The Best Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Introduction

These pumpkin cinnamon rolls are a perfect fall treat, combining the warm spices of pumpkin pie with soft, fluffy dough. They’re easy to make and generously topped with a creamy frosting that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup water
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup softened butter
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
2. Step 2: Heat the milk, water, and 3 tablespoons of butter until warm, between 115°F and 125°F (46°C–52°C). Add this mixture to the dry ingredients.
3. Step 3: Add the pumpkin puree and egg. Beat the mixture for 2 minutes, then stir in the remaining flour until a dough forms. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Step 4: Punch down the dough and roll it out into a 15 by 10-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon on top.
5. Step 5: Roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 individual rolls.
6. Step 6: Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for 30 to 45 minutes until they are puffy.
7. Step 7: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
8. Step 8: While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup butter until smooth. Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until creamy.
9. Step 9: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls before serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For an easy overnight option, prepare the rolls and place them in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Allow them to rise at room temperature for 30–45 minutes before baking in the morning.

Storage

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat rolls gently in the microwave or oven before serving, adding a little moisture if needed to keep them soft.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for the puree?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly in this recipe and is the most convenient option for year-round baking.

What can I substitute for instant yeast?

You can use active dry yeast instead, but you’ll need to proof it in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes before adding it to the flour mixture.

The Best Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.6 from 95 reviews

Delight in these moist and flavorful pumpkin cinnamon rolls, perfect for fall mornings or a cozy dessert. These rolls combine the warm spices of pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and brown sugar with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting for an irresistible treat everyone will love.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x
• Category: Sweet Treats & Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup water
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup remaining all-purpose flour (to complete 2 1/4 cups)

Filling

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup softened butter

Frosting

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until well combined.
2. Heat Wet Ingredients: Warm the milk, water, and 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter together until the temperature reaches between 115–125°F (46–52°C). This ensures the yeast activates properly without killing it.
3. Mix Dough: Add the warm milk mixture to the dry ingredients. Then add pumpkin puree and the egg. Beat by hand or with an electric mixer for 2 minutes. Gradually stir in the remaining 1/4 cup flour until a cohesive dough forms.
4. First Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until the dough doubles in size.
5. Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a 15×10-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
6. Add Filling: Spread the 1/4 cup softened butter over the dough evenly. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture on top.
7. Roll and Slice: Tightly roll the dough into a log starting from the longer side. Slice the log into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss to prevent crushing.
8. Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
9. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
10. Prepare Frosting: While the rolls bake, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well to create a creamy frosting.
11. Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls right after baking. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• For overnight preparation: After slicing and placing rolls in the baking dish, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them rise at room temperature for 30–45 minutes before baking as directed.
• Ensure milk mixture is not too hot or too cold to properly activate yeast; use a thermometer for accuracy.
• You can substitute pumpkin pie spice with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves separately if desired.

Keywords: easy pumpkin recipe, fall cinnamon rolls, pumpkin cinnamon rolls, pumpkin dessert, pumpkin spice breakfast