Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Cozy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: Autumn’s Sweet Comfort

Warm, gooey pumpkin cinnamon rolls bring autumn’s sweet embrace right to your kitchen.

These delectable treats blend rich seasonal spices with soft, pillowy dough.

A classic fall dessert gets a cozy upgrade with every tender, swirled bite.

The aroma of freshly baked pumpkin cinnamon rolls will fill your home with irresistible warmth.

Layers of buttery, spiced filling create a mouthwatering contrast against the soft bread.

Each roll promises a comforting experience that transforms an ordinary morning into something extraordinary.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls for Breakfast Bliss

  • Boost Seasonal Comfort: Packed with warm pumpkin and cozy spices, these rolls deliver an irresistible autumn-inspired taste that wraps you in delightful comfort.
  • Quick Family Baking Project: Perfect for creating delicious memories together, this recipe allows everyone to participate in mixing, rolling, and decorating with minimal complicated steps.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Breakfast Treat: Soft, gooey cinnamon rolls with creamy frosting make an impressive morning surprise that transforms ordinary breakfasts into special celebrations.
  • Versatile Dessert Option: Suitable for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or spontaneous sweet cravings, these rolls adapt beautifully to multiple occasions and bring instant joy.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Ingredient Checklist

Bread Base:
  • Flour: The primary structure for creating soft and tender cinnamon rolls.
  • Yeast: Helps the dough rise and develop a light, airy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread dough.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Warm Milk: Activates the yeast and provides moisture to the dough.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Adds rich autumn flavor and moisture to the rolls.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the soft texture.
  • Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Provide warm, aromatic spices characteristic of pumpkin desserts.
  • Brown Sugar: Creates a sweet, caramel-like filling for the rolls.
Frosting Components:
  • Cream Cheese, Butter, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla: Combine to create a smooth, sweet topping that complements the spiced rolls.

How to Bake Soft Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate Yeast Mixture

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and sugar.

Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Create Pumpkin Wet Base

Add to the yeast mixture:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Melted butter
  • Eggs

Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined, creating a rich and fragrant wet base for your rolls.

Step 3: Form Soft Dough

Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg

Mix and knead the dough until it becomes soft, elastic, and pulls away from the bowl’s sides.

The texture should be smooth and slightly tacky.

Step 4: First Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for approximately 60-90 minutes.

The dough should double in size.

Step 5: Prepare Cinnamon Filling

Roll out the risen dough into a large rectangular shape.

Spread softened butter evenly across the surface and generously sprinkle:
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Step 6: Shape Cinnamon Rolls

Roll the dough tightly from the long edge, creating a log.

Slice the log into even rounds using a sharp knife or dental floss.

Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish.

Step 7: Second Dough Rise

Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until they become puffy and start touching each other.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

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

Step 9: Create Creamy Frosting

Beat together:
  • Cream cheese
  • Butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Until smooth and fluffy.

Step 10: Frost and Serve

Spread the luscious cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls.

Serve immediately and enjoy the incredible blend of pumpkin, cinnamon, and sweet cream cheese.

Tips for Gooey Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Perfection

  • Use a warm, draft-free spot like inside a turned-off oven to help the dough rise faster and more evenly.
  • Add an extra tablespoon of pumpkin puree for a more intense flavor and softer texture in your rolls.
  • Use dental floss or a sharp serrated knife to cut rolls cleanly without squishing the delicate dough.
  • Let rolls cool slightly before frosting to prevent the cream cheese topping from melting completely and becoming runny.
  • Experiment with additional warm spices like ginger or cardamom to enhance the pumpkin's natural sweetness and complexity.

Creative Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Variations

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Rolls: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free blend, using xanthan gum for structure and binding.
  • Vegan Autumn Rolls: Substitute milk with almond milk, eggs with flax eggs, butter with coconut oil, and cream cheese frosting with cashew-based cream.
  • Keto-Friendly Pumpkin Rolls: Use almond flour and coconut flour instead of regular flour, replace sugar with erythritol, and make a low-carb cream cheese topping.
  • Savory Pumpkin Breakfast Rolls: Remove sugar, add herbs like rosemary and thyme, use sharp cheddar cheese in filling, and top with chive cream cheese spread.

Serving Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Warm and Fresh

  • Cozy Breakfast Companion: Pair these warm rolls with a steaming mug of pumpkin spice coffee or creamy chai tea for a delightful morning treat.
  • Fall Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange the rolls on a rustic wooden board surrounded by pecan halves and fresh apple slices to create an inviting seasonal spread.
  • Dessert Transformation: Serve these rolls as a sweet ending to dinner, drizzled with extra cream cheese frosting and sprinkled with toasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
  • Weekend Family Indulgence: Share these rolls during a lazy weekend morning, letting everyone pull apart the soft, gooey layers while enjoying quality time together.

Storing Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls for Later Enjoyment

  • Seal cooled cinnamon rolls in an airtight container and keep fresh for 3-4 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to prevent drying.
  • Place frosted or unfrosted rolls in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality and taste.
  • Keep rolls covered at room temperature for 1-2 days, ensuring they remain in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight.
  • Warm refrigerated rolls in microwave for 15-20 seconds or oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Avoid overheating to maintain soft texture.

FAQs

  • Why use pumpkin in cinnamon rolls?

Pumpkin adds moisture, creates a soft texture, and brings a rich, warm flavor to the classic cinnamon roll recipe. It also provides extra nutrients and a beautiful orange color to the dough.

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. After kneading, place it in a covered bowl in the refrigerator overnight. Remove it and let it come to room temperature before rolling and filling the next day.

  • How do I know the yeast is active?

The mixture should become frothy and bubbly within 5-10 minutes after combining warm milk, yeast, and sugar. If it doesn’t foam, the yeast might be old or the milk was too hot or cold.

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Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe


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4.6 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Warm, gooey Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls bring autumn’s comforting embrace straight to your kitchen. Fragrant spices and sweet pumpkin create a heavenly breakfast treat you’ll crave throughout the crisp seasonal mornings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup pumpkin puree
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 0.75 cup warm milk

Liquid/Leavening Ingredients:

  • 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Sweeteners and Spices:

  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions

  1. Activate yeast mixture by combining warm milk, yeast, and sugar, allowing it to become bubbly and fragrant for about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Incorporate pumpkin puree, melted butter, and eggs into the yeast mixture, blending thoroughly until completely smooth.
  3. Gradually fold in flour, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg, transforming the liquid into a cohesive, slightly sticky dough.
  4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until elastic and supple, developing its gluten structure.
  5. Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a draft-free area at room temperature for approximately 60-75 minutes.
  6. Roll out the risen dough into a rectangular shape, spreading softened butter evenly across the surface.
  7. Sprinkle a generous layer of brown sugar and additional cinnamon over the buttered dough, creating a rich, aromatic filling.
  8. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then slice into uniform rounds using a sharp knife or dental floss.
  9. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, allowing them to undergo a second rise for 30-40 minutes until puffy.
  10. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until they achieve a golden-brown exterior.
  11. While rolls are cooling, whip cream cheese frosting by blending cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until silky and smooth.
  12. Generously spread the cream cheese frosting over warm rolls, allowing it to slightly melt and create a decadent topping.

Notes

  • Choose instant yeast for faster, more reliable rising and better texture in your pumpkin cinnamon rolls.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and smoother dough consistency.
  • Control moisture by carefully measuring pumpkin puree to prevent soggy or dense rolls.
  • Swap regular flour with gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste and texture.
  • Prep Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 188 kcal
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 115 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 31 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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