Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Do you like the warm and savory aroma of freshly baked pumpkin cinnamon rolls, with a gooey and spicy filling? Then, this recipe will be your next preference, combining the rich modern flavor of pumpkin with the goodness of traditional cinnamon rolls.

Whether you’re a baking pro or a beginner, this step-by-step guide ensures exciting results every time. Dive into this unique recipe and elevate your breakfast or brunch experience!

Ingredients

For Pumpkin Dough

• 2/3 cup whole milk
• 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup canned pumpkin (it is not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1teaspoon salt
• 2 large egg
• 4 1/4 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast
• 4 2/3 cups all-purpose flour 

For Filling

• 12 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

For Maple Cream Cheese Icing

• 8 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 6 Tablespoons plain maple syrup
• 2 Tablespoons whole milk
• 4/3 cup confectioners’ sugar without lumps

How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls?

1. Preparing the Dough

• Heat the milk and butter together in a microwave or over the stove.
• Ensure the mixture is lukewarm (105°F-115°F) and not too hot. Keep it aside.
• In a large bowl (or your stand mixer bowl), whisk together pumpkin puree, sugar, nutmeg, and salt.
• Add the warm milk/butter mixture, egg, and yeast.
• Stir until everything is well combined.
• Then start by adding 1 cup of flour. Mix for about 1 minute, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to get an even mixture.
• Add another 1 and 2/3 cups of flour and continue mixing for another minute.

2. Kneading

• Knead the Dough:
  • If using a stand mixer, switch to the dough hook and knead for 5 minutes. If kneading by hand, work on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes.
  • If the dough feels too sticky, gradually add 1 teaspoon of flour at a time and it will be soft.
• Check for Readiness:
  • The dough should still feel soft after kneading. Poke it with your finger—if it slowly bounces back, it’s ready to rise.

3. First Rise

• Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or nonstick spray. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it through, so it’s coated with oil on all sides.
• Cover the bowl with aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or a clean kitchen towel.
• Let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

4. Rolling Out the Dough

• Grease the bottom and sides of your chosen baking dish (9-inch square, 9-inch round, 9×13-inch, or 11×7-inch).
• Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 10×14-inch rectangle.
• Tip: If the dough shrinks back, cover it lightly and let it rest for another 10 minutes before moving further.

5. Adding the Filling

• Evenly spread softened butter over the rolled-out dough.
• In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and spices. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
• Tightly roll up the dough and cut it into 10-12 even rolls using a sharp knife.
• Arrange the rolls in your prepared baking dish.

6. Second Rise

• Cover the rolls tightly and let them rise again to double in size (about 1 hour).

7. Baking the Rolls

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Bake the rolls for 30 minutes or until they’re lightly browned on top. Around the 15-minute mark, cover the pan with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
• Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes while you prepare the icing.

8. Making the Icing

• In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a handheld or stand mixer until smooth.
• Add the maple syrup and milk, then beat on high speed.
• Add the confectioners’ sugar (and cinnamon, if desired) and beat on medium speed till it’s creamy.
• Spread the icing over the warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy the appetite.

Click this link to explore more icing recipes: cinnamon roll icing

More Cinnamon Roll Recipes for You

• Cinnamon Roll with Yeast
• Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Overnight Preparation Instructions

• Prepare Ahead: Follow the recipe as stated.
• Chill Instead of Rising: Instead of letting the rolls rise at room temperature, cover the pan and place it in the refrigerator for up to 14 hours.
• Next Day Baking: When ready to bake, allow the rolls to come to room temperature and rise again for about an hour, or until nearly doubled in size.
• Bake: Follow the same baking instructions as above.

Tools for this Recipe

• Stand Mixer: Use a stand mixer or a large glass mixing bowl, along with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon, and a whisk to mix the ingredients well.
• Baking Pans: A 9-inch square or round baking dish, or a 9×13-inch or 11×7-inch baking dish suits good.
• Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough evenly.
• Cooling Rack: Use this to let the rolls cool slightly before applying the icing.

Substitutions

• Whole Milk: For soft rolls, whole milk is good. Non-dairy or lower-fat milk can be used, but the rolls might not be as rich and fluffy.
• Yeast: you can use active dry yeast or instant yeast, If using active dry yeast, expect a slightly longer time to rise.
• Cinnamon and Pumpkin Spice: If needed, replace the individual spices with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon and 1½ teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice in the filling.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the pumpkin cinnamon rolls warm and freshly baked, topped with creamy maple icing.
• Pair with a hot cup of spiced coffee or chai for extra delight.
• Add a side of fresh seasonal fruit, like sliced apples or pears, to complement the warm spices in the rolls.
• Drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the top for added sweetness.

Storage

• Room Temperature: Store your baked pumpkin cinnamon rolls at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. Make sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out.
• Refrigeration: If you need to store them for longer, place the rolls in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to five days. Before eating, simply warm them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to bring back their soft texture.
• Freezing: For still longer storage, freeze the rolls for up to three months by placing them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make pumpkin cinnamon rolls without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can make pumpkin cinnamon rolls without a stand mixer. Simply use a large mixing bowl and a sturdy wooden spoon or silicone spatula to mix the dough. Knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

2. How can I ensure my cinnamon rolls rise properly?
To ensure your cinnamon rolls rise properly, make sure the milk and butter mixture is lukewarm, between 105°F (41°C) and 115°F (46°C). If the liquid is too hot, it can kill the yeast. Also, allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free environment for the recommended time.

3. Can I substitute the pumpkin puree with another ingredient?
If you don’t have pumpkin puree, you can substitute it with sweet potato or butternut squash puree. Both options will give you a similar texture and flavor profile, though the taste will be slightly different.

4. What’s the best way to achieve a gooey filling?
To achieve a gooey filling, make sure to use softened butter, not melted when spreading it on the rolled-out dough. Additionally, distribute the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly, and roll the dough tight to keep the filling from spilling out during baking.

5. How can I make these rolls vegan?
To make these pumpkin cinnamon rolls vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative. Use almond or soy milk instead of dairy milk, and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). The rolls will still be soft and flavorful with these adjustments.

These pumpkin cinnamon rolls come with a blend of fall flavors, making them perfect for any occasion. With options for overnight preparation and freezing, they’re customizable for any meal.

Try this recipe today and share your cherished moments with us in the comments!