The aroma of freshly baked pumpkin cinnamon rolls fills the air like a warm hug on a chilly autumn morning. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy roll swirled with sweet cinnamon goodness and topped with creamy frosting—pure bliss! Perfect for cozy gatherings or lazy Sunday brunches, these treats are bound to become your new favorite.
Now, let me take you back to the day I attempted to impress my friends with these delicious delights. Picture me in the kitchen, flour flying everywhere and my cat eyeing me suspiciously. Spoiler alert: they loved them! The joy on their faces was priceless. So grab your apron; this culinary adventure is about to begin!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These pumpkin cinnamon rolls are incredibly easy to prepare and taste like autumn in every bite.
- Their delightful aroma and beautiful golden color make them a feast for both the eyes and palate.
- Versatile enough for breakfast or dessert, they bring joy to any gathering or cozy night in.
One memorable moment was when my niece took her first bite and exclaimed she felt like she was “floating on a cloud.”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pumpkin Puree: Use pure canned pumpkin for the best flavor; it’s smoother than fresh and saves time.
- All-Purpose Flour: I prefer using unbleached flour for a more natural flavor that complements the spices.
- Brown Sugar: Opt for dark brown sugar; it adds deeper caramel notes that enhance the overall sweetness.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is essential; it brings warmth and depth that pair perfectly with pumpkin.
- Yeast: Quick-rise yeast works wonders here; it helps the dough rise quickly without compromising flavor.
- Milk: Warm milk activates the yeast; just ensure it’s not too hot or you’ll end up with sad dough.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for richness; it enhances the overall flavor without adding excess salt.
- Eggs: Large eggs help bind all ingredients together while adding moisture and richness to the dough.
- Powdered Sugar: Essential for that dreamy frosting; sift it well to avoid clumps in your final glaze.
- Cream Cheese: Use softened cream cheese for a rich frosting that perfectly balances sweetness with tanginess.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Dough: Start by warming 1 cup of milk until it’s comfortably warm (not hot). In a large bowl, mix warm milk with 1 packet of quick-rise yeast and let it sit until frothy.
Add Wet Ingredients: Whisk together ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, ½ cup of brown sugar, ½ cup of pumpkin puree, and 1 egg into the yeast mixture until well combined.
Add Dry Ingredients Gradually: Slowly incorporate 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt into the wet mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
Knead Your Dough: Lightly dust your surface with flour and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. You’ll know it’s ready when it springs back when poked!
First Rise Time!: Place your dough in an oiled bowl and cover it with a clean cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until doubled in size.
Roll Out Your Dough!: Once risen, punch down your dough gently to release air bubbles. On a floured surface, roll it out into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
Add Filling & Roll Up!: Spread softened butter over the rolled-out dough generously, then sprinkle with brown sugar and ground cinnamon evenly across. Roll tightly from one end to another.
Slicing & Second Rise Time!: Slice your rolled-up log into equal pieces (about 12) and place them in a greased baking dish. Cover again and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake & Frost!: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake those beauties for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown. While they cool slightly, whip up your cream cheese frosting by mixing cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth.
Enjoy these scrumptious pumpkin cinnamon rolls warm from the oven or at room temperature—either way, they’re oh-so-good!
You Must Know
- These pumpkin cinnamon rolls are fluffy, sweet, and perfect for fall.
- The aroma of warm spices fills your kitchen, making it feel like a cozy café on a chilly morning.
- You can easily adapt the filling to include nuts or chocolate for extra indulgence.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing your dry ingredients, then combine with wet ones for a smooth dough. Let it rise until doubled in size. Roll, fill, and cut the dough with care for even baking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap pumpkin puree for applesauce or add chocolate chips to the filling for a unique twist. Top with cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze for extra sweetness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or bake at 350°F for about 5 minutes to refresh them.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure perfect pumpkin cinnamon rolls, use fresh pumpkin puree for better flavor and moisture.
- Always let the dough rise in a warm place; this helps with fluffiness.
- Don’t skip the resting time; it allows flavors to develop beautifully.
The first time I made these pumpkin cinnamon rolls was a hit! Friends devoured them while I basked in compliments about my “baking prowess.”
FAQ
Can I use canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, canned pumpkin works perfectly and saves time in preparation.
How long should I let the dough rise?
Let the dough rise for about an hour until it doubles in size.
Can I freeze these rolls?
Absolutely! Freeze unbaked rolls and bake them fresh when you’re ready.
Delightful Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Delight in homemade pumpkin cinnamon rolls, featuring fluffy dough swirled with sweet cinnamon and topped with rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for cozy gatherings or brunch!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet quick-rise yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Powdered sugar for frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
Instructions
- Warm the milk until comfortable; mix with yeast and let froth.
- Combine melted butter, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, and egg in the yeast mixture.
- Gradually stir in flour and salt until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let rise for about one hour until doubled in size.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread with butter, sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon, then roll tightly.
- Cut into equal pieces and place in a greased baking dish; let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C); bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Whip together cream cheese and powdered sugar for frosting and spread over warm rolls.
Notes
- Substitute applesauce for pumpkin puree for a fruity twist.
- Add nuts or chocolate chips to the filling for extra flavor.
- For a lighter glaze, mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk instead of cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (75g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
