Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Real Pumpkin in the Dough: Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, these have pumpkin incorporated right into the dough for extra flavor and richness.

• Warm Fall Spices: Filled with cozy pumpkin spice, these rolls make the perfect fall breakfast or dessert.

• Maple Cream Cheese Icing: The creamy, slightly sweet icing pairs perfectly with the spiced rolls, adding a deliciously indulgent finish.

• Soft and Fluffy: These cinnamon rolls are incredibly soft, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Overnight Option: You can prepare them ahead of time, making them even more convenient for busy mornings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:

• 1/2 cup milk (warm)

• 2 teaspoons instant yeast

• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 large egg

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)

• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

For the Maple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Icing:

• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

   • In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin, sugar, melted butter, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

   • Add the yeast mixture and egg, then stir in the flour. Knead until the dough becomes soft and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.

   • Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling:

   • In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 12×16 inches.

   • Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along the edges.

3. Form the Rolls:

   • Starting at one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal the roll.

   • Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

4. Second Rise:

   • Cover the rolls with a clean towel and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until they have puffed up.

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls rise.

5. Bake:

   • Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

6. Make the Icing:

   While the rolls bake, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.

   • Add the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon, and beat until combined and creamy.

7. Frost and Serve:

   • Once the rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle the maple cinnamon cream cheese icing on top.

   • Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 rolls
Prep time: 45 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours (including rising time)

Variations

• Pumpkin Pie Spice: You can substitute store-bought or homemade pumpkin pie spice for the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in the filling and dough.

• Overnight Option: Prepare the rolls and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, allow them to rise for about 30 minutes before baking.

• Filling Add-ins: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before serving.

• Freezing: Freeze the baked rolls without the icing for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Add icing after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but if using active dry yeast, dissolve it in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes to activate before adding it to the dough.

Can I make these rolls without the icing?

Absolutely! These rolls are delicious on their own or with a light glaze or dusting of powdered sugar.

Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?

Yes, canned pumpkin is perfect for this recipe! Make sure it’s pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the rolls and refrigerate them overnight before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How can I make the icing dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes to make the icing dairy-free.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are a perfect blend of cozy fall flavors, with a soft and fluffy dough and a rich pumpkin spice filling. Topped with a maple cinnamon cream cheese icing, these rolls are a delightful way to start your day or to share at a special gathering. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or saved for later, these rolls are sure to become a fall favorite!

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

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• Author: Alice
• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 12 rolls
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls combine the rich flavors of pumpkin and warm fall spices in a soft, fluffy dough. Filled with a gooey cinnamon swirl and topped with a maple cinnamon cream cheese icing, these rolls are the ultimate fall treat. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they bring cozy warmth and comfort to any occasion.

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1/2 cup warm milk

• 2 teaspoons instant yeast

• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 large egg

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)

• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

For the Maple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Icing:

• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

• Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin, sugar, melted butter, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Add the yeast mixture and egg, then stir in the flour. Knead until the dough is soft and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.

• First Rise: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

• Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Mix until smooth.

• Assemble the Rolls: Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along the edges.

• Form the Rolls: Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

• Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a clean towel and let them rise for 30-45 minutes, until puffed up. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls rise.

• Bake: Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

• Make the Icing: While the rolls bake, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Beat until combined and creamy.

• Serve: Once the rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle with the maple cinnamon cream cheese icing. Serve warm.

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Notes

Pumpkin Pie Spice: Substitute store-bought or homemade pumpkin pie spice for cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in the dough and filling.Overnight Option: Prepare the rolls and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them rise for about 30 minutes before baking.Filling Add-ins: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.