Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

A batch of warm, gooey, and utterly delightful Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls brings a novel twist to a classic favorite. Serve them fresh and enjoy a celebration of Autumn in every bite!

cutting board and plate of cinnamon rolls and bowls of ingredients

There is something truly magical about the aroma that fills my kitchen as these pumpkin cinnamon rolls bake to golden perfection. It brings back memories of cozy family gatherings, where the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg lingered in the air, bringing a sense of comfort and homeliness that is both nostalgic and endearing.

Chef’s Tips

  • Dough Handling: Make sure the dough is not over-kneaded to maintain a soft and tender crumb.
  • Spices: Freshly ground spices will give a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-ground spices.
  • Proofing the Yeast: Ensure the milk is lukewarm, not hot, to prevent killing the yeast, affecting the rise of your dough.
  • Serving: Serve the rolls warm to enjoy the gooey and soft texture at its best.
ingredients for pumpkin cinnamon rolls in bowls on a table

Ingredients

  • Dry Yeast: A fermentation agent that helps the dough rise, giving the rolls their soft, fluffy texture.
  • Self-Rising Flour: A combination of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt; it incorporates air into the dough, making it lighter and softer.
  • Spices: Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices bring warmth and a delightful aroma, enhancing the flavor profile of the rolls.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Adds a rich, earthy flavor and a vibrant orange hue, bringing a taste of autumn to the rolls.
  • Philadelphia Cream Cheese: This cream cheese lends a tangy, creamy element to the frosting, creating a rich and smooth texture.
close up view of a plate of pumpkin cinnamon rolls

Substitutions & Variations

With these tips and variations at hand, you can enjoy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls that cater to different dietary preferences while also enjoying the perfect texture and flavor every time you make them.

Vegan Variation

  • Substitute regular milk with a plant-based alternative such as almond or soy milk.
  • Use a vegan butter substitute instead of regular butter.
  • Replace eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute.

Gluten-Free Variation

  • Substitute self-rising flour with a gluten-free flour blend with a compatible rising agent.

Spiced Frosting

  • Add a teaspoon of ground ginger to the frosting for a spicier kick.
close up view of a plate of pumpkin cinnamon rolls

Instructions

  1. Preparing the Yeast Mixture: Preheat your oven to 320°F. Begin with warming up the milk to a lukewarm temperature, ensuring it is not too hot. Mix it with the dry yeast and granulated sugar until completely dissolved. Let it sit in a warm place for about 10 minutes to proof. Incorporate the melted butter and eggs, stirring gently with a whisk until achieving a smooth consistency.
pouring yeast into pot
pouring melted butter into a pot
  1. Forming the Dough: Gradually add the flour to the batter while kneading, with the goal of forming a soft, pliable dough. Dust your work surface with a sprinkle of flour, knead the dough for about 2-3 minutes before placing it back in the bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm environment for at least 30 minutes.
whisking flour into dough mixture
a ball of dough
  1. Creating the Pumpkin Layer: Roll out the dough using a rolling pin into a rectangular flat shape. Evenly spread the pumpkin puree across the dough, ensuring a uniform layer.
roller pin next to flattened dough
spreading pumpkin puree on flattened dough
  1. Adding the Spice and Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle this aromatic mixture generously over the pumpkin puree layer.
spice and sugar in a bowl
small spoon spreading spice and sugar mixture on top of flattened roll of dough
  1. Shaping and Baking the Rolls: Gently roll the dough to form a log, then cut it into 1-inch thick rolls. Line a 13×9 inch pan with parchment paper, and arrange the rolls on it. Bake for about 20 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
folding and rolling the flattened dough into a log
placed slices of the dough log on a baking sheet
  1. Frosting Preparation: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and pumpkin puree. Gradually add the milk, continuing to whisk until smooth. If the consistency is too thick, feel free to add 1 tbsp of water to thin it out.
cream cheese and pumpkin puree and milk in a bowl
whisking together the frosting ingredients
  1. Serving: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly. Pour the frosting evenly over the warm rolls, letting it melt and seep into every nook and cranny. Allow it to set for 5-10 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top for that extra hint of warmth and spice.
spoon drizzling frosting on cooked cinnamon rolls
close up view of frosted and cinnamon on top of baked rolls

Storage and Reheating

  • Storage: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the baked rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 300°F. Place the rolls in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. If microwaving, use a low power setting to prevent the rolls from becoming too hard.
close up view of a side of pumpkin cinnamon rolls

More Pumpkin Treats

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Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Sea Salt Savorings
A batch of warm, gooey, and utterly delightful Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls that bring a novel twist to a classic favorite. Serve them fresh and enjoy the symphony of flavors and textures, a true celebration of the fall season in every bite!
5 from 64 votes
Prep Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 18 small cinnamon rolls
Calories 113 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the rolls

  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tbsp dry yeast
  • 2 cups self-rising flour
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 stick melted butter

For the frosting

  • 4 oz cream cheese half a pack of 8oz Philadelphia cheese
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 tbsp milk

Instructions
 

  • Preparing the Yeast Mixture: Preheat your oven to 320°F. Begin with warming up the milk to a lukewarm temperature, ensuring it is not too hot. Mix it with the dry yeast and granulated sugar until completely dissolved. Let it sit in a warm place for about 10 minutes to proof. Incorporate the melted butter and eggs, stirring gently with a whisk until achieving a smooth consistency.
  • Forming the Dough: Gradually add the flour to the batter while kneading, with the goal of forming a soft, pliable dough. Dust your work surface with a sprinkle of flour, knead the dough for about 2-3 minutes before placing it back in the bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm environment for at least 30 minutes.
  • Creating the Pumpkin Layer: Roll out the dough using a rolling pin into a rectangular flat shape. Evenly spread the pumpkin puree across the dough, ensuring a uniform layer.
  • Adding the Spice and Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle this aromatic mixture generously over the pumpkin puree layer.
  • Shaping and Baking the Rolls: Gently roll the dough to form a log, then cut it into 1-inch thick rolls. Line a 13×9 inch pan with parchment paper, and arrange the rolls on it. Bake for about 20 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
  • Frosting Preparation: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and pumpkin puree. Gradually add the milk, continuing to whisk until smooth. If the consistency is too thick, feel free to add 1 tbsp of water to thin it out.
  • Serving: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly. Pour the frosting evenly over the warm rolls, letting it melt and seep into every nook and cranny. Allow it to set for 5-10 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top for that extra hint of warmth and spice.

Nutrition

Calories: 113kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 3gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.002gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 34mgPotassium: 78mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1725IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 0.4mg

Nutrition values are estimates, for exact values consult a nutritionist.

Tried this recipe?Mention @seasaltsavorings or tag us #seasaltsavorings!

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    5 from 64 votes (64 ratings without comment)

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