Irresistible Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls: Your Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Fall Treat

Embrace the cozy flavors of autumn with these truly irresistible pumpkin cinnamon rolls. Far beyond your average breakfast pastry, these homemade delights feature a remarkably soft, fluffy dough infused with real pumpkin, creating an unparalleled richness. Each roll is generously filled with a warm, spiced cinnamon-pumpkin mixture that oozes gooey perfection, all crowned with a luscious, tangy cream cheese icing finished with a delicate dash of cinnamon sugar. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a fragrant bakery and elevate your fall mornings with every single bite.

There’s no better way to usher in the fall season than with the comforting aroma and taste of homemade pumpkin cinnamon rolls. These aren’t just any cinnamon rolls; they’re a delightful pumpkin-infused twist on the classic gooey cinnamon roll, designed to make your autumn mornings truly special. Prepare yourself for an experience of soft, tender dough, warm, spiced filling, and a heavenly cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. We’ll guide you through every step with essential tips, smart tricks, and detailed process photos, ensuring your baking adventure is a resounding success.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Recipe

These aren’t just a seasonal treat; they’re a baking triumph that combines the comforting familiarity of cinnamon rolls with the rich, earthy sweetness of pumpkin. Here’s why this recipe will become your go-to:

• Unmatched Softness & Fluffiness: The addition of pumpkin puree directly into the dough not only infuses it with flavor but also keeps it incredibly moist and tender, yielding rolls that are soft and pillowy from the first bite to the last.
• Perfectly Spiced Pumpkin Filling: Our filling isn’t just cinnamon; it’s a harmonious blend of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, creating a depth of flavor that complements the pumpkin dough beautifully. It’s gooey, sweet, and perfectly balanced.
• Creamy, Tangy Cream Cheese Icing: The classic pairing of cinnamon rolls with a rich cream cheese icing is elevated here. Its slight tang cuts through the sweetness of the rolls, creating a delightful contrast that makes each bite even more satisfying.
• A Unique Fall Twist: While classic cinnamon rolls are always a hit, these pumpkin versions offer a fresh, seasonal spin that feels special and festive. They are ideal for holiday brunches, autumn gatherings, or simply a cozy weekend morning.
• Homemade Goodness: There’s nothing quite like the pride and joy of serving warm, homemade cinnamon rolls. This recipe is designed to be approachable, ensuring even novice bakers can achieve impressive results.

Expert Tips for Crafting the Perfect Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Achieving bakery-quality pumpkin cinnamon rolls at home is entirely possible with a few key techniques. Follow these expert tips to ensure your rolls turn out perfectly soft, gooey, and absolutely delicious every single time:

• Tip 1: The Vitality of Fresh Yeast. Yeast is a living organism, and its freshness is paramount for a proper rise. Always use fresh yeast from a recently opened packet. Expired yeast, or exposing yeast to water that is too hot (which kills it) or too cold (which inhibits activation), will prevent your dough from rising correctly. Aim for milk warmed to precisely 105-115°F (40-46°C). It should feel warm, not hot, to the touch. This optimal temperature allows the yeast to activate gently and effectively, producing that beautiful, airy texture we all love in a cinnamon roll.
• Tip 2: Accurate Flour Measurement is Key. Over-measuring flour is a common baking mistake that can lead to dry, dense rolls. Do not compact your flour by scooping directly from the bag with your measuring cup. Instead, gently spoon the flour into your measuring cup until it overflows, then level it off with a straight edge (like the back of a knife). This method ensures you get the correct amount of flour, resulting in a soft, pliable dough that is a joy to work with and bakes up wonderfully tender.
• Tip 3: The Secret to a Perfect Rise. Yeast thrives in a warm, draft-free environment. For the best rise, I highly recommend using your oven as a proofing chamber. Preheat your oven to its lowest setting, typically around 200°F (93°C), then immediately turn it off. Place your covered bowl of dough inside, leaving the oven door slightly ajar. This creates a consistently warm and humid environment, which yeast adores, promoting a strong and even rise. Avoid opening the oven door frequently, as sudden temperature drops can hinder the proofing process. If your kitchen is particularly cold, this tip is a game-changer for achieving light, airy rolls.
• Tip 4: Blot Your Pumpkin Puree. This is a crucial step for pumpkin-enriched dough. Canned pumpkin puree contains a lot of moisture, which can make your dough sticky and difficult to handle if not reduced. Before adding it to your dough or filling, spread the pumpkin puree onto a few layers of paper towels, then place more paper towels on top and gently press. This removes excess water, allowing the pumpkin flavor to concentrate without making your dough overly wet or requiring additional flour, which could dry out your rolls.
• Tip 5: Embrace Room Temperature Ingredients. For both the dough and the icing, ensure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature. Room temperature butter creams beautifully with sugar, creating a light, airy base for the dough and a smooth filling. Room temperature eggs emulsify better, leading to a more consistent dough texture. For the cream cheese icing, room temperature ingredients blend smoothly, preventing lumps and ensuring a perfectly creamy consistency. Pull these ingredients out of the refrigerator at least an hour or two before you plan to start baking.

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Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by 37 reviewers.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

These pumpkin cinnamon rolls are celebrated for their incredibly soft dough, which gets its tender texture and delightful flavor from real pumpkin puree. They are generously filled with a rich, spiced cinnamon-pumpkin mixture and finished with a classic, creamy cream cheese icing for the ultimate fall indulgence.

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Prep Time:

40 mins

Cook Time:

20 mins

Resting Time:

1 hr
20 mins

Total Time:

2 hrs
20 mins

Servings:

12
cinnamon rolls

Ingredients

Pumpkin Dough

• 1 cup Milk, warmed to 110°F
• 2 1/4 tsp Fast rise yeast, 1 packet
• 2 Large eggs, room temperature and slightly beaten
• 1/2 cup Pumpkin puree, not the pumpkin pie filling – blotted
• 1/4 cup White granulated sugar
• 1 tsp Salt
• 2 tsp Ground cinnamon
• 5 1/4 cups All-purpose flour, sifted
• 10 TBSP Unsalted butter, room temperature and cubed

Pumpkin Cinnamon Filling

• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup Pumpkin puree, blotted
• 3/4 cup Brown sugar, packed light or dark
• 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp Pumpkin pie spice

Cream Cheese Icing

• 4 oz Cream cheese, room temperature
• 4 TBSP Unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 tsp Pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup Powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/4 cup Milk

Instructions

Pumpkin Dough

1. These instructions are primarily for a stand mixer equipped with a dough hook, which streamlines the kneading process. If you’re mixing by hand, please refer to the notes section for specific guidance. Begin by gently warming the milk in the microwave for approximately 1 minute, until it reaches a temperature of 105-115°F (40-46°C). It should feel warm to the touch, but not hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast. Once warmed, sprinkle the fast-rise yeast over the milk and allow it to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes. This gives the yeast time to activate and foam, indicating it is alive and ready to work.
   1 cup Milk,
   2 1/4 tsp Fast rise yeast
2. Prepare your pumpkin puree by placing two layers of paper towels in a bowl, then spreading the pumpkin puree over them. Place another two layers of paper towels on top and gently press down to blot out as much excess moisture as possible. This crucial step prevents the dough from becoming too wet and dense, ensuring a light and airy texture.
   1/2 cup Pumpkin puree
3. In the large bowl of your stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl if kneading by hand), sift together the all-purpose flour, white granulated sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon. Sifting ensures a lump-free mixture and incorporates air, contributing to a lighter dough. Add the cubed, room temperature unsalted butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
   1/4 cup White granulated sugar,
   1 tsp Salt,
   2 tsp Ground cinnamon,
   5 1/4 cups All-purpose flour,
   10 TBSP Unsalted butter
4. To the dry ingredients, add the activated milk-yeast mixture, the blotted pumpkin puree, and the lightly beaten, room temperature eggs. These wet ingredients will bring the dough together.
   2 Large eggs
5. Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer. Mix on low speed initially until the ingredients just start to combine and form a shaggy dough. Increase the speed to medium and continue mixing and kneading the dough for 5 to 7 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic. It will be slightly tacky to the touch but should not stick excessively to your hands or the sides of the bowl. If it’s too sticky, add a very small amount of flour (1 tablespoon at a time) until the desired consistency is reached.
6. For the first rise, lightly spray a large clean mixing bowl with nonstick cooking spray. Form the dough into a ball and place it in the prepared bowl, turning once to coat. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. To create an ideal warm environment for proofing, preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C), then immediately turn it off. Place the covered bowl of dough into the warm oven, leaving the oven door slightly ajar. Allow the dough to rise in this warm, draft-free space for 1 hour, or until it has visibly doubled in size.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Filling

1. Just as you did for the dough, blot the pumpkin puree for the filling with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will prevent your filling from being too watery and ensure a concentrated flavor and smooth consistency.
   1/2 cup Pumpkin puree
2. In a small mixing bowl, using a hand mixer, combine the room temperature unsalted butter, blotted pumpkin puree, packed brown sugar (either light or dark), ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Beat these ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth, creamy, and well combined. Set aside.
   1/2 cup Unsalted butter,
   3/4 cup Brown sugar,
   1 tsp Ground cinnamon,
   1 tsp Pumpkin pie spice
3. Once the dough has completed its first rise, gently punch it down to release the air. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into a large rectangle, aiming for dimensions of approximately 18×12 inches and a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Ensure the thickness is as even as possible for uniform rolls.
4. Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, evenly spread the prepared pumpkin cinnamon filling over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border (about 1/2 inch) along one of the longer edges to help seal the roll.
5. Starting from one of the shorter sides, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Rolling from the shorter side yields more delightful swirls in your finished cinnamon rolls. Once rolled, use a sharp serrated knife and gentle sawing motions, or unflavored dental floss, to cut the log into 12 even rolls. First, trim off the uneven ends for a neat appearance. For floss, slide it under the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull to slice cleanly.
6. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick baking spray. Arrange the 12 cut rolls snugly but with a little space between them in the prepared pan. Cover the pan loosely with a clean kitchen towel and allow the rolls to rise for a second time for 20 minutes. During this time, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-28 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden brown and the rolls are cooked through. Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them. While the rolls are baking, proceed to prepare the creamy cream cheese icing.

Cream Cheese Icing

1. In a medium bowl, using a hand mixer, beat the room temperature cream cheese and unsalted butter on high speed for 1 minute until light and fluffy. Reduce the speed to low, then gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, pure vanilla extract, and milk. Mix on low speed until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the icing is completely smooth and creamy. If the icing is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk (1 teaspoon at a time) until you reach the desired consistency.
   4 oz Cream cheese,
   4 TBSP Unsalted butter,
   1/2 tsp Pure vanilla extract,
   1 cup Powdered sugar,
   1/4 cup Milk
2. Immediately after pulling the baked pumpkin cinnamon rolls from the oven, generously spread the prepared cream cheese icing over the warm rolls using a spoon or offset spatula. The heat from the rolls will slightly melt the icing, allowing it to seep into the nooks and crannies, creating an extra gooey and delicious finish. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Flour Measurement: For accurate results, always make sure flour is spooned into the measuring cup and then leveled off with a straight edge. Never scoop directly from the bag, as this compacts the flour and can add too much, potentially drying out your rolls. Alternatively, use a kitchen scale for precise measurement.
High Altitude Baking: If you are baking at a high altitude, you may need to adjust the recipe slightly. Try adding an extra 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the dough mixture to compensate for the lower atmospheric pressure, which can cause dough to rise too quickly and collapse.
Room Temperature Dairy: For best results, pull out all dairy ingredients (milk, butter, cream cheese, eggs) from the refrigerator at least 2 hours before you plan to start baking. This ensures they are at optimal room temperature for proper mixing and dough development.
Making by Hand (Without a Stand Mixer):
After combining the dry ingredients with the cubed butter, add the wet ingredients (milk-yeast mixture, pumpkin puree, beaten eggs). Use a sturdy rubber spatula to mix until a shaggy dough begins to form.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough vigorously by hand for 5-8 minutes. Use a push-and-fold motion, pressing the dough away from you with the heels of your hands, then folding it back.
The dough is properly kneaded when it feels smooth and elastic. A simple test: stretch a small piece of dough thinly between your fingers. If you can see light through it without it tearing (the “windowpane test”), it is done.

Nutrition Information (per cinnamon roll, approximately):

• Calories: 481kcal
• Carbohydrates: 68g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 68mg
• Sodium: 242mg
• Potassium: 171mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 20g
• Vitamin A: 3992IU
• Vitamin C: 1mg
• Calcium: 77mg
• Iron: 3mg

Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and preparation, and may vary.

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Storing & Reheating Your Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

To ensure your delicious pumpkin cinnamon rolls stay fresh and delightful, proper storage and reheating are key:

Storage:

• At Room Temperature: If you plan to eat them within 1-2 days, store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps keep them soft and prevents them from drying out.
• In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, up to 5 days, place the iced rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The icing will help seal in moisture.
• Freezing Baked Rolls: For extended freshness, individual rolls can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap each cooled, iced roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freezing Unbaked Rolls: You can also prepare the rolls up to the second rise, then cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 weeks. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then let rise at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before baking as directed.

Reheating:

• Microwave: This is the quickest method for a single roll. Heat for 15-30 seconds until warm and soft. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make them tough.
• Oven (for multiple rolls): Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the rolls in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. The foil helps prevent the icing from burning and keeps the rolls moist.

Delicious Variations to Try

While this recipe for pumpkin cinnamon rolls is perfect as is, feel free to get creative and customize them to your liking. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

• Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the pumpkin cinnamon filling for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
• Extra Spice: If you love a more pronounced spice flavor, consider adding a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg to the dough or filling. A tiny bit of cardamom could also offer a unique twist.
• Maple Cream Cheese Icing: For an even richer fall flavor, swap out 1 tablespoon of milk in the icing for pure maple syrup. This adds a beautiful depth of flavor.
• Streusel Topping: Before baking, sprinkle a simple streusel topping (made from flour, brown sugar, cold butter, and a pinch of cinnamon) over the rolls for a crispy, sweet crust.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of melted dark or white chocolate over the finished, iced rolls can add a decadent touch.

Embrace the Flavors of Fall

There’s something truly magical about baking, especially when it results in a treat as comforting and delicious as these pumpkin cinnamon rolls. From the moment the warm, spiced aroma fills your kitchen to the very first bite of that soft, gooey, pumpkin-infused delight, you’ll understand why this recipe is a cherished fall tradition. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a cozy weekend brunch, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these rolls are guaranteed to bring warmth and joy. We hope this comprehensive guide empowers you to bake with confidence and create unforgettable memories. Happy baking!