Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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There is something truly magical about Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls that makes your kitchen smell like fall in the coziest way possible. These soft, tender rolls are packed with the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon, perfectly balanced by a luscious browned butter cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re looking to wow guests at a weekend brunch or simply treat yourself on a chilly morning, these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls bring together the best of seasonal spices and a tender, sweet dough that melts in your mouth. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become one of your all-time favorite indulgences to bake and share.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls lies in using simple, essential ingredients that each add their unique texture, flavor, or color to the final treat. From the richness of browned butter to the bright, natural pumpkin puree, every element plays a vital role in creating these irresistible rolls.

• Instant Dry Yeast (2 ¼ tsp): This is the powerhouse that makes your dough rise to fluffy perfection.
• Warm Water (6 oz / ¾ cup): Activates the yeast and helps bind the dough together.
• Granulated Sugar (¼ cup): Adds sweetness and aids yeast fermentation for a tender crumb.
• Butter, browned (12 tbsp total): Delivers rich, nutty flavor both inside your dough and the filling.
• Large Egg (1, room temp): Adds structure and moisture for a soft texture.
• Dry Milk Powder (1 tbsp): Boosts the dough’s tenderness and browning potential.
• Salt (1 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances the dough’s flavor.
• Pure Pumpkin Puree (⅔ cup): Infuses the dough with moistness, color, and that iconic fall taste.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice (1 tbsp): The essential blend of warming spices that sets these rolls apart.
• All-Purpose Flour (3 ¼ to 3 ¾ cups): Forms the dough’s structure while keeping it soft and tender.
• Brown Sugar (¾ cup for filling): Sweetens and caramelizes beautifully on baking.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 ½ tsp): The classic cinnamon note essential to the filling.
• Baking Dish (9″ x 13″): Perfect size for evenly baking all 12 rolls.
• Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened): Creates a rich, tangy frosting that perfectly complements the spices.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tbsp): Adds depth and sweetness to the frosting.
• Heavy Cream (2 tbsp): Makes the frosting smooth and luscious.
• Confectioners Sugar (1 ½ cups): Provides the perfect sweetness and texture for frosting.

How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by browning about 15 tablespoons of butter to ensure you have enough for the dough, filling, and frosting. Browning butter means melting it over medium heat until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. It might evaporate a little, so starting with extra is smart. Use some melted brown butter in the dough and filling, then chill the rest for the frosting. This step is what gives your rolls a deep, rich flavor that elevates them above ordinary cinnamon rolls.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In your mixer bowl, dissolve the yeast into warm water and let it activate for 5 minutes until bubbly. Then stir in sugar, browned butter, egg, dry milk powder, salt, and the pumpkin puree. This combination creates a soft, moist dough that’s bursting with autumn flavor. Gradually add the flour and pumpkin pie spice, mixing until the dough forms but stays slightly sticky. Knead for 8 minutes to develop gluten, which helps create those tender, airy layers in your rolls.

Step 3: First Rise

Place your dough into a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Put it into a warm (but turned off) oven to rise until it doubles in size, usually about 45 to 60 minutes. This resting time allows the yeast to work its magic, making your dough wonderfully soft and fluffy — the perfect base for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling and Roll the Dough

Once your dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release air and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×14 inch rectangle. Brush liberally with melted browned butter, making every bite moist and flavorful. Mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice and sprinkle evenly over the dough. Roll the dough tightly into a log and score it into 12 even pieces with a serrated knife or unflavored floss for clean cuts that keep your filling neat and delicious.

Step 5: Second Rise and Bake

Arrange your rolls snugly in a 9×13 inch pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and either refrigerate overnight or let rise again immediately for about 30 minutes. Refrigerating lets the flavors deepen and is perfect for prepping ahead. Before baking, take the rolls out to come to room temperature for about 45 minutes. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 22-27 minutes or until golden and a thermometer reads 190°F internally. Let them cool for a few minutes before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Frosting and Finish

Whip softened cream cheese with the chilled browned butter until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract, heavy cream, and powdered sugar in stages, beating until silky smooth. Spread the frosting generously on the warm Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls so it melts into every swirl—this glossy topping is the perfect sweet, tangy balance to the spiced filling.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

A simple dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans adds a delightful texture contrast and visual appeal without overpowering the rich frosting. For an extra pop of color, you can scatter dried cranberries or drizzle a bit of caramel sauce on top.

Side Dishes

Serve these rolls alongside a hot cup of spiced chai or rich coffee to complement their warm spice notes. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or orange segments bring bright freshness, balancing the indulgence beautifully at brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Try placing individual Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls in decorative mini ramekins or baking cups to create personal servings full of charm for holiday gatherings. Alternatively, stack them on a tiered cake stand for a stunning centerpiece that invites sharing and smiles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’re best enjoyed fresh but will stay soft and flavorful when properly stored.

Freezing

You can freeze these rolls either before or after baking. Wrap unbaked, filled rolls tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. If frozen after baking, wrap cooled rolls well and defrost at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave for 20-30 seconds until warm and soft or gently heat in a 300°F (150°C) oven covered with foil for 10 minutes. This restores freshness and brings back that just-baked goodness in each bite.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree, as pie filling contains added sugars and spices that can throw off the balance of flavors in your dough and filling.

Do I have to brown the butter?

Browning the butter adds a wonderful nutty depth that elevates these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls above the ordinary, but if you’re short on time, melted butter will still work in a pinch.

Can I make the dough by hand without a mixer?

Absolutely! Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10-12 minutes until soft and elastic. It’s a wonderful way to connect with your dough and get a feel for the perfect texture.

What’s the best temperature to proof the dough?

A warm, draft-free spot around 75-85°F (24-29°C) is ideal. Using a turned-off oven with the light on creates a cozy environment perfect for your dough to rise.

Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting with something else?

You could swap in a simple powdered sugar glaze for a lighter finish, but the rich brown butter cream cheese frosting truly complements the pumpkin and spice flavors best.

Final Thoughts

I can’t encourage you enough to give these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls a whirl — they’re a heartwarming, delicious way to celebrate all things cozy and comforting. From the tender spiced dough to that dreamy browned butter cream cheese frosting, every bite feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you make them for yourself or share them with loved ones, these rolls promise to become a festive favorite you’ll return to year after year.

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