – A bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts or fruit adds heartiness to your breakfast spread while keeping it cozy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Incorrect yeast temperature: Using water that is too hot or too cold can kill the yeast. Ensure the water is around 115°F (46°C) for optimal activation.
• Overworking the dough: Kneading the dough too much can lead to tough rolls. Aim for a smooth texture without over-kneading.
• Not letting the dough rise: Skipping the rising time will yield dense rolls. Always allow the dough to double in size for fluffy results.
• Using pumpkin pie filling instead of puree: Pumpkin pie filling has added sugars and spices that alter the flavor. Always use pure pumpkin puree for authentic taste.
• Forgetting to brown the butter: Browned butter adds depth and nuttiness to your frosting. Don’t skip this step for maximum flavor.
• Skipping the cream cheese frosting: The creamy, tangy frosting complements the sweet rolls perfectly. Always add it for an irresistible finish.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Freeze unbaked rolls by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• For baked rolls, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before storing in an airtight container.

Reheating Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and heat rolls for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual rolls on a microwave-safe plate for about 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet with a lid over low heat; warm rolls with a splash of water underneath for moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls.

What can I substitute if I don’t have pumpkin puree?

You can use mashed sweet potatoes or butternut squash as an alternative, keeping similar textures and flavors.

Can I make these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dough and fill it, then refrigerate overnight before baking in the morning.

How do I know when my dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size and feel light and airy when poked gently with your finger.

Are there any variations I can try with this recipe?

Absolutely! Consider adding nuts or chocolate chips into the filling or using maple syrup instead of brown sugar for added flavor.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition, but be mindful that it may change the texture slightly.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are not only a perfect treat for fall mornings but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize them by adding nuts, different spices, or even swapping out the frosting. So why not give this delightful recipe a try? Enjoy every bite!