Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate fall treat, sweet, sticky, and irresistibly gooey. Each bun is soft, pillowy, and swirled with warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor, and topped with a sweet glaze of cream cheese. Perfect with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Savor every bite of these irresistibly sticky pumpkin cinnamon rolls this fall. They have a vibrant orange hue from real pumpkin purée, and each swirl is packed with the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin spice and cinnamon. The rich cream cheese filling is also infused with those same cozy spices, making every bite a celebration of the season. These rolls are the ultimate fall indulgence you'll want to enjoy all season long.

If you enjoy these pumpkin cinnamon rolls, you may also enjoy this Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Loaf and Pumpkin Banana Bread Muffins.

Why This Recipe Works 

• These pumpkin cinnamon rolls are warm and have a festive orange color that perfectly captures the spirit of the season.
• These mouth-watering pumpkin cinnamon rolls are filled with the flavors of fall. They include cinnamon and pumpkin spice, making it a satisfying and warming treat.
• This pumpkin cinnamon rolls recipe uses fast yeast, so you don't have to wait as long for it to rise.
• As an alternative, you may also enjoy these easy apple cinnamon buns.
• The dough can be kneaded using a stand mixer instead of by hand.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients 

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

• Pumpkin purée: Use canned pumpkin puree or Homemade Pumpkin Puree.
• Pumpkin spice: If you don't have pumpkin spice to hand, you can make your own by combining three tablespoons of ground cinnamon, two teaspoons of ground ginger, two teaspoons of ground nutmeg, 1½ teaspoons of ground allspice, and 1½ teaspoons of ground cloves. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and follow the measurements provided in this recipe.
• Milk: Use full-fat milk and ensure it is warm, allowing the yeast to activate.
• Butter: It must be softened to ensure it is combined with the other ingredients when mixing to make the dough for the pumpkin cinnamon rolls.
• Fast-action yeast: Check the date and make sure that the yeast has not expired to ensure it rises.
• Sugar: Use brown sugar to give the buns a caramel-like flavor.

Filling 

Salted butter: Ensure that the butter used for the filling is softened or at room temperature for mixing.

Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Frosting 

• Cream cheese: Ensure that the cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve the desired texture.
• Salted butter: This must also be softened and at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Icing sugar: Sift the sugar before mixing to remove any lumps and dirt. This will ensure that the topping has a smooth and delicious texture.

Tips and Substitutions 

• Patience is key: While the prep is simple, the waiting times are crucial. Let the dough rise for 30-40 minutes after kneading, and again for 20 minutes after placing the rolls in the baking dish to ensure a soft, fluffy bun.
• Rolling: Roll the dough thinly to allow room for plenty of filling in each swirl. It will also enhance the flavor and gooeyness.
• Dusting: Lightly dust the work surface and rolling pin with flour to prevent the dough from sticking as you roll it out.
• Greasing: Lightly oil the bowl where the dough will rise. This helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to remove the dough once it's ready.
• Weighing: For the most accurate results, use a kitchen scale to weigh your ingredients. This ensures consistent texture and flavor every time.

How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Start by warming the milk in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Pour it into a large mixing bowl, or directly into the bowl of a stand mixer if using one. Then, add the salt and sugar, and stir until well combined. Add the yeast to the mixture.

Step 2: Stir again. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the yeast to activate.

Step 3: Once the yeast mixture is ready, add the butter, pumpkin purée, pumpkin spice, and cinnamon.

Step 4: Mix slowly until just combined.

Step 5: If you're using a stand mixer, switch to a paddle attachment and gradually add the flour, about ½ cup at a time, mixing as you go.

Step 6: Continue until a smooth, firm dough forms. It should not be sticky. If mixing by hand, add half of the flour and stir gently using a wooden spoon or spatula. Continue adding the rest of the flour gradually. Once combined, knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and no longer sticky.

Step 7: Place the prepared dough in a lightly greased bowl (use oil or butter).

Step 8: Cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise for 30-40 minutes in a warm place.

Filling

Step 9: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by combining salted butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice in a bowl.

Step 10: Mix well and set aside.

Step 11: Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured surface.

Step 12: Roll it out into a 20x15-inch rectangle.

Step 13: Spread the pumpkin spice filling evenly over the dough, leaving about ½ inch around the edges to prevent the filling from spilling out when rolled.

Step 14: Starting from the long side, gently roll the dough into a log.

Step 15: Slice it into equal-sized pieces. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and arrange the rolls inside, spaced slightly apart.

Step 16: Cover with a cloth and let them rise again for 20 minutes.

Step 17: After the second rise, pour double cream over and between the rolls. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 18: While the rolls are baking, prepare the sticky glaze. Add cream cheese and softened butter to a bowl.

Step 19: Whisk for 1-2 minutes until just combined.

Step 20: Add the pumpkin spice, and cinnamon.

Step 21: Then, add sifted powdered sugar to the bowl.

Step 22: Continue whisking for 3-5 minutes, or until light and fluffy.

Step 23: Once the rolls are baked, remove them from the oven.

Step 24: Let them cool for at least 15 minutes before spreading the glaze on top.

Step 25: Finally, serve these warming homemade pumpkin cinnamon rolls as a delicious sweet treat. For another pumpkin dessert, try this delightful Egg-Free Pumpkin Tiramisu and Pumpkin Cheesecake Cake.

Recipe FAQs

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