Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re looking for a cozy treat to brighten up your mornings, look no further! These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are everything you need as the leaves start to change and the air turns crisp. With their soft, spiced dough and creamy frosting, they make for the perfect breakfast at home or a delightful addition to any family gathering. There’s something truly magical about the smell of pumpkin and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen, inviting everyone in for a warm hug in pastry form.

These rolls are not only delicious but also quite simple to make. They are perfect for weekend brunches or even a sweet surprise on busy weekday mornings. Trust me, once you try these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, they’ll become a staple in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy preparation: The dough comes together quickly, with minimal fuss while still being incredibly rewarding.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike can’t resist the warm, spiced goodness of these rolls.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare them the night before and pop them in the oven for an effortless morning treat.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, and brown sugar creates an irresistible taste that screams fall!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls is a joy because of all the simple, wholesome ingredients involved. You likely have many of these items already on hand! Let’s gather what you 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

For the Frosting:

• 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

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and make these rolls your own.

• Add nuts: Throw in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Mix in chocolate: Add some chocolate chips into the filling for a sweet twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
• Change the spices: If you love apple pie spice or chai spice, feel free to swap it in for a different flavor profile.
• Try different frostings: Instead of cream cheese frosting, use a maple glaze or even a simple powdered sugar icing.

How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast

Start by warming your water until it’s just right—about 115°F (46°C). Sprinkle in your instant dry yeast along with a touch of sugar. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial; it ensures your yeast is alive and ready to help your dough rise beautifully.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the frothy yeast mixture with brown butter, granulated sugar, egg, dry milk powder, salt, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice. Gradually mix in flour until you have a soft dough. Knead it gently on a floured surface until smooth. This action helps develop gluten which gives our rolls their fluffy texture.

Step 3: First Rise

Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—about an hour. Patience is key here; this rising time allows air bubbles to form that will make your rolls light and airy!

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While waiting for the dough to rise, mix together brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and additional pumpkin pie spice in a small bowl. This mixture will create that delightful filling that brings all flavors together.

Step 5: Roll Out Your Dough

Once risen, punch down your dough gently and roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread browned butter over the surface followed by an even layer of your filling mixture.

Step 6: Shape Your Rolls

Starting from one long edge of the rectangle, carefully roll up the dough into a log shape. Slice it into equal pieces—12 should do nicely! Place these cut rolls into a greased baking dish so they can rise again.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover your rolls again with that trusty kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Step 8: Bake!

Preheat your oven while waiting—set it to 350°F (175°C). Once risen sufficiently, bake those beauties for about 25-27 minutes until golden brown on top.

Step 9: Make the Frosting

While they bake away happily in the oven, whip up your frosting! Beat together softened cream cheese with browned butter until smooth; add vanilla extract and heavy cream next. Gradually mix in confectioners’ sugar until fluffy.

Step 10: Frost & Enjoy!

Once cooled slightly but still warm from baking, generously spread that luscious frosting over each roll. Serve immediately or share with loved ones—you might just want to keep them all to yourself!

Enjoy making these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls as much as you’ll enjoy eating them!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Making the perfect pumpkin cinnamon rolls is all about technique and a pinch of patience. Here are some tips to ensure your rolls come out fluffy and delicious every time!

• Use fresh yeast: Check the expiration date on your yeast package. Fresh yeast ensures proper rising and a light texture in your rolls.

• Measure flour accurately: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents dense rolls caused by using too much flour.

• Let the dough rise in a warm place: A warm environment helps the dough to rise effectively. If your kitchen is cool, consider placing the dough in an oven turned off with just the light on for warmth.

• Don’t rush the browning of butter: Take your time when browning butter until it has a nutty aroma and golden color, as this adds depth to both the filling and frosting.

• Frost while warm: Applying the cream cheese frosting while the rolls are still warm allows it to melt slightly, creating a beautifully creamy topping that seeps into every roll.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Serving these delightful pumpkin cinnamon rolls can elevate your breakfast or brunch table! They can be enjoyed warm from the oven or at room temperature, making them versatile for any occasion.

Garnishes

• Chopped pecans: Adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top provides a delightful crunch that complements the soft, pillowy texture of the rolls.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of ground cinnamon over the frosted rolls enhances their aromatic flavor and adds visual appeal.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top brings a lovely creaminess that pairs beautifully with pumpkin flavors.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls, adding brightness to your meal.
• Yogurt parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a tangy contrast that complements the rich flavors of pumpkin.
• Breakfast sausage links: These savory bites provide a hearty balance to sweet rolls, creating a satisfying breakfast plate.
• Coffee or chai tea: A hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea not only warms you up but also pairs wonderfully with sweet pastries like these pumpkin cinnamon rolls.

Enjoying these pumpkin cinnamon rolls with carefully chosen garnishes and side dishes will make your meal an unforgettable experience! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious fall treat any day of the week. Whether you want to savor them fresh or save some for later, following these storage tips will keep your rolls fluffy and flavorful.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool completely.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them; they can last up to a week in the fridge.

Freezing

• Freeze the baked and cooled cinnamon rolls individually by wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, labeling it with the date.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Remove cinnamon rolls from the freezer and let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
• You can also microwave individual rolls for about 20-30 seconds or until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls:

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes! You can use fresh pumpkin; just make sure it’s cooked and pureed smoothly. This will give your Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls a delightful flavor.

How do I ensure my Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls rise properly?

To ensure proper rising, check that your yeast is fresh and activated correctly. Keep your dough in a warm place while it rises, covered with a towel or plastic wrap.

Can I make these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls without eggs?

Absolutely! You can replace the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) or a store-bought egg replacer.

What makes these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls special?

The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates an incredibly moist and flavorful roll, perfect for autumn mornings!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls! They are not just a recipe; they are an invitation to cozy up with loved ones over warm treats filled with comforting flavors. So gather your ingredients, let that dough rise, and share these delightful rolls with those you cherish. Enjoy every moment of this delicious experience!