Warm Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for Fall Mornings

Autumn’s warmth wraps around these delectable pumpkin cinnamon rolls, promising a cozy embrace of seasonal comfort.

Soft, pillowy dough mingles with rich pumpkin spice, creating an irresistible morning treat.

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg dance through the kitchen, signaling something special is about to emerge from the oven.

Each roll promises a perfect balance of tender texture and deep, warming flavors.

Drizzled with cream cheese frosting, these rolls transform a simple breakfast into a memorable experience.

Weekend mornings deserve something extraordinary, and these rolls deliver pure deliciousness.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this comforting, spice-filled delight.

Why Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Deserve a Spot on Your Table

• Dive into the warm, cozy embrace of pumpkin and cinnamon, creating a delightful autumn-inspired treat that wraps you in pure comfort.
• Adapt the recipe to your taste by adjusting spices, adding nuts, or experimenting with different glazes, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
• Impress family and friends with professional-looking cinnamon rolls that taste like they're straight from a gourmet bakery, all made in your own kitchen.
• The stand mixer does most of the work, making this seemingly complex recipe surprisingly simple for bakers of all skill levels.

What You Need for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

• Flour: The primary base that provides structure and texture to the cinnamon rolls.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, rich flavor, and a beautiful orange color to the dough.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for helping the dough rise and creating a light, fluffy texture.

• Milk, Eggs, Vanilla Bean Paste: Contribute to the softness, richness, and aromatic flavor of the rolls.
• Butter: Provides richness, tenderness, and helps create a smooth, pliable dough.

• Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Cardamom: Add warmth, sweetness, and complex spice notes to the rolls.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor profile of the recipe.

How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch

Step 1: Wake Up the Yeast

Grab a small bowl and bring together active dry yeast, warm milk, and brown sugar.

Stir everything until well combined.

Let the mixture rest and become super bubbly for about 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Create the Dry Base

Pull out your stand mixer with the dough hook attachment.

• Brown sugar
• Flour
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Cardamom

Mix these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 3: Bring the Dough to Life

• Pumpkin puree
• Eggs
• Vanilla bean paste
• Activated yeast mixture

Start mixing at a low speed for 2-3 minutes until the dough begins forming.

Step 4: Add Silky Smoothness

Start adding room temperature butter gradually while mixing on low speed.

Once all butter is incorporated, bump up the mixer to medium speed.

Continue mixing for 5 minutes until the dough transforms into a soft, dreamy texture.

Step 5: Let the Dough Rest

Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl.

Cover completely with plastic wrap.

Slide the bowl into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 3 hours or overnight for maximum flavor development.

Pro Tips for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

• Ensure lukewarm milk is at the perfect temperature (around 110°F) to help yeast bloom effectively without killing it.
• Dust work surface with flour sparingly to keep the dough from becoming too dense or tough when rolling out cinnamon rolls.
• Use fresh, high-quality pumpkin puree with minimal water content for a richer, more concentrated autumn taste in your rolls.
• Let dough rest in a warm, draft-free area during second rise to help rolls expand beautifully and create light, fluffy texture.
• Use a ruler or measuring tape to create even-sized rolls, ensuring consistent baking and professional-looking presentation.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Storage and Reheat Tips

• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Place cooled rolls in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 300°F. Wrap rolls in aluminum foil to prevent further browning. Warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through. Add a sprinkle of water inside the foil to restore softness.
• Wrap a roll in a damp paper towel. Microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add additional 5-second intervals if needed to prevent overheating.

What to Serve with Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Warm Spiced Chai Latte: Complement the rolls' cinnamon and cardamom notes with a creamy, aromatic chai that echoes the warm spices and adds a comforting beverage dimension.
• Maple Cream Cheese Glaze: Drizzle a homemade maple-infused cream cheese topping that enhances the pumpkin's sweetness and provides a luxurious, tangy counterpoint to the soft rolls.
• Caramel Pecan Crunch Topping: Sprinkle toasted pecans and drizzle salted caramel over the rolls to add textural contrast and deepen the autumnal flavor profile with nutty, rich undertones.
• Hot Apple Cider: Serve alongside a steaming mug of spiced apple cider that brings out the seasonal warmth and complements the pumpkin's earthy sweetness with a bright, fruity accent.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Rolls: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, using xanthan gum to improve texture and binding.
• Vegan Autumn Rolls: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and swap butter for coconut oil or vegan margarine.
• Low-Sugar Version: Replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweetness.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use almond milk instead of regular milk, and choose coconut oil or dairy-free margarine to replace butter in the recipe.

FAQs

• Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Just reduce the liquid slightly and skip the proofing step. Mix the instant yeast directly with the dry ingredients.

• Is there a way to make the dough without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can knead the dough by hand on a clean surface. It will take about 10-15 minutes of consistent kneading to achieve the same smooth texture as a stand mixer.

• How do I know if my yeast is still active?

Check for foam and bubbles after 10-15 minutes. If the mixture looks flat and inactive, your yeast might be old or expired. Fresh yeast will create a puffy, frothy top layer.

• Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before rolling and shaping. This long, slow rise actually develops deeper flavor in the cinnamon rolls.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Warm, gooey pumpkin cinnamon rolls bring autumn’s comfort straight to your kitchen. Rich spices and sweet glaze create a delightful breakfast treat that will make weekend mornings feel like pure indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 565g all-purpose flour
• 140g reduced pumpkin puree
• 115g reduced pumpkin puree
• 360g light or dark brown sugar
• 165g cream cheese
• 275g powdered sugar

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• 150g whole milk, lukewarm
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten, at room temperature
• 120g unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 225g unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 75g butter, at room temperature
• 75g maple syrup

Spices and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 4 tablespoons (50g) brown sugar, divided
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
• Pinch of salt
• 2 teaspoons espresso powder
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the yeast activation by whisking lukewarm milk with yeast and brown sugar in a small vessel. Allow the mixture to bloom and become frothy for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
2. Combine flour, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom in a stand mixer bowl using the dough hook attachment. Ensure dry ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
3. Introduce pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla bean paste into the flour mixture. Mix on low speed until ingredients form a cohesive, shaggy dough.
4. Incrementally incorporate room-temperature butter into the dough, mixing continuously. Knead on medium speed for 5-7 minutes until the texture becomes silky and elastic.
5. Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl, covering with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours or overnight to develop complex flavors and enhance texture.
6. Remove chilled dough from refrigerator and allow it to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling and shaping.
7. Roll the dough into a rectangular shape on a lightly floured surface, ensuring even thickness throughout.
8. Spread filling evenly across the rolled dough, leaving a small margin around the edges to prevent spillage during rolling.
9. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, using a gentle but firm technique to maintain structural integrity.
10. Cut the log into uniform segments using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean, precise rolls.
11. Place rolls in a prepared baking dish, allowing slight space between each for expansion during final proofing.
12. Let rolls rise in a warm, draft-free environment for 45-60 minutes until they have doubled in size.
13. Preheat oven to 375°F while rolls complete their final rise.
14. Bake rolls for 22-25 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190°F.
15. Cool rolls in the baking dish for 10 minutes before applying cream cheese glaze.

Notes

• Choose high-quality pumpkin puree for the most robust, authentic flavor in your cinnamon rolls.
• Ensure yeast activation happens in a warm environment to guarantee proper dough rising and soft texture.
• Room-temperature ingredients help create a smoother, more consistent dough that combines easily.
• For gluten-free adaptation, swap wheat flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for better structure.

• Prep Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 80mg