There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked pumpkin cinnamon rolls wafting through the house. Imagine waking up to the warm scent of spiced pumpkin mingling with sugary cinnamon, a sensory experience that feels like a big, cozy hug. The fluffy texture and gooey glaze create an irresistible treat that makes you smile even before your first bite.
These pumpkin cinnamon rolls are not just breakfast; they’re a celebration of fall, family gatherings, or even a lazy Sunday morning. Picture this: you, wrapped in your favorite blanket, sipping coffee while indulging in these luscious rolls. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These pumpkin cinnamon rolls are incredibly easy to make and require minimal ingredients
- Their rich flavor combines warm spices with delightful sweetness
- Visually appealing with their swirls, they elevate any breakfast or brunch table
- Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying solo on chilly mornings
I vividly recall the first time I made these pumpkin cinnamon rolls for my friends. The look on their faces as they took that first bite was priceless, pure joy radiating from their smiles.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Pumpkin Puree: Use canned or homemade puree; it adds moisture and flavor that’s essential for these rolls.
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All-Purpose Flour: A versatile choice that provides the perfect texture; feel free to use whole wheat for added nutrients.
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Active Dry Yeast: This little magic maker helps your dough rise beautifully; always check the expiration date for best results.
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Cinnamon: The star spice in this recipe—choose fresh ground cinnamon for maximum flavor impact.
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Brown Sugar: It brings a rich sweetness and caramel notes that perfectly complement the pumpkin and spices.
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Butter: Use unsalted butter for control over saltiness; it contributes to a soft and tender roll.
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Milk: Warm milk activates the yeast while adding moisture and richness to our dough.
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Eggs: They add structure and richness; room temperature eggs work best for blending smoothly into dough.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances all flavors; opt for pure vanilla extract when possible.
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Powdered Sugar: Essential for that delicious glaze; it sweetens without grittiness, creating a smooth finish.
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Heavy Cream (optional): Drizzling cream over the rolls before baking keeps them moist and adds extra richness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast, letting it sit until frothy—about 5 minutes. This step ensures your rolls are light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in pumpkin puree, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined. Your kitchen will smell heavenly at this point!
Add Dry Ingredients Gradually : Gradually incorporate flour into the mixture until a soft dough forms. It’s okay if it’s sticky—flour your hands when kneading!
Knead & Let Rise : Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth—about 5-7 minutes. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise until doubled (roughly 1 hour).
Roll & Fill : Once risen, punch down the dough! Roll it out into a rectangle about half an inch thick. Spread softened butter generously over the surface before sprinkling brown sugar and cinnamon evenly.
Shape & Cut Rolls : Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up the rectangle into a log shape. Cut into equal pieces about 1-2 inches thick—this is where excitement builds as you envision those swirls.
Bake Time!: Place your sliced rolls in a greased baking pan with some space between them (they’ll puff up!). Cover with a towel again and let rise another 30 minutes before baking at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Enjoy these delectable pumpkin cinnamon rolls warm out of the oven drizzled with your sweet glaze!
You Must Know
- These pumpkin cinnamon rolls are a seasonal delight that will make your kitchen smell heavenly
- The warm spices and sweet aroma create a cozy atmosphere, perfect for autumn mornings or holiday gatherings
- Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up with a little patience!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the dough first, allowing it to rise while you mix the filling. This saves time and ensures fluffy rolls.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out pumpkin for sweet potato, or add nuts for extra crunch. Maple syrup also makes a delicious glaze!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh yeast for the best rise; expired yeast can lead to dense rolls
- Measure flour accurately by spooning it into the cup to avoid dry dough
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg alongside cinnamon in the filling
I remember the first time I made pumpkin cinnamon rolls; my friends couldn’t believe I baked them from scratch! Their amazed faces made all the flour-covered chaos worthwhile.
FAQ
What can I substitute for pumpkin puree?
You can use applesauce or mashed bananas as an alternative to pumpkin puree.
How do I know when my dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size and feel soft and slightly sticky when ready.
Can I freeze these rolls after baking?
Yes, freeze them after baking, then reheat directly from frozen when needed.
Delicious Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
Description
Wake up to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked pumpkin cinnamon rolls. These soft, fluffy treats are infused with warm spices and topped with a sweet glaze, making them perfect for fall mornings or festive gatherings. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delightful batch ready to share—if you can resist eating them all yourself!
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- Heavy cream (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast; let sit until frothy (about 5 minutes).
- Mix in pumpkin puree, melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually add flour and cinnamon until a soft dough forms; knead for about 5–7 minutes.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
- Roll out dough into a rectangle, spread softened butter on top, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll tightly into a log and cut into equal pieces (about 12 rolls).
- Place rolls in a greased pan, cover, and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- Drizzle with glaze made from powdered sugar mixed with water or milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
