The aroma of freshly baked pumpkin cinnamon rolls wafts through the air, wrapping you in a warm embrace of spice and sweetness. Soft, pillowy rolls topped with creamy frosting are a treat that can make even the grumpiest morning bearable.

These delightful rolls are perfect for cozy fall mornings or holiday brunches, bringing smiles to family and friends alike. Imagine biting into one, the pumpkin flavor mingling perfectly with cinnamon, creating a little taste of heaven on your plate.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These pumpkin cinnamon rolls are simple to prepare, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels
- The rich flavors create an irresistible treat that will impress any guest
- Their golden color and fluffy texture make them visually stunning, adding charm to any occasion
- Serve them warm for a delicious breakfast or dessert that everyone will love
Every time I make these pumpkin cinnamon rolls, my family erupts in cheers as if I just announced a surprise vacation.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Pumpkin Puree: Use canned or fresh puree; both work well but ensure it’s pure without additives for best results.
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All-Purpose Flour: Fresh flour yields better texture; measure carefully to avoid dense rolls.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the dough and filling perfectly; feel free to adjust based on your sweet tooth.
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Ground Cinnamon: This spice brings warmth and depth; use fresh ground for the best flavor boost.
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Yeast: Active dry yeast is essential for fluffy rolls; ensure it’s fresh for optimal rise.
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Butter: Melted butter adds richness; don’t skimp on this ingredient for ultimate indulgence.
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Milk: Warm milk activates the yeast; using whole milk enhances creaminess and flavor.
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Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together while adding moisture and richness.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the overall flavor profile—trust me, it’s worth it!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
The Dough Preparation: Begin by warming your milk to about 110°F (43°C). In a large bowl, mix warm milk with sugar and yeast. Let it sit until frothy, about 5 minutes. This step ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
<strong: Mixing Ingredients: Add pumpkin puree, melted butter, vanilla extract, and eggs into the frothy mixture. Stir until well incorporated; this creates a moist base filled with flavor that sets up your dough beautifully.
Kneading the Dough: Gradually add flour and salt to the mixture while stirring with a wooden spoon until combined. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic; this builds gluten structure for soft rolls.
<strong: Rising Time: Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about 1 hour. Patience is key here as this step makes those rolls fluffy!
Filling Preparation: While waiting, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter in a small bowl. Once dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle shape. Spread the filling evenly over the dough’s surface for maximum flavor explosion.
Rolling and Cutting: Roll up the dough tightly from one long end to another to form a log shape. Cut into 12 equal pieces using dental floss or a sharp knife—this keeps them pretty without squishing any goodness out.
Baking Time: Arrange your cut rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during this time so they bake perfectly golden brown when ready.
When they’re done baking (about 25-30 minutes), let those beauties cool slightly before frosting them with cream cheese icing. Your kitchen will smell like heaven!
Now grab yourself one of these scrumptious pumpkin cinnamon rolls while they’re still warm! You deserve this delightful treat after all that hard work!
You Must Know
- These pumpkin cinnamon rolls are not just delicious; they fill your kitchen with a cozy aroma, making everyone feel at home
- The fluffy texture combined with warm spices will make you the star of any brunch gathering
- Plus, they are easy to make and perfect for sharing
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your dough and letting it rise while you whip up your filling. Roll it out, spread the filling, and cut into rolls before another rise for optimal fluffiness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize by adding nuts, swapping pumpkin spice for chai seasoning, or drizzling caramel sauce on top for an extra sweet touch.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover pumpkin cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for a better rise and texture
- Don’t rush the rising process; patience leads to fluffy rolls
- For an even sweeter experience, glaze with cream cheese frosting right before serving
Creating these pumpkin cinnamon rolls brings back memories of lazy fall mornings spent with family, where laughter filled the air and every bite was a hug from grandma.
FAQ
How do I know when my dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size and feel light and airy to the touch.
Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin works perfectly and saves time in preparation.
What can I do if my rolls come out too dense?
Check your yeast freshness, and ensure you’re not over-kneading the dough during preparation.
Delicious Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Indulge in the comforting flavors of fall with these delightful pumpkin cinnamon rolls. Soft and fluffy, each roll is swirled with a rich cinnamon filling and drizzled with creamy frosting, making them an irresistible treat for breakfast or dessert. Perfect for cozy mornings or festive gatherings, these rolls are sure to impress your family and friends.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until frothy (about 5 minutes).
- Add pumpkin puree, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla to the yeast mixture; stir until combined.
- Gradually mix in flour and salt until a dough forms; knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
- For the filling, mix brown sugar and cinnamon with softened butter; set aside. Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle, spread filling evenly, roll tightly, and cut into 12 equal pieces.
- Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish; let them rise again for about 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown; cool slightly before frosting with cream cheese icing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg