Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting breakfast that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are not just a treat for the taste buds; they fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that makes everyone feel at home. Whether it’s a chilly Saturday morning or a festive family gathering, these rolls are sure to bring smiles all around. You’ll love how simple they are to make, and trust me, they disappear faster than you can say “pumpkin spice!”

Perfectly spiced and fluffy, these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful way to start your day or impress your friends. Plus, the brown butter cream cheese frosting? Absolute heaven! Let’s dive into why this recipe is going to become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, you’ll whip these up without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves cinnamon rolls! This pumpkin twist adds a seasonal flair that’s hard to resist.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dough in advance, so you can bake them fresh when you’re ready!
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and spices creates a delicious and warm flavor that’s perfect for fall.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome items that come together beautifully in this recipe. Here’s what you’ll need to create those delightful 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

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily switch things up to suit your taste or use what you have on hand.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Try Different Spices: Experiment with nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist on the classic pumpkin spice.
• Glaze Instead of Frosting: Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze if you prefer something lighter.
• Stuff with Chocolate Chips: Add some chocolate chips in the filling for a sweet surprise!

How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by warming your water and sprinkling in the yeast along with some sugar. This activates the yeast and gets it bubbling, which gives your rolls that wonderful rise. In another bowl, combine melted brown butter, egg, dry milk powder, salt, pure pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix everything together until smooth before adding it to your yeast mixture.

Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add flour into your wet mixture until everything is combined into a soft dough. Don’t worry about getting it perfect; it should be slightly sticky but manageable. Knead it gently on a floured surface until it’s smooth—this helps develop gluten which gives our rolls that lovely texture.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Place your dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour until it’s doubled in size. This step is crucial as it allows the dough to become light and airy.

Step 4: Make the Filling

While waiting for the dough to rise, mix brown sugar with ground cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice in a separate bowl. This will create an aromatic filling that adds sweetness and warmth to each bite.

Step 5: Roll Out Your Dough

Once your dough has risen beautifully, punch it down gently and roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread browned butter over the surface of the dough before sprinkling on your cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across.

Step 6: Shape Your Rolls

Starting from one long side of the rectangle, roll up tightly into a log shape. Slice into even pieces—12 works perfectly—and arrange them in a greased baking dish. Cover again and let them rise until puffy.

Step 7: Bake Your Rolls

Preheat your oven while those rolls do their final rise. Bake them until golden brown—around 25-27 minutes should do it! The smell will be magical!

Step 8: Prepare Frosting & Serve

While they cool slightly, whip up your frosting by mixing browned butter with cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy. Add vanilla extract and heavy cream for that perfect consistency! Slather on top of warm rolls and enjoy every bite!

And there you have it—delicious Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls that are sure to impress anyone who tries them! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Making the perfect Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls is all about technique and a little love! Here are some pro tips to help you achieve fluffy, flavorful rolls that will impress everyone at your breakfast table.

• Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is within its expiration date for the best rise and texture. Fresh yeast activates better, leading to lighter and fluffier rolls.

• Don’t Skip Browning the Butter: Browning the butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of your cinnamon rolls. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference!

• Knead Just Right: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, but don’t overdo it! Over-kneading can lead to tough rolls, while under-kneading can result in dense ones.

• Allow Time for Rising: Be patient with your dough! The longer you allow it to rise (up to double its size), the fluffier your rolls will be. Warm, draft-free places work best for proofing.

• Cool Before Frosting: Let your cinnamon rolls cool slightly before adding the frosting. This prevents melting and ensures that each bite has a delightful balance of flavors.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for cozy mornings or festive gatherings. Present them beautifully, and they’ll be sure to steal the show!

Garnishes

• Chopped Pecans: Sprinkle some chopped pecans on top of your frosted rolls for added crunch and a delightful nutty flavor.
• Cinnamon Dust: A light dusting of cinnamon over the frosting not only looks beautiful but also enhances the warm spice notes in the rolls.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and berries adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the rolls.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer creamy yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing side that complements the richness of pumpkin cinnamon rolls.
• Coffee or Chai Latte: Pair these delights with a cup of brewed coffee or a spiced chai latte; both beverages enhance those warm autumn flavors beautifully.
• Savory Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs seasoned with herbs provide a savory contrast to sweet cinnamon rolls, making for a well-rounded breakfast plate.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls will surely be a hit! Enjoy every bite as you embrace this wonderful fall treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and enjoy them fresh whenever you like. Here are some tips on how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious rolls.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.
• To maintain freshness, consider wrapping each roll individually in plastic wrap before placing them in the container.

Freezing

• Allow the baked rolls to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each roll in plastic wrap tightly, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to label the bags with the date!

Reheating

• Thaw frozen rolls overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• For best results, reheat individual rolls in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warm.
• Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just make sure to cook and puree it until smooth before measuring out the required amount.

How do I ensure my Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls rise properly?

Make sure your yeast is fresh and your water is warm but not too hot—around 115°F (46°C) is ideal. Also, allow the dough enough time to rise in a warm environment until it doubles in size.

Are Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls suitable for breakfast?

Absolutely! These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls make a delightful breakfast treat, combining the warm flavors of fall with a soft, fluffy texture that’s perfect for starting your day off right.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Certainly! You can prepare the dough, let it rise as instructed, then shape and refrigerate it overnight. Just allow it to come back to room temperature before baking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls as I am! They truly capture the essence of fall with their cozy flavors and delightful aroma. Whether you’re enjoying them on a crisp morning or sharing them with loved ones during a gathering, I know they’ll bring joy to your table. Enjoy making these treats; they’re sure to become a cherished recipe in your home. Happy baking!