Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Fall Baking Recipe

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls: just the name conjures up images of cozy autumn mornings, doesn’t it? Imagine biting into a warm, gooey roll, the sweet cinnamon swirling with the subtle, earthy flavor of pumpkin. It’s a taste of pure comfort, and I’m thrilled to share my recipe with you!

Cinnamon rolls themselves have a rich history, tracing back to Scandinavia, where they’re known as kanelbullar in Sweden and kanelsnegle in Denmark. They’ve since become a beloved treat worldwide, and the addition of pumpkin elevates them to a whole new level of seasonal deliciousness. Pumpkin, of course, has been a staple in North American cuisine for centuries, particularly around Thanksgiving, making this combination a perfect marriage of cultures and flavors.

But what is it about pumpkin cinnamon rolls that makes them so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures – the soft, pillowy dough, the creamy, spiced filling, and the decadent frosting. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water! Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, especially with my step-by-step instructions. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping brunch dish or a comforting dessert, these rolls are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience the ultimate fall indulgence!

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup milk, warmed to 110-115°F
• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• For the Filling:
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Dough:

Okay, let’s get started with the dough! This is the foundation of our delicious pumpkin cinnamon rolls, so we want to make sure we get it right. Don’t be intimidated; it’s easier than you think!

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. This ensures that everything is evenly distributed before we add the wet ingredients.
2. Activate the Yeast: In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This step is crucial to make sure your yeast is alive and kicking, ready to give your rolls that lovely rise. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old, and you’ll need to get a fresh packet.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the melted butter, eggs, and pumpkin puree to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined. Now, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
4. Mix the Dough: Using a wooden spoon or a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms. If using a stand mixer, knead the dough on low speed for 6-8 minutes. If kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is where the magic happens! The yeast is working its wonders, creating those air pockets that will make our rolls light and fluffy.

Preparing the Filling:

While the dough is rising, let’s get the filling ready. This is where all the warm, spicy, pumpkin-y goodness comes in!

1. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated and forms a smooth, spreadable paste. The softened butter is key here; it makes it much easier to mix everything together.

Assembling and Baking the Rolls:

Now for the fun part – assembling and baking our pumpkin cinnamon rolls! This is where we transform that dough and filling into those beautiful, swirly rolls we’ve been dreaming of.

1. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Try to keep the rectangle as even as possible for uniform rolls.
2. Spread the Filling: Spread the prepared filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges. This border will help seal the rolls when we roll them up.
3. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it closed. This is important to prevent the filling from oozing out during baking.
4. Cut the Rolls: Using a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices. Dental floss is a great trick for getting clean, even cuts without squishing the rolls. Simply slide the floss under the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull to slice.
5. Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up slightly. This second rise helps ensure that the rolls are extra light and fluffy.
6. Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center of a roll should come out clean. If the tops of the rolls are browning too quickly, you can loosely tent them with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
7. Cool Slightly: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool in the baking dish for about 10-15 minutes before frosting. This allows them to set up a bit and prevents the frosting from melting completely.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting:

No cinnamon rolls are complete without a generous slathering of cream cheese frosting! This frosting is tangy, sweet, and the perfect complement to the warm, spicy rolls.

1. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Make sure both are at room temperature for the best results.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined. Be careful not to add it all at once, or you’ll end up with a cloud of powdered sugar!
3. Add Milk and Vanilla: Add the milk and vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Frosting and Serving:

The final step – frosting and serving! This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Get ready to enjoy the fruits (or rather, rolls) of your labor!

1. Frost the Rolls: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the warm cinnamon rolls. Don’t be shy – the more frosting, the better!
2. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the pumpkin cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy! These are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If storing in the refrigerator, warm them up slightly before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a breakfast treat; they’re a warm hug on a plate, a burst of autumnal flavor, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try, and here’s why: the combination of the tender, spiced dough, the rich pumpkin filling, and the creamy, tangy frosting is simply irresistible. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and spice, comforting and decadent.

But beyond the incredible taste, these rolls are surprisingly easy to make. I’ve broken down each step to ensure even beginner bakers can achieve cinnamon roll perfection. Forget those store-bought imitations – once you’ve tasted the real deal, homemade with love and pumpkin spice, you’ll never go back!

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Now, let’s talk about how to enjoy these delightful rolls. Of course, they’re fantastic served warm, straight from the oven, with a generous dollop of cream cheese frosting. But don’t be afraid to get creative!

* For a brunch spread: Arrange the rolls on a platter alongside fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, and a pot of hot coffee or tea.
* As a dessert: Serve a warm roll with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
* Make it a pumpkin spice latte experience: Enjoy a roll with your favorite pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall indulgence.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, here are a few variations to try:

* Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added texture and flavor.
* Chocolate chips: Fold mini chocolate chips into the dough or filling for a chocolatey twist.
* Maple glaze: Replace the cream cheese frosting with a maple glaze for a different flavor profile. Simply whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a touch of milk until smooth.
* Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for a subtle kick.
* Overnight rise: Prepare the rolls through step 5, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to meld even further and makes for an even more tender roll.

I’ve tried all of these variations myself, and they’re all delicious in their own way. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination!

Your Turn to Bake!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls. I know you’ll love them as much as I do. Don’t be intimidated by the process – just follow the steps carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with a batch of warm, gooey, and utterly delicious rolls.

Once you’ve made them, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag Here]. Let me know what variations you tried and what your family and friends thought. I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy baking!

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