Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe – Soft & Spiced Sweet Rolls

These pumpkin cinnamon rolls are soft, warm, and full of fall spice. The dough is tender from pumpkin and milk. A brown sugar and cinnamon filling adds sweet swirls in every bite. After a short rise, you roll, slice, and bake until the tops are golden. While they bake, the kitchen fills with a warm smell that feels like home. A smooth cream cheese glaze melts over the warm rolls and adds a rich, tangy finish. These rolls work for a slow weekend morning, a cozy brunch, or a simple treat any day. You can make the dough by hand or with a mixer. The recipe uses common ingredients and clear steps so you can feel sure while you bake. They stay soft the next day when wrapped and warmed. You can change spices or add nuts to match your taste. This recipe is meant to be friendly for cooks who want a clear set of steps and steady results. Try making a batch and share them with people you care about. The dough is forgiving, and you can freeze extra rolls before you bake them to save time later and enjoy fresh baked rolls any morning with little work.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe – Soft & Spiced Sweet Rolls

These pumpkin cinnamon rolls blend soft dough with warm spices for a cozy bite. The pumpkin keeps the rolls moist and gives a mild, sweet taste. Brown sugar and cinnamon form a gooey center that melts into each swirl. A cream cheese glaze adds smooth tang and extra sweetness. You can make the dough ahead or freeze unbaked rolls for later baking. The recipe uses common pantry ingredients and clear steps, so it fits cooks at any skill level. The result looks impressive but stays simple to make. Serve warm for best texture and flavor. Friends always ask for seconds.

How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe – Soft & Spiced Sweet Rolls

Ingredients You’ll Need

• All purpose flour: 4 cups
• Instant yeast: 2 and 1 quarter teaspoons
• Granulated sugar: 3 quarters cup
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Pumpkin puree: 3 quarters cup
• Whole milk, warm: 1 half cup
• Unsalted butter, melted: 1 third cup
• Egg: 1 large
• Pumpkin pie spice: 1 teaspoon
• Unsalted butter, softened: 1 half cup
• Brown sugar: 1 cup
• Ground cinnamon: 2 teaspoons
• Pumpkin pie spice: 1 teaspoon
• Cream cheese, softened: 6 ounces
• Unsalted butter, softened: 1 quarter cup
• Powdered sugar: 1 and 1 half cups
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
• Milk: 2 to 4 tablespoons

Step-by-Step Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit briefly until slightly foamy. Add pumpkin puree, melted butter, egg, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mix until smooth, then gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
2. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. The dough should spring back gently when pressed.
3. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size. This usually takes about 1 hour.
4. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth and spreadable.
5. Roll the risen dough into a rectangle about 16 by 12 inches. Spread the filling evenly over the surface. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log and slice into 12 equal rolls.
6. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise for 30 minutes until puffy.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
8. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then milk until desired consistency is reached.
9. Spread glaze over warm pumpkin cinnamon rolls so it melts gently into the swirls.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe – Soft & Spiced Sweet Rolls

Serve these rolls warm so the glaze sinks into the swirls and the center stays soft. Place them on a shallow dish or serving pan so each roll keeps its shape. Add a few extra spoonfuls of glaze for people who like more sweetness. Offer them with a hot drink or a mild tea for a calm morning or a simple snack. Slice one roll for each guest and serve on small plates to keep the warm center neat.

How to Store Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe – Soft & Spiced Sweet Rolls

Let the rolls cool to room temperature before storing. For room storage, place them in an airtight container for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap the cooled rolls tightly and freeze for up to two months. To reheat, thaw if frozen, then warm in a low oven or microwave until heated through. Add fresh glaze after warming for the best texture.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe – Soft & Spiced Sweet Rolls

• Use room temperature ingredients so the dough mixes evenly.
• Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it to avoid a heavy dough.
• Keep milk warm, not hot, to protect yeast.
• Do not overfill with filling to keep rolls tidy while baking.
• Bake until golden but not overly dark to keep them soft.
• Add glaze while rolls are warm so it melts into the swirls.

Recipe Variations (if any)

• Add chopped nuts like pecans for crunch in the filling.
• Stir a little maple flavoring into the glaze for added depth.
• Use half whole wheat flour for a nuttier note, but keep total flour weight the same.
• For a smaller batch, make and bake half the dough or freeze half the rolled log for later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make the dough the night before?
A: Yes. After the first rise, punch down the dough, cover it, and chill overnight. Roll and bake the next day after a short rise.

Q: Can I use canned pumpkin?
A: Yes. Use plain pumpkin puree, not a pie mix with added sugar or spices.

Q: How do I know when the rolls are done?
A: They should be golden on top and feel set in the center. A thin knife in the middle should come out mostly clean.

Q: Can I skip the cream cheese glaze?
A: You can. A simple powdered sugar glaze or a light dusting of powdered sugar also works well.

Conclusion

For a small batch twist on this idea, see Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls (Small Batch- Makes 6) – Fresh April Flours for a compact version you can try. If you like a very large, showy version, check Giant Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll | Fresh Bean Bakery for inspiration and ideas.

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