As the leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and cinnamon wafts through the air, I can’t help but feel a surge of excitement for cozy baking days. One of my absolute favorite recipes to whip up during the fall is these irresistibly fluffy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls. Imagine a soft, spiced dough, perfectly marrying sweet brown sugar and warm pumpkin pie spices, all crowned with a velvety brown butter cream cheese frosting. Not only are they a definite crowd-pleaser, but they also come with the incredible perk of being make-ahead, allowing you to embrace a lazy morning with freshly baked goodness. Whether you’re hosting a festive breakfast or treating yourself on a quiet weekend, these rolls are guaranteed to fill your home with warmth and joy. Ready to dive into this seasonal delight? Let’s get started!
Why Are Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls a Must-Try?
Warm, Cozy Flavors: These rolls capture the essence of fall with rich pumpkin pie spices that envelop your senses.
Easy Make-Ahead Option: Prepare them in advance, allowing a stress-free morning filled with freshly baked goodness.
Indulgent Topping: The brown butter cream cheese frosting is a silky, decadent addition that elevates each bite.
Perfect for Sharing: Whether for holiday gatherings or cozy breakfasts, these rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Dive deeper into more autumnal delights, like Apple Cinnamon Cottage or Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups, to enhance your seasonal celebrations!
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients
For the Dough
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and texture; substitute with a gluten-free blend for a different option.
- Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and activates yeast; can replace with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
- Brown Sugar – Enhances sweetness while adding moisture and caramel flavor; no direct substitute unless adjusting with more white sugar.
- Pure Pumpkin Puree – Delivers moisture and autumn flavor; can swap with canned sweet potatoes for similar texture.
- Butter – Adds richness; brown it for depth in flavor or use margarine for a dairy-free option.
- Milk Powder – Increases moisture and tenderness of rolls; use warm milk instead of water in the dough if unavailable.
For the Frosting
- Cream Cheese – Forms the base, providing creaminess and tang; swap with dairy-free cream cheese for a non-dairy version.
- Confectioners’ Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting; sugar substitutes can be used for lower sugar options.
- Brown Butter – Adds a nutty flavor to the frosting; don’t skip this step for that indulgent touch.
These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are sure to be your new favorite fall treat!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of warm water with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic in the pumpkin cinnamon rolls.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 cup of milk powder. Add in 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of pure pumpkin puree. Gradually pour in the melted brown butter and the frothy yeast mixture, stirring until everything is just combined into a sticky dough.
Step 3: Knead Dough
Sprinkle a clean surface with a little flour and transfer your pumpkin dough onto it. Knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Once kneaded, place the dough in a large greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until it has doubled in size, which should take around 1 hour.
Step 4: Prepare Filling
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of brown sugar with 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice. Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle about 16×12 inches on a lightly floured surface. Spread 1/4 cup of softened butter evenly across the dough and then sprinkle the brown sugar mixture all over the top.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
Starting from one long end, tightly roll the dough into a log. Once rolled, slice the log into 12 equal pieces, creating your pumpkin cinnamon rolls. Place each slice cut-side up into a greased baking dish, ensuring they’re spaced evenly for optimal rising and baking.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the pan with a cloth and let the rolls rise again for about 30 to 40 minutes until they have doubled in size. This second rise is crucial for achieving that fluffy texture in your pumpkin cinnamon rolls, so be patient while they puff up!
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top and a nice aroma fills your kitchen. To ensure perfect baking, check the internal temperature of the rolls; they should read about 190°F when done.
Step 8: Frost
Once baked, remove the pumpkin cinnamon rolls from the oven and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes. Spread the rich brown butter cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls. The frosting will melt slightly into the warm dough, creating a deliciously decadent finish!
What to Serve with Perfectly Pillowy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls?
Indulge in a cozy fall meal with delightful pairings that complement the sweet warmth of your cinnamon rolls.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The smooth texture contrasts beautifully with the cinnamon rolls, offering a savory element that balances sweetness.
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Apple Cider: A warm cup of spiced apple cider enhances the autumn flavors, bringing a comforting, refreshing touch to your morning.
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Maple Bacon: Crispy, salty bacon drizzled with maple syrup creates a delicious harmony of flavors, lifting the sweetness of the rolls.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness and crunchy texture provide a delightful counterpoint to the soft, sugary rolls, making each bite interesting.
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Pumpkin Spice Latte: This seasonal favorite echoes the pumpkin flavor, creating a comforting connection to the warm rolls on your plate.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A mixture of seasonal fruits like crisp apples and tart cranberries adds brightness and freshness, cutting through the richness.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: In a playful twist, serve a warm cinnamon roll topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert experience.
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Pecan Pie: The nutty richness of pecan pie complements the spiced rolls, perfect for a festive holiday gathering or special brunch.
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Variations & Substitutions
Explore exciting twists and substitutions for your Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls to make them uniquely yours!
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added texture and a delightful crunch. These nuts not only add flavor but will complement the sweetness of the rolls beautifully.
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Chocolate Delight: Mix in chocolate chips into the dough for an indulgent, sweet surprise. This variation balances the warmth of pumpkin spices with the richness of chocolate, making it perfect for chocolate lovers.
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Glazed Instead of Frosted: Replace the frosting with a simple glaze made from whisking together powdered sugar and milk. This lighter version is just as satisfying and allows the pumpkin flavor to shine!
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Spiced Apple Twist: Add diced apples to the filling for a delightful apple-pumpkin combination. The juicy apples will create a wonderful contrast to the pumpkin, making every bite delightfully different.
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Update the Frosting: Swap traditional cream cheese frosting for a maple cream cheese frosting. The maple flavor enhances the fall spirit and adds another layer of warmth to your rolls.
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Cinnamon Swirl Upgrade: Prioritize a hefty sprinkle of cinnamon within the filling as it enhances the classic cinnamon roll flavor. Adding more spices can amplify the aromatic experience of the rolls.
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Extra Moisture: For a soft and pillowy texture, replace half of the butter with applesauce. This simple swap adds moisture while reducing the fat content, perfect for a healthier option.
Dive into more autumnal recipes like the mouth-watering Apple Cinnamon Cottage or the delightful Cinnamon Roll Cookies to keep your cozy baking sessions vibrant and full of flavor!
Expert Tips for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
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Fresh Yeast: Always check your yeast’s expiration date; inactive yeast can lead to dense rolls. Activate it properly for fluffy pumpkin cinnamon rolls.
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Dough Temperature: Ensure your water is warm, not hot; ideally between 110°F to 115°F, to avoid killing the yeast during the dough preparation.
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Right Kneading: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic to develop gluten, which is crucial for the texture of these delicious rolls.
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Rising Time: Don’t rush the rising process; let the dough then rolls double in size properly for that light and airy consistency.
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Frosting Texture: Allow rolls to cool slightly before frosting; this will help the brown butter cream cheese frosting set nicely without becoming overly runny.
Make Ahead Options
These irresistible Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can assemble the rolls, slice them, and place them in a greased baking dish up to 24 hours ahead of time, just cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can prepare the dough entirely and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before rolling and baking—it’s essential to let it come to room temperature before the second rise. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and let the rolls rise until doubled in size for that pillowy texture. With these make-ahead tips, you can savor fresh-baked goodness with minimal morning effort!
How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Room Temperature: Store any leftover pumpkin cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their softness.
Fridge: If you prefer refrigerating, place rolls in a sealed container where they will stay fresh for up to 5 days, but expect them to dry out slightly.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap pumpkin cinnamon rolls individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month.
Reheating: To enjoy warm rolls, reheat them individually in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm them in the oven wrapped in foil at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right pumpkin puree?
When selecting pumpkin puree, look for 100% pure pumpkin without any added sugars or spices. The better the quality of the puree, the richer the flavor of your pumpkin cinnamon rolls will be. For a sweeter alternative, canned sweet potatoes can be substituted, but make sure to pick varieties without added ingredients.
How should I store my leftover pumpkin cinnamon rolls?
Store leftover pumpkin cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them for a bit longer, you can refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to 5 days, although they may dry out slightly. Reheat them in the microwave for a quick warm-up!
Can pumpkin cinnamon rolls be frozen?
Absolutely! You can freeze pumpkin cinnamon rolls after slicing them into individual pieces. Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the rolls overnight in the refrigerator and follow the second rise before baking.
What should I do if my dough isn’t rising?
If your dough isn’t rising, ensure that your yeast is active. Check the expiration date on your yeast package, and remember that water temperature is crucial (it should be between 110°F to 115°F). If it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate; too hot, and you risk killing it. If it’s been inactive for too long, you may need to start with a fresh yeast batch.
Are these pumpkin cinnamon rolls suitable for people with allergies?
These rolls contain common allergens like gluten (from flour) and dairy (from butter and cream cheese). For dairy-free options, substitute margarine for butter and use a non-dairy cream cheese alternative for the frosting. For a gluten-free version, a certified gluten-free flour blend can be used, although results may vary slightly in texture.
How long can I keep the brown butter cream cheese frosting?
The brown butter cream cheese frosting can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container. Before using it again, allow it to come to room temperature and give it a good stir to restore its creamy texture. If it seems too thick, you can add a few drops of milk to loosen it up.
Fluffy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Frosting
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, combine warm water with granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit until frothy, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, milk powder, granulated sugar, and pumpkin puree. Pour in melted brown butter and the frothy yeast mixture, stirring until combined into a sticky dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 hour.
- While the dough rises, mix brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice in a bowl. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread softened butter, and sprinkle the brown sugar mixture.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it into 12 equal pieces. Place cuts up in a greased baking dish.
- Cover the pan and let the rolls rise for 30 to 40 minutes until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow cooling for 10 minutes, then frost with the brown butter cream cheese frosting.
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