Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls: A Cozy Fall Treat

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Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect way to bring the warm, comforting flavors of fall into your kitchen. This recipe combines a soft, pillowy pumpkin dough with a fragrant spiced filling, all topped off with a decadent maple cream cheese icing. Whether you’re preparing them for a cozy breakfast or a holiday brunch, these cinnamon rolls will fill your home with irresistible aromas and become a seasonal favorite. Let’s dive into how to make these scrumptious rolls!

Fluffy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

When you think of fall, what flavors come to mind? For me, pumpkin and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are at the top of the list! These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls feature a soft pumpkin-infused dough that creates a uniquely tender and moist texture, complemented by a rich, spiced filling that packs a flavor punch in every bite. The key to achieving these perfect rolls is in the combination of warming spices, a balanced sweetness, and a little bit of patience while the dough rises.

Not only are these cinnamon rolls incredibly delicious, but the addition of pumpkin puree also adds a beautiful autumn hue and extra moisture. The best part? Once they’re baked to golden perfection, the rolls are slathered in a silky maple cream cheese icing that takes these treats to the next level.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Pumpkin Perfection: The dough has just the right amount of pumpkin, giving it a light pumpkin flavor and a gorgeous color.
• Spiced to Perfection: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves makes these rolls irresistibly warm and cozy.
• Creamy Maple Icing: The maple-infused cream cheese icing is the ultimate finishing touch that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or a mid-day snack, these rolls fit any part of your day with a warm, seasonal vibe.

These rolls are not only easy to make, but they’re also the perfect treat to share with family and friends as the weather cools down and the leaves start to fall. Let’s get started on crafting this ultimate fall indulgence!

Ingredients for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

To make these delicious Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll need a few essential ingredients for the dough, filling, and icing. Each component comes together to create a perfectly soft, spiced roll with a rich, sweet topping.

Pumpkin Dough

The dough is the heart of these rolls, and the addition of pumpkin puree makes them extra soft and flavorful.

• Whole Milk (1/3 cup, 80ml): This provides moisture and helps activate the yeast.
• Unsalted Butter (2 Tablespoons, 28g): Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
• Canned Pumpkin (1/2 cup, 115g): Use pure pumpkin puree for a natural pumpkin flavor. Avoid using pumpkin pie filling as it’s already sweetened and spiced.
• Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup, 50g): Sweetens the dough just the right amount.
• Ground Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a warm, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• Large Egg (1): Binds the dough and helps give it structure.
• Instant or Active Dry Yeast (2 and 1/4 teaspoons, 7g): This is what makes the dough rise, creating soft and fluffy rolls.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 and 2/3 cups, 335g): Gives the dough its structure. Be sure to spoon and level the flour to avoid using too much, which could result in dense rolls.

Spiced Filling

The filling is what gives these rolls their signature warmth and spice.

• Unsalted Butter (6 Tablespoons, 85g, softened): The butter spreads easily over the dough and keeps the filling moist and flavorful.
• Packed Brown Sugar (1/2 cup, 100g): Adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 Tablespoon): The main spice in the filling, giving it that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
• Ground Nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• Ground Allspice (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the other spices with a bit of a peppery kick.
• Ground Ginger (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a bit of zing to the spice mixture.
• Ground Cloves (1/4 teaspoon): A small amount adds an earthy, rich spiciness.

Maple Cream Cheese Icing

This icing is the ultimate indulgence, combining creamy, tangy cream cheese with the sweet and robust flavor of maple syrup.

• Full-Fat Brick Cream Cheese (4 ounces, 113g, softened): Creates a smooth and rich icing.
• Pure Maple Syrup (3 Tablespoons, 45ml): Adds a lovely natural sweetness and a hint of maple flavor.
• Whole Milk (1 Tablespoon, 15ml): Thins out the icing, making it easy to spread.
• Confectioners’ Sugar (2/3 cup, 80g, sifted): Sweetens and thickens the icing to just the right consistency.
• Optional Ground Cinnamon (1/8 teaspoon): Adds a touch of warmth to the icing, if desired.

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How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Making these cinnamon rolls may take a little time, but the results are worth every minute. From kneading the pumpkin dough to rolling and filling it with spiced sugar, each step adds layers of flavor and texture.

1. Make the Dough
   Begin by warming the milk and butter together until the butter is just melted. You want the mixture to be lukewarm (105°F-115°F), which helps activate the yeast without killing it. Whisk the pumpkin puree, sugar, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer. Add the warmed milk/butter mixture, then whisk in the egg and yeast until everything is combined. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough
   Knead the dough either by hand or using the dough hook of your mixer. If it gets too sticky, sprinkle small amounts of flour over the dough. After about 5 minutes of kneading, the dough should be soft but not sticky. To test if it’s ready, poke the dough—if it slowly bounces back, it’s ready to rise.
3. First Rise
   Lightly grease a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning it so all sides are coated. Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Roll out the Dough
   Punch down the dough to release air, then roll it out into a 10×14-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. If the dough keeps shrinking as you roll it, let it rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten.
5. Add the Filling
   Spread softened butter evenly across the dough, then sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture on top. Roll the dough up tightly into a log and cut it into 10-12 even rolls.
6. Second Rise
   Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and allow them to rise again for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
7. Bake the Rolls
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and bake the rolls for 22-28 minutes, or until lightly browned. Halfway through baking, tent the rolls with foil to prevent over-browning.
8. Make the Icing
   While the rolls are cooling slightly, beat the softened cream cheese, maple syrup, and milk together until smooth. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and beat until creamy. Spread the icing over the warm rolls before serving.

Enjoy these delicious Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls warm with that creamy maple icing on top!

How Long to Bake Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Baking these delicious Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls to perfection requires attention to time and temperature. The rolls should be golden brown on top while remaining soft and fluffy inside. Here’s a breakdown of the timing to ensure they turn out just right.

• Bake Time: These rolls typically take 22 to 28 minutes in a preheated 350°F (177°C) oven.
• Checking for Doneness: The tops should be lightly browned, but you’ll also want to make sure the centers are fully cooked. To prevent the rolls from browning too much while the centers finish baking, tent a piece of aluminum foil over the rolls after the first 15 minutes of baking.
• Internal Temperature: If you’re unsure if the rolls are done, you can use an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature of the rolls should reach around 190°F (88°C) in the center when fully baked.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Here are a few tips to ensure your Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls come out perfectly every time:

• Let the Dough Rise Properly: The first rise takes about 2 hours, and the second rise about 1 hour. The dough should double in size during both rises. If your kitchen is cold, you can place the dough in a slightly warm (but turned off) oven to help it rise more efficiently.
• Prevent Dry Rolls: If you overbake the rolls, they can dry out. Keep a close eye on the rolls during the last 5 minutes of baking, and cover them with foil if they’re browning too quickly.
• Spread the Filling Evenly: Make sure the softened butter is evenly spread over the rolled-out dough, so the sugar and spice mixture adheres well and provides a uniform filling in every bite.

How to Store Leftovers

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store them to maintain their softness and flavor:

• At Room Temperature: Store the frosted or unfrosted rolls tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. If they’ve been frosted with the cream cheese icing, it’s better to refrigerate them after the first day.
• In the Refrigerator: Store rolls in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can reheat them gently in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds to warm them back up and soften the icing.
• In the Freezer: If you want to freeze the rolls, it’s best to do so before icing them. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, warm in the oven, and then frost with the maple cream cheese icing.

Pro Tips for Soft and Fluffy Rolls

• Use a Light Hand with Flour: When kneading, don’t add too much extra flour, or the dough will become dense. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky.
• Let Them Rest After Baking: After baking, let the rolls rest for about 10 minutes before frosting them. This gives the dough a chance to cool slightly so the icing doesn’t melt away but still spreads nicely over warm rolls.

These tips will ensure your Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls come out perfectly tender and full of flavor every time!

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