As the leaves turn golden and the air takes on that crisp autumn bite, I find myself craving something cozy and comforting. Enter my Soft Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Gooey Maple Icing—a delightful homemade treat that fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of spices and baked goodness. Not only are these rolls incredibly easy to make, but they also offer a make-ahead option, so you can enjoy lazy weekend mornings without the stress. Imagine pulling the warm, decadent rolls from the oven, each one a swirl of pumpkin and cinnamon that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch gathering or indulging in a quiet moment with a hot cup of coffee, these pumpkin cinnamon rolls are sure to become a beloved staple in your fall recipe rotation. Ready to bring a taste of autumn to your table?
Why Are Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls a Must-Try?
Cozy Delight: These pumpkin cinnamon rolls are the ultimate comfort food for chilly fall mornings, bringing warmth and joy to your breakfast table.
Easy to Make: With simple steps and basic ingredients, even novice bakers can whip these up without breaking a sweat.
Make-Ahead Option: Prep them the night before! Just refrigerate the rolled dough to save time on busy mornings, making brunch effortless.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of pumpkin spice and gooey maple icing creates a mouthwatering flavor that will impress friends and family alike.
Perfect Pairing: Serve warm with coffee or tea for a delightful experience—these rolls are just what you need for a cozy gathering.
Discover similar comforting flavors in my Foster Cinnamon Rolls or try the Joumou Haitian Pumpkin Soup for a complete autumn feast!
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients
For the Dough
• Whole Milk – Provides moisture and helps activate yeast; heat it to 105-110°F for best results.
• Sugar – Sweetens the dough and aids in browning; can be replaced with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
• Active Yeast – Essential for the dough to rise; ensure it’s fresh for optimal bubbling.
• Pumpkin Puree – Adds flavor and moisture; avoid pumpkin pie filling for the best results.
• Egg – Acts as a binder and enriches texture; room temperature eggs are preferred for better mixing.
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness to the dough; melt and cool before using to avoid cooking the eggs.
• Bread Flour – Provides structure and chewiness; substitute with all-purpose flour if necessary.
• Fine Sea Salt – Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity.
For the Filling
• Dark Brown Sugar – Sweetens the filling, offering moisture and depth; light brown sugar can be used as a substitute.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix – Adds warm spices; can be replaced with individual spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger.
For the Frosting
• Cream Cheese – Lends tanginess and creaminess; use softened for best blending.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting; ensure it’s sifted for smoothness.
• Maple Syrup – Provides distinct flavor to the frosting; substitute with honey for a different taste.
• Pinch of Fine Sea Salt – Balances the sweetness in the frosting.
Keep these ingredients handy, and you’re all set for delicious homemade pumpkin cinnamon rolls that are perfect for fall!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Make the Dough
Begin by warming the whole milk to around 105-110°F, then mix in the sugar and active yeast. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until it bubbles and becomes frothy. In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, room temperature egg, and melted butter. Gradually stir in the frothy yeast mixture, and then add the bread flour and sea salt to form a sticky dough.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface, and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and slightly tacky. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this process to get it perfectly kneaded. Once ready, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, ensuring it’s coated lightly with vegetable shortening.
Step 3: First Rise
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot. Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size, which should take about 1 hour. This is crucial for creating fluffy pumpkin cinnamon rolls, so be patient and check for the dough’s expansion.
Step 4: Prepare Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by creaming together the dark brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice with the melted butter in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly until smooth. This filling will bring rich, sweet flavors to the center of your pumpkin cinnamon rolls, so make sure it’s well-blended.
Step 5: Assemble Rolls
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle of about 1/4 inch thick. Evenly spread the filling across the dough, then carefully roll it up into a tight log. Slice the log into 1.5-inch pieces and arrange them in a greased baking dish, leaving some space between each roll.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the baking dish with a kitchen towel and allow the rolls to rise in a warm location for another 30 minutes. This second rise allows the pumpkin cinnamon rolls to develop their fluffy texture, creating the perfect treat for any fall morning.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Once it’s hot, place the rolls in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have risen beautifully. Keep an eye on them toward the end—thorough baking will yield soft and delightful pumpkin cinnamon rolls.
Step 8: Cool & Frost
After baking, let the rolls cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. While they cool, prepare the maple cream cheese frosting by blending softened cream cheese, sifted powdered sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, and a pinch of sea salt until smooth. Generously drizzle the frosting over your warm pumpkin cinnamon rolls to create an irresistible finish.
Make Ahead Options
These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline their mornings! You can prepare the rolled dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, which saves precious time on hectic mornings. Simply assemble the rolls and place them in a greased baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator overnight. When you’re ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to rise slightly before preheating your oven. This way, you’ll still enjoy soft, fluffy pumpkin cinnamon rolls with that gooey filling, just as delicious as if freshly made!
What to Serve with Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Warm, fluffy rolls fresh from the oven evoke cozy gatherings, making them the star of your breakfast table.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery texture perfectly contrasts the soft rolls, creating a delightful brunch experience. Pair with gravy for an unexpected twist!
- Autumn Salad: A crisp salad with apples, walnuts, and a light vinaigrette adds bright flavors and crunch to your meal, balancing the sweetness of the rolls.
- Savory Quiche: A slice of quiche with spinach or bacon brings protein and savory notes to the table, making breakfast feel hearty and satisfying.
- Spiced Chai Latte: The warm spices in a homemade chai latte harmonize beautifully with the pumpkin and cinnamon, creating a comforting drink experience.
- Maple Bacon: Crispy, sweet bacon drizzled with maple syrup enhances the flavor of the cinnamon rolls while adding a delicious crunch. You just can’t go wrong!
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream dusted with cinnamon can be a lush topping, creating an indulgent dessert experience from your breakfast.
- Hot Apple Cider: Serve a warm mug of spiced apple cider alongside the rolls, inviting the flavors of fall to come alive in every sip. This pairing warms the soul!
- Pumpkin Spice Coffee: Continue the pumpkin theme by serving a cup of pumpkin spice coffee—rich, cozy, and aromatic, it makes for an energizing morning festivity.
- Fruit Compote: A homemade fruit compote with mixed berries adds a refreshing, tart contrast to the sweetness of the rolls and tantalizes the palate.
Expert Tips for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Active Yeast: Check your yeast’s freshness by dissolving it in warm milk. If it doesn’t froth, start over for the best pumpkin cinnamon rolls.
Avoid Squashing: Use a serrated knife to cut your rolled dough. This will prevent the delicate rolls from flattening and losing their fluff.
Perfectly Rolled: Roll the dough tightly for even filling distribution, ensuring that every bite is packed with pumpkin spice goodness.
Keep Them Warm: For the second rise, place the covered rolls in a warm, draft-free area to help them puff up beautifully.
Make-Ahead Magic: To save time, prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate them. Just bake in the morning for fresh, warm cinnamon rolls.
Storage Tips for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and softness.
Freezer: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy, reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Make-Ahead: If preparing in advance, you can refrigerate formed rolls overnight before baking for a stress-free morning treat. Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls!
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Variations & Substitutions
Customize your pumpkin cinnamon rolls to suit your personal taste and dietary needs; let your creativity shine!
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Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra texture and a delightful crunch.
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Spicy Twist: Swap pumpkin pie spice for individual spices like allspice or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.
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Fruity Flair: Incorporate raisins or chopped dried cranberries into the filling for a sweet and tangy surprise.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute almond milk and dairy-free cream cheese in the frosting to make these rolls suitable for a plant-based diet.
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Frosting Fun: Switch to a delicious vanilla or chocolate frosting to give your rolls a fun twist that complements the pumpkin flavor.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these rolls accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
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Savory Option: Replace sweeteners in the filling with finely minced garlic and herbs for a savory spin perfect for brunch.
For a wonderfully cozy breakfast experience, try pairing these pumpkin cinnamon rolls with my Apple Crisp Cinnamon for contrasting flavors or complete your meal with a steaming bowl of Joumou Haitian Pumpkin Soup to embrace the autumn spirit.
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe pumpkin for my cinnamon rolls?
When selecting pumpkin puree, look for pure pumpkin labeled as 100% pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices. If using fresh pumpkin, opt for small sugar pumpkins, which are sweeter and have a smoother texture than larger varieties. You can also have a peek for any dark spots on the skin; the more vivid the color, the tastier it will be!
How should I store leftover pumpkin cinnamon rolls?
Store your pumpkin cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature if consumed within 1-2 days. For longer shelf life, refrigerate them for up to 4 days. Just make sure to warm them before serving to revive that lovely softness.
Can I freeze pumpkin cinnamon rolls, and if so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your pumpkin cinnamon rolls, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore their soft texture.
What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough fails to rise, the most likely culprit is inactive yeast. Check if your yeast is fresh by activating it in warm milk; it should bubble within 10-15 minutes. If it doesn’t, you may need to start over with a new batch of yeast. Additionally, ensure you’re rising your dough in a warm, draft-free environment; sometimes, a cozy spot in your kitchen is all it needs!
Are pumpkin cinnamon rolls safe for pets, and what about allergies?
Pumpkin itself is safe for dogs in moderation, but the cinnamon and sugars in these rolls are not recommended for pets. If you have allergies, watch out for common allergens in the ingredients, such as eggs or dairy. You can modify the recipe using dairy-free alternatives like almond milk or flax eggs to cater to specific dietary needs. Always consult with your doctor or a nutritionist if unsure!
Can I make pumpkin cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these rolls ahead of time! Once you’ve assembled the rolls but before the second rise, cover them well and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow them to come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking. This way, you can enjoy warm, fresh pumpkin cinnamon rolls without the morning rush!
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls that Will Brighten Your Fall Mornings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Warm the whole milk to 105-110°F and mix in sugar and active yeast. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes until frothy.
- Combine pumpkin puree, room temperature egg, and melted butter in a bowl. Gradually stir in the frothy yeast mixture, then add flour and sea salt to form a dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl and cover.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Cream together dark brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice with melted butter for the filling in a medium bowl.
- Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle, spread the filling, and roll into a log. Slice into 1.5-inch pieces.
- Let the sliced rolls rise for another 30 minutes in a warm location.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool for 10-15 minutes, then prepare the frosting and drizzle over the warm rolls.