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