Description
Soft, fluffy, and packed with warm spices, these pumpkin cinnamon rolls are the perfect cozy fall treat. Easy to make, freezer-friendly, and topped with cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
Filling:
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (optional)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp milk (to thin, if needed)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast – In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix Dough – Add pumpkin puree, melted butter, egg, spices, and salt. Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead – Knead on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
- Prepare Filling – Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Roll Out Dough – Punch down, roll into a 14×18-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter and sprinkle sugar mixture.
- Shape Rolls – Roll tightly into a log, cut into 12 pieces, and place in a greased baking dish. Let rise 30–45 minutes.
- Bake – Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- Make Frosting – Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Add milk to thin.
- Frost & Serve – Spread over warm rolls and enjoy!
Notes
- Use 100% pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling).
- If the dough feels too sticky, add flour gradually—but don’t overdo it.
- Make ahead: Refrigerate shaped rolls overnight and bake fresh in the morning.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- For extra indulgence, drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- rising time: 1.5 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes