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Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Soft, spiced Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls infused with warm autumn flavors, combining moist pumpkin puree and fragrant cinnamon. Perfectly tender and fluffy, these rolls offer a comforting treat ideal for cozy breakfasts, snacks, or holiday gatherings. Easily customizable with nuts, dried fruit, or a cream cheese glaze, these seasonal favorites will fill your kitchen with warmth and delight.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup warm milk (around 110°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Filling Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Optional: 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
  • Optional: additional spices like nutmeg, cloves, or allspice (1/4 teaspoon each)

Glaze Ingredients (Optional)

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 23 tablespoons milk or cream cheese (for cream cheese glaze: mix 4 oz cream cheese softened with powdered sugar and vanilla)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk to about 110°F, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over it. Let it activate until foamy, about 5-10 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the flour, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and the activated yeast mixture. Knead this mixture until a smooth, elastic dough forms, about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a mixer.
  2. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a large greased bowl and cover with a clean cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, roughly 1 to 1.5 hours. This is essential for soft and fluffy rolls.
  3. Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and any optional spices, nuts, or dried fruit to create a rich, flavorful filling.
  4. Roll and Fill: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough. Carefully roll up the dough tightly from the longer edge into a log shape.
  5. Cut and Arrange: Slice the log into 12 equal rolls. Place them cut-side up in a greased baking dish, leaving a small space between each. Cover and let rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Monitor closely to avoid overbaking and maintain softness.
  7. Add the Glaze: While the rolls cool slightly, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk or cream cheese until smooth. Drizzle generously over warm rolls just before serving.

Notes

  • Always ensure yeast is fresh and active for proper dough rising.
  • Do not skip the second rise to achieve tender, fluffy rolls.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to activate the yeast effectively and improve dough texture.
  • Roll the dough tightly to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
  • Use a sharp knife for clean slices to maintain uniform roll shapes.
  • Apply glaze while rolls are still warm for best absorption without melting away.
  • Add flour gradually if dough is too sticky: a tablespoon at a time to keep dough soft but manageable.
  • Dough can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated for a slow rise before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, Autumn Breakfast, Spiced Rolls, Pumpkin Baking, Fall Treats, Cinnamon Rolls