Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re looking for the perfect way to welcome fall into your kitchen, look no further than these delightful Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls! There’s something magical about waking up to the warm, spicy aroma of freshly baked rolls filled with sweet pumpkin goodness. These rolls are not just a treat for your taste buds; they also bring a cozy vibe that makes even the most ordinary mornings feel special.

This recipe has become a staple in my home, whether it’s for a casual Sunday brunch with family or a sweet surprise during the busy weekdays. Imagine pulling these soft, fluffy rolls from the oven and drizzling them with rich brown butter cream cheese frosting—an absolute bliss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll have these delicious rolls baking in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a good cinnamon roll! These treats are sure to put smiles on faces of all ages.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh when you’re ready. Perfect for busy mornings!
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a delightful flavor that captures the essence of fall.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls come together with simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather what we need for this scrumptious recipe!

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 things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily swap out or add ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for an extra crunch.
• Make it Vegan: Use plant-based butter and a flax egg instead of a regular egg to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
• Experiment with Spices: If you love experimenting, try adding nutmeg or ginger for an extra kick in flavor.
• Swap the Frosting: Instead of cream cheese frosting, you can glaze these rolls with a simple vanilla icing for a lighter touch.

How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by activating your yeast in warm water mixed with sugar. This is an important step because it wakes up those little yeast cells and ensures your dough rises beautifully. Let it sit for about five minutes until it gets frothy. While that’s happening, melt and brown your butter—this will add a rich flavor to your dough.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the activated yeast mixture with browned butter, egg, pumpkin puree, dry milk powder, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and some flour. Mix until well combined before gradually adding more flour until you get a soft dough. Kneading helps develop gluten which gives your rolls that lovely airy texture!

Step 3: Let It Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about one hour or until doubled in size. This step is crucial as it allows your dough to become light and fluffy.

Step 4: Roll Out and Fill

After the dough has risen beautifully, roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter over the top and sprinkle brown sugar mixed with cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice evenly across. This filling is where all that sweet magic happens!

Step 5: Shape Your Rolls

Roll up the dough tightly into a log starting from one long side. Once rolled up, slice them into individual pieces about two inches thick. Place them cut-side up in a greased baking dish and let them rise again for about half an hour.

Step 6: Bake Your Rolls

Preheat your oven while waiting! Bake those beautiful rolls at 350°F (175°C) for around 25-28 minutes until golden brown. The smell will be incredible!

Step 7: Frosting Time!

While they’re baking, whip up that creamy brown butter frosting. Mix melted butter with cream cheese until smooth before adding vanilla extract and powdered sugar gradually along with heavy cream until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 8: Enjoy!

Once baked rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle that delicious frosting over them while they’re still warm. Serve fresh out of the oven and watch everyone enjoy these heavenly Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Making the perfect Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls is all about attention to detail and a sprinkle of love. Here are some tips to ensure your rolls turn out fluffy and delicious!

• Temperature Matters: Make sure your water is warm, not hot. Yeast thrives in warm conditions (around 115°F/46°C), so this step is crucial for the dough to rise properly.

• Don’t Skip the Browning: Browning the butter gives the rolls a rich, nutty flavor that elevates them from ordinary to extraordinary. Plus, it adds a lovely depth to the frosting.

• Knead with Care: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This develops gluten, giving you those soft and fluffy rolls we all crave!

• Let it Rise: Be patient during the rising stages! Allowing the dough ample time to rise will result in a lighter texture. A warm kitchen helps too!

• Frost While Warm: Frosting the rolls while they are still warm allows the cream cheese frosting to melt slightly into the nooks and crannies, creating an irresistible gooeyness.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Serving Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls can be just as delightful as making them! Here are some ideas on how to present this scrumptious dish for your family or guests.

Garnishes

• Chopped Pecans: Sprinkle some toasted chopped pecans on top of your frosted rolls for added crunch and flavor.
• Drizzle of Maple Syrup: A light drizzle of pure maple syrup adds sweetness and complements the pumpkin spice beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing side of mixed seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and berries offers a sweet contrast to the rich rolls.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and pumpkin seeds for a protein-packed accompaniment that balances out the sweetness.
• Warm Spiced Cider: A cup of warm spiced cider brings cozy autumn vibes and pairs wonderfully with cinnamon flavors.
• Scrambled Eggs: Serve alongside fluffy scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast that rounds out your meal perfectly.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll have a delightful breakfast or brunch spread that everyone will enjoy! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare them in advance, making your mornings cozy and stress-free. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat these delightful rolls.

Storing Leftovers

• Place leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool completely.
• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for reference.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove plastic wrap from frozen cinnamon rolls and place on a baking sheet.
• Cover with foil to prevent over-browning and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave individual rolls for about 30 seconds until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls!

Can I make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup) to keep the recipe egg-free.

What makes Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls different from regular cinnamon rolls?

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls feature a pumpkin puree-based dough infused with warm spices like cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, providing a wonderful fall flavor compared to traditional cinnamon rolls.

How long do Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls last?

When stored properly at room temperature, they last about 2 days. In the refrigerator, they can stay fresh for up to a week. If you freeze them, they can last around 2 months!

What is the best way to enjoy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls?

Warm Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls topped with brown butter cream cheese frosting are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven or after gently reheating. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these scrumptious Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls! They are not just delicious but also bring warmth and comfort to your mornings during the fall season. Enjoy every gooey bite and feel free to share your experience or any tweaks you make along the way. Happy baking!