Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re looking for a cozy, delightful way to start your fall mornings, look no further than these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls! These sweet treats are bursting with warm spices and the rich flavor of pumpkin, making them the perfect breakfast for crisp autumn days. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday brunch or a special occasion with family, these rolls will surely bring smiles all around.

What makes these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls so special is not just their incredible taste but also the comforting aromas that fill your kitchen while they bake. As they rise and brown, you’ll be left eagerly anticipating that first bite. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up these delicious rolls without any stress.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore these cinnamon rolls; they’re sure to please everyone at the table!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough in advance and pop them in the oven in the morning for fresh-baked goodness.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and spices creates a warm, inviting flavor that’s perfect for fall.
• Impressive Treat: Serve these at gatherings or celebrations, and watch everyone rave about your baking skills!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that this recipe uses simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably have on hand. Get ready to gather everything needed to create those scrumptious Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls!

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

For the Frosting

• 3oz (6 Tablespoons) Butter, browned
• 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 versatile! Feel free to play around with it based on what you have on hand or your personal taste.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: Before rolling up the dough, spread a layer of cream cheese filling inside for an extra creamy treat.
• Top with Maple Glaze: Swap out the frosting for a simple maple glaze to give it a unique twist!
• Pumpkin Spice Latte Drizzle: Mix up some coffee extract into your frosting for that beloved pumpkin spice latte flavor.

How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by mixing warm water and sugar together in a bowl. Sprinkle in your instant dry yeast and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it’s foamy. This step is crucial as it activates the yeast, ensuring your dough will rise beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine activated yeast mixture with browned butter, egg, dry milk powder, salt, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice. Gradually add in flour until you form a soft dough. Kneading is key here; it develops gluten which gives structure to our rolls!

Step 3: Let It Rise

Cover your bowl with a damp cloth and place it in a warm spot. Let it rise until doubled in size—about an hour. This step creates those fluffy layers we all love!

Step 4: Roll Out & Fill

Once risen, punch down the dough gently on a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle shape then spread brown sugar mixed with ground cinnamon over the surface. Roll it up tightly from one end to another before slicing into individual rolls.

Step 5: Second Rise

Place your rolled cinnamon rolls into a greased baking dish. Cover again and let them rise until puffy—about another 30 minutes. This second rise will make them light and airy.

Step 6: Bake & Frost

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-27 minutes until golden brown. While they cool slightly, prepare your frosting by combining browned butter with cream cheese and powdered sugar. Once cooled enough not to melt your frosting away, slather on that creamy goodness!

And there you have it! Your very own batch of fluffy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls ready to be devoured. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Making these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls can be a delightful experience, and a few helpful tips can make all the difference!

• Use fresh yeast – Ensure your yeast is fresh and active for the best rise. If your dough doesn’t double in size during proofing, it might be time to get new yeast.

• Check your pumpkin puree – Always use pure pumpkin puree instead of pie filling. The latter contains added sugars and spices that can throw off the balance of your rolls.

• Don’t rush the rising process – Allowing the dough to rise until it has doubled in size is crucial. This step ensures your rolls are soft and fluffy, making every bite delightful.

• Brown your butter carefully – When browning butter, keep an eye on it to avoid burning. The nutty flavor of browned butter adds depth to both the dough and frosting.

• Experiment with toppings – While the brown butter cream cheese frosting is delicious, feel free to experiment with alternative toppings like maple glaze or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar for a lighter touch.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Serving these delightful rolls is all about presentation and pairing them with complementary dishes. Here are some ideas to elevate your breakfast table!

Garnishes

• Chopped Pecans or Walnuts – Sprinkling some chopped nuts on top of your frosted rolls adds a lovely crunch and enhances the fall flavors.
• Cinnamon Dusting – A light sprinkle of ground cinnamon over the icing not only looks beautiful but also intensifies that warm spice aroma.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad – A colorful mix of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and berries provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of cinnamon rolls.
• Yogurt Parfait – Serve creamy yogurt layered with granola and fruits for a healthy side that balances out the sweetness.
• Savory Breakfast Burritos – A hearty burrito filled with scrambled eggs, cheese, and veggies offers a satisfying counterpoint to sweet rolls.
• Hot Chocolate or Spiced Tea – Pairing with a warm beverage like homemade hot chocolate or spiced herbal tea creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying these delightful treats.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create an unforgettable breakfast experience that celebrates all things pumpkin! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and store or freeze them to enjoy later, making your mornings a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• After baking, let the cinnamon rolls cool completely.
• Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place the wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, remove the wraps and place the rolls on a baking sheet.
• Cover with foil and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
• For individual rolls, microwave for about 30 seconds or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls that might help you in your baking journey!

Can I make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls without eggs?

Absolutely! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup) to achieve similar results.

How do I ensure my Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls rise properly?

Make sure your yeast is fresh and proof it correctly by mixing it with warm water (around 115°F/46°C). Give the dough enough time to rise in a warm environment, typically about an hour or until it doubles in size.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls?

Yes, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour! Just remember that this may result in denser rolls. Start with half whole wheat and half all-purpose for best results.

What makes these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls special?

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls stand out due to their combination of cozy pumpkin spice flavor and a decadent brown butter cream cheese frosting. They’re perfect for fall breakfast treats!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these delightful Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls! They’re not just delicious; they’re also a wonderful way to celebrate fall flavors with family and friends. Enjoy making them, and don’t hesitate to share your results. Happy baking!