Cozy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
As the crisp autumn air sweeps in and the leaves turn to rich golds and fiery reds, there’s nothing quite like the scent of warm Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls filling your kitchen. These delightful rolls, soft and tender, are drizzled with a sweet, creamy frosting that embodies everything we love about the fall season.
I can vividly remember weekends spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the golden dough rose like magic and each swirl brought sweet anticipation. There’s just something heartwarming about the way these rolls come together, inviting everyone to gather around the table for a moment of pure comfort. If you’re looking for an easy fall dessert that radiates coziness, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly Fluffy and Tender: These pumpkin cinnamon rolls are pillowy soft, making each bite a dreamy experience.
- Fall Flavor Explosion: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices captures the essence of autumn in every swirl.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a gathering with family or brunch with friends, these rolls are a crowd-pleaser.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this cinnamon roll recipe is approachable for bakers of all levels.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat with coffee.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up the perfect indulgence:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant dry yeast (1 standard American package)
- 6oz (3/4 cup) warm water (check your yeast for temp, usually around 115°F/46°C)
- 50 grams (1/4 cup) granulated sugar/caster sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, browned
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon dry milk powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 5.3oz (2/3 cup) pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 406 grams – 468 grams (3 1/4 – 3 3/4 cup) all-purpose flour/plain flour
- 150 grams (3/4 cup) brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 3oz (6 tablespoons) butter, browned
- 4oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2oz (1/4 cup) browned butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 180 grams (1 1/2 cups) confectioners sugar/powdered sugar
Let’s Make It Together
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy – this means the yeast is alive and kicking!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter, egg, dry milk powder, salt, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir in the frothy yeast mixture.
- Gradually add in 3 1/4 cups of the all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add the remaining flour little by little until it’s manageable.
Step 2: Let It Rise
- Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, covering with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Set aside.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the browned butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.
Step 4: Roll and Slice
- Tightly roll the dough up into a log, pinching the seams to seal. Use a sharp knife to slice the rolls into 12 equal pieces. Place them in a greased baking dish, leaving space between each roll.
- Cover the dish again with the kitchen towel and let rise for another 30-45 minutes or until puffed up.
Step 5: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly.
Step 6: Creamy Frosting
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting. In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, browned butter, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth. Gradually add confectioners sugar until you reach your desired sweetness and consistency.
Step 7: Frost and Enjoy
- Once the rolls are baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the creamy frosting over them with plenty of love. Serve warm and enjoy these perfect bites of fall!
Delicious Variations to Try
If you’re looking to get creative, here are some fun ways to customize your Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls:
- Nutty Addition: Toss some chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for a crunchy texture.
- Apple Cinnamon Twist: Add thinly sliced apples into the filling for a fresh, tart contrast to the sweet rolls.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top of the frosted rolls for an indulgent treat.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Mix some cream cheese into the filling layer for an extra creamy deliciousness.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it after kneading. Just let it come to room temperature and rise before baking.
- Ingredient Swaps: For a healthier twist, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend to substitute for all-purpose flour.
- Storing Leftovers: These rolls are best eaten fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for about a week.
- Perfect Slicing Tip: Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice your rolls neatly without squishing them.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: ~300
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 15g
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to a day in advance and let it rise in the fridge overnight.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! You can swap in apple sauce for some of the pumpkin or use different types of flour.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
How long does it last?
These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but will last up to a week in the refrigerator if stored properly.
A Cozy Closing Note
Baking these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls is more than just a recipe; it’s a little ritual that fills the home with warmth and nostalgia. These rolls create sweet moments of joy that bring everyone together during the cozy fall season. Save this Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls recipe to your Treat Yourself board so it’s ready when you need a cozy dessert!
Cozy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully fluffy pumpkin cinnamon rolls drizzled with creamy frosting, perfect for the fall season.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant dry yeast
- 6 oz warm water
- 50 grams granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, browned
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon dry milk powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 5.3 oz pure pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 406 grams all-purpose flour
- 150 grams brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 oz butter, browned
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 oz browned butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 180 grams confectioners sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
- Mix the warm water, yeast, and granulated sugar in a small bowl and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Combine browned butter, egg, dry milk powder, salt, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice in a large bowl.
- Stir in the frothy yeast mixture.
- Add the all-purpose flour gradually until a soft dough forms.
- Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth, then let rise for 1 hour in a greased bowl.
- Prepare the Filling
- Mix brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice in a bowl.
- Punch down the dough, roll it out, spread browned butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Roll the dough into a log and slice into 12 pieces.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and let rolls rise for 30-45 minutes in a greased dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare the Frosting while rolls bake by beating cream cheese, browned butter, vanilla, and heavy cream until smooth, then add confectioners sugar.
- Frost the rolls with the creamy frosting once baked and slightly cooled.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it after kneading. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice rolls neatly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
