Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls: A Delicious Autumn Treat

Pumpkin cinnamon rolls are the perfect fall indulgence, blending the rich flavor of pumpkin with the warming spice of cinnamon in a soft, gooey roll. Whether you are baking these for a cozy breakfast, a Halloween party, or simply because it’s pumpkin season, this recipe will have your kitchen smelling like autumn bliss. Plus, they are much easier to make than you might think! In this guide, we will walk you through every step, offering expert tips and variations to ensure your rolls turn out perfectly every time. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe.

Recipe Card for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Recipe Name: Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Description: Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls infused with pumpkin puree and warm spices, perfect for fall! These rolls are topped with a sweet glaze that elevates their autumnal flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)

Servings: 12 rolls

Calories: 320 calories per roll

Ingredients:

• For the dough:
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • ½ cup warm milk
  • ½ cup pumpkin puree
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup melted butter Spread the mollified butter equitably over the mixture and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar blend on beat
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• For the filling:
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup softened butter
• For the glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for around 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy. Stir in pumpkin puree, sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Add flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
2. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
3. Make the filling: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
4. Roll out the dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle, about ¼-inch thick. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
5. Form the rolls: Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
6. Second rise: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes.
7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown.
8. Make the glaze: While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, cream cheese, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
9. Glaze the rolls: Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling the glaze over the top.
10. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes:

• These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat for a few seconds in the microwave for that fresh-from-the-oven taste!
• Feel free to add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for added crunch.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 5g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect for Fall: The combination of pumpkin and cinnamon creates a warm, comforting flavor that screams autumn.
2. Beginner-Friendly: With straightforward steps and easy-to-find ingredients, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
3. Customizable: You can tweak the recipe to suit your tastes—whether that means adding nuts, adjusting the spice levels, or playing with the glaze.
4. Great for Gatherings: These rolls are an absolute crowd-pleaser, making them the perfect treat for Halloween parties or holiday brunches.
5. Heavenly Aroma: The smell of these rolls baking is simply irresistible, filling your home with the comforting scent of cinnamon and pumpkin.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

• Pumpkin Puree: This is the star ingredient that adds moisture, flavor, and color to the rolls. If you do not have canned pumpkin puree, you can make your own by simmering and pureeing new pumpkin. In a pinch, sweet potato or butternut squash puree can work as substitutes.
• Cinnamon: The warmth of cinnamon is essential to the filling and overall flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount based on how spicy you like your rolls.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the filling. White sugar can be used, but it will lack the depth of flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Adding cream cheese to the glaze gives it a slight tang and richness that balances the sweetness. If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, you can skip it or use butter instead for a simpler glaze.

How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls (Step-by-Step) :

Step 1: Mix the Dough

The dough comes together quickly with a mix of yeast, milk, pumpkin puree, and spices. Start by activating the yeast in warm milk, then incorporate the wet and dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Knead until the batter is smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for an hour. The dough should double in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

While the dough rises, make your filling by combining brown sugar and cinnamon. This mixture, combined with butter, will create that irresistible gooey layer inside the rolls.

Step 4: Roll, Fill, and Slice

Roll the dough into a large rectangle. Spread the softened butter and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly. Roll the batter into a tight log and cut it into person rolls.

Step 5: Second Rise

Arrange the rolls in a greased dish, cover them, and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes. This second rise ensures the rolls become light and fluffy.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the rolls in a preheated oven until they are golden brown and your kitchen smells divine!

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Whisk together the glaze ingredients while the rolls bake, then drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls just before serving.

Expert Tips for Success

• Don’t Overheat the Milk: When activating the yeast, ensure the milk is warm but not hot (around 110°F). If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast, and your rolls won’t rise properly.
• Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh by checking the expiration date. Old yeast won’t rise as effectively, which can result in dense rolls.
• Rolling the Dough: Roll the dough as tightly as possible to ensure even layers of filling. Loose rolls might unravel during baking.
• Prevent Dry Rolls: Be sure to cover your rolls during the second rise and avoid overbaking to keep them soft and moist.

Variations and Customizations

• Pumpkin-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls: To make these cinnamon rolls even more festive for Halloween, you can pinch the edges of the dough to create pumpkin shapes before baking. After baking, use pretzel sticks as pumpkin stems and add a green icing vine for decoration!
• Add Nuts or Raisins: For extra texture, add a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins to the filling.
• Spiced Glaze: For a spiced twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the glaze.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can too refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: To enjoy the rolls fresh again, microwave them for about 15-20 seconds. You can also warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes.
• Freezing: These rolls freeze well. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then wrap them individually and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Serving Suggestions

Pumpkin cinnamon rolls are delicious on their own, but if you want to round out your breakfast or brunch spread, consider serving them with:

• Fresh fruit salad
• Hot coffee or spiced apple cider
• • Mixed eggs for a savory differentiate
• A dollop of whipped cream on top for extra indulgence

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to make pumpkin cinnamon rolls?

Simply follow the step-by-step instructions above. The process is similar to traditional cinnamon rolls, with the added flavor of pumpkin puree and spices.

How to make pumpkin-shaped cinnamon rolls?

To make pumpkin-shaped cinnamon rolls, pinch the dough into slight oval shapes before baking. After they’ve baked and cooled, use pretzel sticks as stems and pipe green icing for vines.

Related Recipes

• Classic Cinnamon Rolls: For a traditional take, try these soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls with a simple sugar glaze.
• Pumpkin Bread: A quick bread that’s packed with pumpkin flavor and topped with a streusel topping.
• Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Swap the pumpkin for apple filling for another fall-flavored roll.
• Pumpkin Flavor: A Spooktacular Halloween Breakfast (Click here)
  

Pumpkin cinnamon rolls are the ultimate fall treat, perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or any autumn day. They’re soft, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, with plenty of room for customization. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or save them for later, these rolls are guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends. So grab your ingredients and get baking—you won’t regret it!