Fluffy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: Fall’s Sweetest Treat

Warm autumn mornings call for magical pumpkin cinnamon rolls that transform ordinary breakfasts into cozy celebrations.

Soft dough infused with seasonal spices promises pure comfort in every bite.

Fragrant kitchen aromas will drift through your home, beckoning everyone to the table.

Sweet layers of cinnamon and pumpkin create a delightful morning treat that feels like a warm hug.

Baking these rolls requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Homemade goodness beats store-bought pastries every single time.

You’ll want to savor each delectable spiral and share the joy with loved ones.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps activate the yeast in the recipe.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the rolls.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Delivers warm, aromatic seasonal flavor to the dough.

• Warm Milk: Helps activate the yeast and provides moisture to the dough.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the rolls.
• Pumpkin Puree: Brings a subtle pumpkin flavor and creates a moist texture.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb in the rolls.

• Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Create a classic sweet and spicy filling for the rolls.
• Softened Butter: Helps the filling adhere to the rolled-out dough.
• Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Combine to make a smooth and tangy glaze for topping the warm rolls.

How to Bake Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate Yeast

Warm the milk and sprinkle yeast over it. Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbling, indicating the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Create Dough Base

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Pumpkin puree
• Egg
• Melted butter
• Salt
• Pumpkin pie spice

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.

The dough should feel soft and springy when pressed.

Step 3: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest in a warm spot.

Wait until the dough doubles in size, which typically takes about 1-1.5 hours.

Step 4: Roll and Fill

Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a large rectangle on a floured surface.

Spread softened butter evenly across the dough. Sprinkle a generous layer of cinnamon and brown sugar over the butter.

Step 5: Shape and Second Rise

Roll the dough tightly from the long edge, creating a log. Slice the log into individual rolls.

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving small gaps between them. Cover and let rise again for about 30-45 minutes.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Whip up a cream cheese glaze and generously spread it over the warm rolls. The glaze will melt slightly, creating a deliciously decadent topping that makes these pumpkin cinnamon rolls irresistible.

Tips for Soft Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Activate yeast in slightly warm milk to ensure proper rising and soft, fluffy texture.
• Use fresh pumpkin puree for more intense, natural flavor and richer color in your rolls.
• Allow dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area to help achieve maximum volume and soft consistency.
• Generously butter the baking dish to prevent sticking and create crispy, golden edges on the rolls.
• Check rolls at 25 minutes to prevent over-browning, as ovens can vary in temperature and baking intensity.

Flavor Twists for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Rolls: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend, using xanthan gum for binding and maintaining soft texture.
• Vegan Spice Rolls: Swap milk with almond milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, replace egg with flax egg, and select plant-based cream cheese for glaze.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Substitute regular flour with coconut or almond flour, use sugar-free sweetener, reduce pumpkin quantity, and create low-carb cream cheese topping.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk, margarine in place of butter, and create dairy-free cream cheese alternative using cashew base.

Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Cozy Breakfast Bliss: Serve these warm pumpkin cinnamon rolls alongside a steaming mug of coffee or chai tea for a perfect morning treat.
• Holiday Dessert Centerpiece: Present the rolls on a rustic wooden board with a light dusting of powdered sugar, creating an elegant autumn-inspired dessert display.
• Brunch Party Showstopper: Pair the rolls with a savory quiche or frittata to create a balanced brunch spread that will impress your guests with minimal effort.
• Comfort Food Gift: Wrap individual rolls in parchment paper and tie with twine for a heartwarming homemade gift that spreads joy and deliciousness.

Proper Storage for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days, keeping them soft and fresh.
• Refrigerate rolls for up to 5 days, placing them in a sealed container to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze individual rolls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for maximum 2 months, preserving their delicious texture.
• Reheat refrigerated rolls by warming in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in oven at 300F (150C) for 5-7 minutes until heated through, ensuring they remain tender and taste just-baked.

FAQs

• Why use warm milk when making yeast dough?

Warm milk helps activate the yeast, creating the perfect environment for it to grow and make the dough rise, resulting in soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls.

• What does pumpkin puree do in this recipe?

Pumpkin puree adds moisture, rich flavor, and a beautiful orange color to the dough, making the rolls more tender and giving them a subtle autumn taste.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature and rise before rolling and baking in the morning.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Key Points

• Craft Seasonal Comfort: Infuse your kitchen with warm autumn vibes through these delightful pumpkin cinnamon rolls that capture the essence of cozy fall mornings.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking: Perfect for home bakers of all skill levels, this recipe offers simple steps and minimal technical challenges while delivering impressive bakery-quality results.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Guaranteed to make everyone from kids to adults smile, these rolls blend classic cinnamon roll goodness with the rich, smooth flavor of pumpkin for a universally loved dessert.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate overnight, allowing for flexible preparation and fresh-baked morning indulgence without early morning stress.

Soft Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delicious pumpkin cinnamon rolls bring autumn comfort straight from scratch. Warm spices and creamy glaze invite bakers to create memorable breakfast moments that delight family and friends.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 2 large eggs

Spices and Sweeteners:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Liquid and Dairy Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/3 cup butter
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Dissolve yeast in lukewarm milk, allowing it to foam and activate for 5-7 minutes, creating a bubbly liquid base.
2. In a large mixing bowl, blend flour, sugar, pumpkin puree, egg, melted butter, salt, and pumpkin pie spice into a cohesive, soft dough using a stand mixer or hands.
3. Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm environment for approximately 1 hour until it doubles in volume.
4. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangular shape, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
5. Spread softened butter evenly across the dough’s surface, then generously sprinkle a mixture of ground cinnamon and brown sugar.
6. Carefully roll the dough from the long edge, creating a tight cylinder, then slice into 1-2 inch thick rounds using a sharp knife.
7. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving slight space between each piece, and allow them to rise for an additional 30 minutes.
8. Preheat oven to 350F (175C), then bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they turn golden brown and emit a fragrant aroma.
9. While rolls are still warm, drizzle cream cheese glaze over the top, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor.

Notes

• Use precisely warm milk (110-115°F) to activate yeast perfectly without killing it.
• Replace regular flour with gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly version, adding xanthan gum for better texture.
• Reduce sugar content by substituting with monk fruit sweetener for low-carb dietary needs.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts inside filling for extra crunch and nutty flavor dimension.

• Prep Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg