Fluffy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: Fall’s Sweetest Treat

Warm, gooey pumpkin cinnamon rolls capture autumn’s most magical essence in every delectable bite.

Crisp mornings whisper promises of comfort wrapped in soft, spiced dough.

Fragrant kitchen aromas tell stories of cozy weekend breakfasts and cherished moments.

Swirls of golden pumpkin dance through tender pastry, promising pure indulgence.

Baking these rolls feels like wrapping yourself in a sweet, nostalgic embrace.

Seasonal spices weave memories of family gatherings and shared laughter.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this irresistible seasonal treat.

Soft and Spiced Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

• Craft Seasonal Comfort: Dive into a cozy autumn-inspired treat that brings warmth and nostalgia with every soft, gooey bite of pumpkin-infused goodness.
• Master Bakery-Style Baking: Create professional-looking cinnamon rolls at home with simple steps that transform basic ingredients into a stunning, restaurant-quality dessert.
• Perfect for Sharing: Wow your family and friends with a delectable homemade pastry that's perfect for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or special morning celebrations.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adjusting spices, adding nuts, or experimenting with different glazes to make these rolls uniquely yours.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure and foundation for the soft and tender cinnamon rolls.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for helping the dough rise and creating a light, airy texture.
• Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps create the perfect dough environment.
• Warm Milk: Adds richness and helps develop the dough's softness.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps feed the yeast during the rising process.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the rolls.

• Pumpkin Puree: Introduces a warm, seasonal flavor and moisture to the dough.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness to the rolls.
• Melted Butter, Vanilla Extract: Contribute depth of flavor and smoothness to the dough.

• Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Softened Butter: Create a classic, sweet filling with warm spices.
• Nutmeg, Cloves: Add complexity and depth to the filling's flavor profile.
• Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar, Milk: Combine to make a smooth, creamy icing for topping the rolls.

Step-by-Step Guide to Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Awaken the Yeast

Combine warm water and yeast in a small bowl.

Let the mixture sit and become frothy, which signals the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

• Warm milk
• Sugar
• Melted butter
• Pumpkin puree
• Egg
• Vanilla extract

Stir in the activated yeast mixture until everything is well incorporated.

Step 3: Form the Dough

• Flour
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon

Knead the mixture until a soft, smooth dough forms.

Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Craft the Filling

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Ground cloves

Mix until the ingredients create a smooth, fragrant spread.

Step 5: Roll and Spread

Stretch the dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface.

Generously spread the filling across the entire surface, ensuring even coverage.

Step 6: Shape the Rolls

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then slice into 12 equal portions.

Step 7: Final Rise

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish.

Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes, allowing them to become puffy and soft.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 9: Whip Up the Creamy Icing

• Cream cheese
• Butter

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon

Mix until smooth, adding milk to reach the desired consistency.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Drizzle the luscious icing over the warm rolls.

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!

Pro Tips for Fluffy and Flavorful Rolls

• Use warm water between 100-110°F to ensure proper yeast activation without killing the culture.
• Add flour gradually to prevent a dry or overly sticky dough, achieving the ideal soft and elastic texture.
• Toast ground spices like cinnamon and nutmeg before adding to intensify their aromatic qualities in the filling.
• Cover rolls with a clean kitchen towel during rising to prevent dough surface from drying out and maintain softness.
• Use unwaxed dental floss to cut rolls evenly, ensuring uniform size and consistent baking.

Variations to Change Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Rolls: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend of rice flour, almond flour, and xanthan gum for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls: Substitute dairy milk with almond milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, replace egg with flax egg, and swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of brown sugar, and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Create a low-carb version using almond flour, replacing sugar with erythritol, and using cream cheese as a binding agent for the filling.

Serving Ideas for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Cozy Morning Breakfast Companion: Pair these warm pumpkin cinnamon rolls with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea for a delightful morning treat that comforts and satisfies.
• Festive Holiday Centerpiece: Serve these rolls as a stunning dessert during thanksgiving or christmas gatherings, creating a memorable sweet highlight for family and friends.
• Brunch Party Showstopper: Arrange rolls on a beautiful platter with extra cinnamon sprinkled on top, making them a gorgeous centerpiece for weekend brunch celebrations that will impress guests.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Prepare rolls the night before, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh in the morning for an easy, stress-free breakfast that fills the kitchen with irresistible autumn aromas.

Storage Tips for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Place individually wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm individual rolls for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Add a damp paper towel to prevent drying and maintain moisture.
• Warm rolls at 300F (150C) for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning and keep the rolls soft and fresh.

FAQs

• What role does pumpkin play in this recipe?

Pumpkin adds moisture, subtle sweetness, and a rich autumn flavor to the cinnamon rolls, creating a more tender and flavorful dough.

• Why do I need to let the dough rise twice?

The first rise develops gluten and allows yeast to create volume, while the second rise helps rolls become lighter and more fluffy before baking.

• Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, instant yeast can be used. Simply reduce the liquid slightly and skip the activation step, mixing it directly with dry ingredients.

• How do I know if my yeast is still good?

Check if it becomes frothy when mixed with warm water. If no bubbles form or it doesn’t expand, the yeast is likely inactive and should be replaced.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Classic Grandma’s Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls showcase autumn’s warmest flavors with tender dough and rich spices. Bakers can savor each sweet, swirled layer that brings comfort to breakfast or dessert tables.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

Flour and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Filling and Spice Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Icing Ingredients:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 – 3 tablespoons milk

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Dissolve yeast in warm water (110°F), allowing it to become foamy and activate for 5-10 minutes.
2. Combine warm milk, sugar, melted butter, pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl, then incorporate the activated yeast mixture.
3. Gradually fold in flour, salt, and ground cinnamon, creating a soft, cohesive dough. Knead thoroughly until smooth and elastic, approximately 8-10 minutes.
4. Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm environment for 60-75 minutes until volume doubles.
5. While dough rises, prepare filling by blending softened butter with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until uniformly mixed.
6. Punch down risen dough and roll into a rectangular shape approximately 1/4 inch thick.
7. Spread prepared filling evenly across dough surface, leaving a small border around edges.
8. Tightly roll dough from the long side, creating a compact log, then slice into 12 equal segments using a sharp knife.
9. Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish, ensuring slight spacing between each piece. Cover and allow second rise for 30-40 minutes.
10. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and center rolls are fully cooked.
11. Prepare cream cheese icing by whipping cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually incorporate powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
12. Adjust icing consistency with milk, then generously drizzle over warm rolls before serving.

Notes

• Ensure water temperature for yeast activation is between 100-110°F to prevent killing the yeast or slowing down fermentation.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and milk to help dough rise evenly and create a smoother texture.
• Replace regular flour with gluten-free blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive diets, adding xanthan gum for better structure.
• Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia for low-carb and diabetic-friendly version without compromising flavor.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 282 kcal
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 146 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 44 mg