Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re looking for a delightful way to embrace the fall season, these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are just the ticket! They create a warm, inviting aroma that fills your home and makes everyone feel cozy. These rolls are not only soft and fluffy, but they also boast a rich filling packed with pumpkin goodness and warm spices. Whether you’re whipping them up for a busy weekday breakfast or treating the family on a leisurely weekend, they are sure to impress.

What truly makes this recipe special is its make-ahead convenience. You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge. Just pop them in the oven in the morning for freshly baked rolls that will have everyone gathered around the kitchen, eagerly awaiting their first bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll find this recipe can become a beloved part of your baking routine.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves cinnamon rolls! These are perfect for kids and adults alike, making breakfast a joyful occasion.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare them the night before, so you can enjoy fresh cinnamon rolls with minimal effort in the morning.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin spice and brown sugar creates an irresistible flavor that captures the essence of fall.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Gather these goodies for a lovely baking experience!

For the Dough

• 2 1/4 Teaspoons Instant Dry Yeast (1 Standard American Package)
• 6oz (3/4 Cup) Warm Water (check your yeast for temp, usually around 115F/46C)
• 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

For the Filling

• 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

For the Frosting

• 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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations you can try to personalize your cinnamon rolls:

• Add Nuts: Consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
• Swap the Frosting: Instead of cream cheese frosting, try drizzling maple glaze over your warm rolls for a different twist!
• Incorporate Chocolate: A sprinkle of chocolate chips in the filling adds a sweet surprise that chocolate lovers will adore.
• Mix in Cranberries: Dried cranberries offer a tart contrast to the sweetness of pumpkin and brown sugar.

How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by activating your yeast. In a bowl, mix warm water with granulated sugar and sprinkle yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy. This step is crucial as it ensures your dough rises beautifully.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine browned butter, pure pumpkin puree, egg, dry milk powder, and salt. Once combined well with your yeast mixture after it’s frothy, this mixture becomes rich and flavorful.

Step 3: Add Flour Gradually

Slowly add all-purpose flour into your wet mixture until it forms a soft dough. Knead on a floured surface until smooth—this helps develop gluten which gives structure to your rolls.

Step 4: First Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let it rest in a warm place until it doubles in size—about an hour. This step is important because this rising time contributes to fluffy rolls.

Step 5: Make Filling Mixture

While waiting for the dough to rise, mix together brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice in a bowl. Adding browned butter will help bind everything together nicely.

Step 6: Roll Out Dough & Fill

Once risen, roll out your dough into a rectangle shape on a floured surface. Spread melted butter over it before sprinkling on your filling mixture evenly across—this creates those delicious layers we love!

Step 7: Shape & Cut Rolls

Starting from one end of the rectangle, tightly roll up your dough into a log shape. Cut into equal pieces using dental floss or a sharp knife—this keeps them neat without squishing them too much.

Step 8: Second Rise

Place cut rolls into greased baking dishes and cover again with plastic wrap or towels. Allow them another rise for about half an hour—this ensures they puff up beautifully while baking.

Step 9: Bake & Cool

Preheat your oven during this time! Bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown—around 27 minutes should do it! Once baked perfectly golden brown let them cool slightly before frosting.

Step 10: Make Frosting & Serve

For frosting, beat together softened cream cheese and browned butter until creamy; add vanilla extract followed by heavy cream and powdered sugar until fluffy! Spread generously over warm cinnamon rolls before serving!

Enjoy every bite of these tasty Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls! They are sure to become one of your go-to recipes as soon as you experience their delightful flavors. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

These delightful Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are sure to impress your family and friends, and a few simple tips will elevate your baking game!

• Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh and active for the best rise. If you’re unsure, proof it in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding it to your dough.

• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid packing it down. This ensures you don’t end up with dry rolls that lack fluffiness.

• Don’t Skip the Browning: Browning the butter not only adds depth of flavor but also enhances the overall richness of your rolls. It creates a nutty aroma that makes these rolls irresistible!

• Let the Dough Rise in a Warm Place: For optimal rising, place your dough in a warm, draft-free area. You can create this environment by turning on your oven for a minute, then turning it off and placing the dough inside.

• Plan Ahead for Overnight Preparation: If you want to save time in the morning, prepare the cinnamon rolls the night before and store them covered in the fridge. Just let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

These scrumptious Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Here are some wonderful ways to serve them that will surely delight everyone at your breakfast table.

Garnishes

• Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: Sprinkle some chopped nuts on top of your cream cheese frosting for added crunch and flavor contrast.

• Cinnamon Sprinkle: A light dusting of ground cinnamon over the frosting adds an aromatic touch that complements the pumpkin spice perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and cranberries offers a bright contrast to the rich flavors of the rolls.

• Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer creamy Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious side that balances sweetness with tartness.

• Savory Breakfast Casserole: A savory egg and vegetable casserole brings heartiness to your meal, making it perfect for brunch gatherings.

• Maple Bacon Sweet Potato Hash: This sweet potato hash (using turkey bacon) adds both sweetness and savoriness, creating a delightful combination alongside your cinnamon rolls.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these comforting Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls! Perfect for any occasion, they’re bound to bring warmth and smiles around your table. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy freshly baked goodness without the morning rush. You can easily prepare them a day ahead and bake them just in time for breakfast!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool completely.
• Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap.
• Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

• Freeze the unbaked rolls: After shaping, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen rolls to a freezer-safe bag or container, sealing tightly.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For refrigerated rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• For frozen rolls: Let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as above. Alternatively, you can let them sit at room temperature for about an hour before baking.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delicious Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls.

Can I make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls without eggs?

Yes! You can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) for an egg-free version.

How do I store Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls?

Store cooled cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Can I prepare Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and shape the rolls, then refrigerate overnight before baking them fresh in the morning.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

You can make your own blend using equal parts cinnamon and nutmeg, or combine cinnamon, ginger, and allspice to mimic that warm flavor profile.

Are Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls suitable for freezing?

Yes, these rolls freeze beautifully! Just follow the instructions above on freezing before baking.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are truly a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort to any breakfast table. With their soft, spiced dough and creamy frosting, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your home. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do! Don’t hesitate to share your experiences or variations—happy baking!