Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls With Maple Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Introduction

These pumpkin cinnamon rolls are a perfect cozy treat for autumn mornings. Fluffy and flavorful, they combine warm cinnamon and seasonal pumpkin spice with a luscious maple cream cheese icing. Bake a batch to fill your home with irresistible fall scents and tastes.

The image shows twelve golden-brown cinnamon rolls arranged in a baking tray, each roll with a tight spiral pattern of cinnamon filling visible in the center. The rolls are generously covered with a thick layer of creamy white icing that spreads unevenly over and between them, creating a glossy, smooth texture. The top layer is the icing, followed by the warm, soft dough of the cinnamon rolls with darker cinnamon swirls inside. The metal tray contrasts with the white marbled surface beneath it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • For the Dough:
    • 1/2 cup warm milk
    • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 teaspoons)
    • 3 to 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
    • 1/2 tsp cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice), or to taste
    • 1 tsp salt
    • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
    • 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • For the Filling:
    • 3/4 cup brown sugar
    • 1/4 cup softened butter
    • 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
  • For the Icing:
    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • 1/2 cup (4 ounces) cream cheese, softened
    • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
    • 1–2 Tbsp maple syrup (or milk)
    • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Warm the milk to between 100°F and 110°F, like warm bath water. Combine the yeast, warm milk, and a pinch of sugar in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, pumpkin puree, and cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice. Add the yeast mixture and stir well.
  3. Step 3: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Adjust with small amounts of flour if too sticky.
  4. Step 4: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Step 5: Punch down the dough and roll it out into a large rectangle. Mix brown sugar with cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice. Spread softened butter over the dough and sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly, pressing lightly.
  6. Step 6: Roll up the dough tightly, pinch the seam closed, and cut into 12 equal pieces. Grease a 9×13-inch or 11×7-inch baking dish. Place rolls seam-side down in the dish.
  7. Step 7: Cover with plastic wrap or a warm damp towel, and let the rolls rise for 30 minutes until doubled in size.
  8. Step 8: Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
  9. Step 9: For the icing, beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add vanilla, powdered sugar, and maple syrup (or milk), mixing to desired consistency.
  10. Step 10: Spread the maple cream cheese icing over the warm rolls and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

  • Don’t overheat the milk; it should feel like warm bath water to activate the yeast properly.
  • Use whole milk for richer flavor, or substitute with low-fat or non-dairy milk if preferred.
  • Active dry yeast requires proofing in warm liquid; if using instant yeast, add directly to dry ingredients.
  • Make your own pumpkin pie spice at home by mixing cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.

Storage

Store leftover cinnamon rolls, frosted or unfrosted, in a covered container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving for best results.

How to Serve

The image shows several cinnamon rolls arranged close together on a baking tray. Each roll has a thick spiral layer starting with a light brown dough base, followed by a darker brown, textured cinnamon sugar layer that winds inward towards the center. The dough has a soft, slightly golden brown baked surface with a smooth texture, while the cinnamon layer inside appears moist and slightly sticky. The rolls are placed on a dark gray baking tray, which contrasts with the warm tones of the cinnamon rolls, all set against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough, let it rise once, then refrigerate it overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling out and shaping the rolls.

What if I don’t have canned pumpkin puree?

You can substitute cooked and mashed fresh pumpkin, but make sure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the dough.

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Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls With Maple Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Icing are the perfect cozy fall treat. Fluffy and filled with warm pumpkin spice flavors, these homemade rolls come together easily and are topped with a rich maple cream cheese frosting that perfectly complements the seasonal pumpkin notes.

  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x
  • Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

For The Dough

  • 1/2 cup warm milk (100°F – 110°F)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 teaspoons)
  • 3 to 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree

For The Filling

  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup softened butter
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice

For The Icing

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup (4 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or milk)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Yeast: Warm the milk to between 100°F and 110°F, warm to the touch but not hot. Combine the yeast, warm milk, and a pinch of sugar in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy and bubbly.
  2. Make the Dough Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup sugar, melted butter, salt, pumpkin puree, and cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice. Add the activated yeast mixture and stir to combine.
  3. Add Flour and Knead: Gradually add 3 to 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, one cup at a time. Turn onto a floured surface and knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour sparingly if the dough is too sticky but avoid making it dry.
  4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the Filling and Roll Out Dough: Punch down the dough and roll it into a large rectangle. Mix the cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice with brown sugar. Spread the softened butter on the dough evenly, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over it, pressing lightly to adhere.
  6. Form Rolls: Roll the dough tightly from one edge, pinch the seam to seal, and place seam side down. Slice into 12 equal rolls.
  7. Second Rise: Grease a 9×13 or 11×7-inch baking dish. Place the rolls in the dish, cover with plastic wrap or a warm damp tea towel, and let rise for 30 minutes until doubled.
  8. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  9. Make the Icing: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter for 2 minutes until smooth and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar, continue to whip until the desired consistency is reached. Add maple syrup or milk as needed for spreading consistency.
  10. Frost and Serve: Spread the maple cream cheese icing liberally over warm cinnamon pumpkin rolls and serve immediately.
  11. Storage: Store leftover rolls covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days, with or without icing.

Notes

  • Don’t overheat the milk to prevent killing the yeast; keep between 100°F and 110°F.
  • Whole milk is preferred for richer flavor but low-fat or non-dairy milk alternatives can be used.
  • Use active dry yeast, which requires proofing; instant yeast can be substituted but omitted proofing step.
  • Make your own pumpkin pie spice by combining cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice if preferred.
  • Adjust flour amount carefully to avoid dry dough by adding small increments as needed.
  • Ensure dough rises fully to achieve fluffy rolls.

Keywords: pumpkin cinnamon rolls, maple cream cheese icing, fall recipes, pumpkin spice, homemade cinnamon rolls, autumn breakfast

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