Fluffy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: Fall’s Cozy Treat

Autumn mornings call for warm, gooey pumpkin cinnamon rolls that fill your kitchen with irresistible comfort.

The aroma of spices and sweet dough weaves magic through every corner of your home.

Soft, pillowy dough embraces rich pumpkin flavor, creating a breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug.

Delicate swirls of cinnamon dance between layers of tender pastry, promising pure indulgence.

Cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious finish that melts perfectly over these golden-brown beauties.

Each bite brings a symphony of seasonal spices and buttery goodness.

Brace yourself for a breakfast experience that transforms an ordinary morning into something extraordinary.

Cozy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls That Warm the Heart

• Capture the essence of autumn with these pumpkin-packed cinnamon rolls that bring warm, cozy spices directly to your kitchen.
• Enjoy a straightforward recipe that requires basic baking skills, making it perfect for both novice and experienced home bakers.
• Create a delightful treat that brings families together, offering a delicious breakfast or sweet dessert that everyone will love.
• Experiment with the recipe by adjusting spices or adding extra toppings to make these rolls uniquely yours.

All the Ingredients for Perfect Pumpkin Rolls

• Active Dry Yeast: A crucial ingredient that helps the dough rise and develop a light, fluffy texture.
• Warm Water: Provides the ideal environment for yeast to activate and start the fermentation process.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the foundation of the cinnamon rolls, creating structure and texture.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a soft, tender dough.
• Pumpkin Puree: Brings a rich, autumn flavor and adds moisture to the rolls.
• Large Egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the dough's richness.

• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provide sweetness and help with caramelization.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice, Cinnamon: Add warm, comforting fall flavors to the rolls.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the dough.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, smooth filling and helps distribute spices.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the filling's flavor.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet topping for the rolls.
• Cream Cheese: Provides a tangy, creamy base for the icing.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the icing.

Kitchen Gear for Soft and Swirled Cinnamon Rolls

• Stand Mixer: Essential for mixing dough and combining ingredients smoothly and quickly.
• Paddle Attachment: Comes with stand mixer, perfect for initial dough mixing.
• Greased Bowl: Needed for first and second dough rise, helps prevent sticking.
• Plastic Wrap: Covers dough during rising stages to keep moisture locked in.
• Rolling Pin: Critical for rolling dough into large, even rectangle.
• Dental Floss: Clever tool for making clean, precise cuts through rolled dough.
• Glass Casserole Dish: Ideal for baking and presenting cinnamon rolls.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Mixing Bowls: Used for preparing filling and icing ingredients.
• Spatula: Helps spread filling evenly and transfer icing onto rolls.
• Cooling Rack: Optional for cooling rolls after baking.

Directions for Baking Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls at Home

Step 1: Activate Yeast

Sprinkle yeast into warm water and let it sit.

Watch for tiny bubbles to form, showing the yeast is coming to life and ready to help your dough rise beautifully.

Step 2: Create Dough Base

• Milk
• Pumpkin puree
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Salt
• Egg
• Flour

Mix until a soft, sticky dough forms.

Step 3: Allow First Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl.

Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm spot.

Watch the dough expand and grow for about 1 to 1½ hours.

Step 4: Prepare Dough Surface

Gently knead the risen dough for a couple of minutes.

Dust your work surface with flour to prevent sticking.

Roll the dough into a wide, thin rectangle.

Step 5: Create Decadent Filling

• Melted butter
• Pumpkin puree
• Vanilla
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon

Spread this luscious mixture evenly across the rolled-out dough.

Step 6: Shape Cinnamon Rolls

Roll the dough from the short end, creating a tight log.

Use dental floss to slice into 15-18 perfect rolls.

Step 7: Second Rise

Place rolls in a greased baking dish.

Cover and let them puff up for 30-60 minutes.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the rolls into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).

Bake until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.

Step 9: Add Creamy Icing

While rolls are still warm, drizzle with a sweet icing.

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tips for the Fluffiest Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Ensure water is warm (not hot) to prevent killing the yeast, which can result in dense rolls.
• Add extra pumpkin puree for moisture, creating incredibly soft and tender cinnamon rolls with rich autumn flavor.
• Use unflavored dental floss instead of a knife to slice rolls – this technique prevents squishing and ensures perfectly uniform pieces.
• Place dough in a warm, draft-free area like a turned-off oven with a pan of hot water to help yeast rise consistently.
• Cover rolls with aluminum foil halfway through baking if they're browning too quickly, maintaining a golden, even color.

Creative Swirl Ideas for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Rolls: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the texture remains soft and tender. Add xanthan gum for better binding and structure.
• Vegan Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and replace butter with coconut oil. Swap traditional cream cheese frosting with a dairy-free alternative made from cashews.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Create a low-carb adaptation using almond flour and coconut flour. Replace sugar with erythritol or stevia, and use pumpkin puree sparingly to maintain low carbohydrate content.

Serving Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

• Breakfast Companion: Pair these warm, gooey pumpkin cinnamon rolls with a steaming mug of coffee or chai tea for the ultimate morning indulgence.
• Festive Gathering Centerpiece: Serve these rolls as a show-stopping dessert at fall potlucks, family brunches, or holiday celebrations to wow your guests.
• Seasonal Presentation Trick: Dust the rolls with extra cinnamon or sprinkle crushed pecans on top for a beautiful, rustic look that screams autumn comfort.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the rolls the night before, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh in the morning for a stress-free and delicious breakfast experience.

Storing Cinnamon Rolls to Keep Them Moist

• Store cooled pumpkin cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Wrap rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 325F (160C). Wrap rolls in aluminum foil to prevent burning. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Add fresh icing after reheating for best taste.
• Heat individual rolls for 15-20 seconds. Add a small splash of water to prevent dryness. Drizzle fresh icing on top for extra moisture and flavor.

FAQs

• Why use yeast in this recipe?

Yeast helps the dough rise, creating soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls with a light and airy texture that melts in your mouth.

• Can I substitute active dry yeast with instant yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. Just reduce the rising time slightly and mix it directly with dry ingredients instead of activating in warm water.

• What does pumpkin puree do in the recipe?

Pumpkin puree adds moisture, subtle sweetness, and rich autumn flavor while making the rolls incredibly tender and soft.

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

Properly activated yeast will create bubbles and foam within 10 minutes when mixed with warm water. If no bubbles form, your yeast might be expired and won’t work for the recipe.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

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

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Description

Scrumptious pumpkin cinnamon rolls deliver autumn’s warmest comfort with rich spices and silky cream cheese frosting. Bakers can savor each tender, aromatic bite that transports you directly to seasonal bliss.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup milk

Sweeteners and Spices:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Liquids and Fats:

• 1/4 cup warm water
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/4 cup butter
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 1/2 teaspoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by combining it with warm water, allowing it to bloom and create a frothy surface for approximately 10 minutes.
2. Utilize a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to blend the activated yeast with milk, pumpkin puree, sugars, pumpkin pie spice, salt, egg, and flour until a cohesive dough forms.
3. Transfer the mixed dough to a greased bowl, seal with plastic wrap, and permit rising in a warm environment until volume doubles, roughly 1-1.5 hours.
4. Gently knead the expanded dough for 1-2 minutes, incorporating additional flour to prevent adhesion. Roll into a rectangular shape with smooth, even thickness.
5. Create the filling by whisking melted butter, pumpkin puree, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a harmonious mixture.
6. Distribute the filling evenly across the rolled dough, then carefully roll from the shorter edge, ensuring a tight, uniform log.
7. Slice the rolled dough into 15-18 sections using dental floss for precise, clean cuts.
8. Arrange the sliced rolls in a greased glass casserole dish, cover, and allow a second rise for 30-60 minutes until nearly doubled in size.
9. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they achieve a golden-brown complexion.
10. While rolls are baking, prepare the icing by combining ingredients, then generously spread over warm rolls immediately after removing from the oven.

Notes

• Activate Yeast Perfectly Ensure water temperature is between 105-110°F to wake up yeast without killing it, creating a fluffy texture.
• Humidity Matters Avoid making rolls on rainy or extremely humid days, as extra moisture can affect dough rising and texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation Swap wheat flour with a gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum for similar consistency and rise.
• Make-Ahead Convenience Prepare rolls the night before, refrigerate after second rise, and bake fresh in the morning for convenient breakfast treat.

• Prep Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 292
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 166 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg