Homemade pumpkin cinnamon rolls

Soft, fluffy pumpkin-spiced rolls drenched in a luscious cream cheese frosting infused with rich coffee flavor — the ultimate cozy treat.

 Preparation Details

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Bake Time: 20–25 minutes

• Total Time: ~2 hours 20 minutes

• Difficulty: Moderate (yeast dough requires some patience)

• Servings: 12 rolls

 Intensity Levels

• Sweetness:

• Spice Level:  Mild warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves)

• Richness: (creamy frosting with coffee kick)

 Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)

• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• ⅓ cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

• 1 large egg

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• ¼ tsp ground cloves

• ½ tsp salt

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed

• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Coffee Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz (½ block) cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp strong brewed coffee (cooled)

• Pinch of salt

 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, whisk the warm milk with yeast and 1 tsp sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until frothy.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, melted butter, remaining sugar, egg, and salt. Mix well.

3. Add the yeast mixture to the pumpkin mixture and stir to combine.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until a soft dough forms.

5. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. (Alternatively, use a stand mixer with dough hook.)

6. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Roll & Fill

7. Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12 inch rectangle.

8. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.

9. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle it evenly on top of the butter.

10. Roll dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.

11. Slice the log into 12 equal rolls (about 1.5 inches thick) and place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, spaced slightly apart.

12. Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes until puffy.

Step 3: Bake

13. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

14. Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before frosting.

Step 4: Prepare Coffee Cream Cheese Frosting

15. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.

16. Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing until fluffy.

17. Stir in vanilla, coffee, and a pinch of salt. Adjust coffee quantity for stronger or milder coffee flavor.

Step 5: Frost & Serve

18. Spread coffee cream cheese frosting generously over warm rolls.

19. Serve immediately and enjoy the melty, spicy, aromatic goodness!

 Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or warm apple cider

• Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped toasted pecans for extra texture

• Great for brunch, holiday mornings, or a special treat any time

 Storage & Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheat gently in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes covered with foil.

• Frost again if needed before serving.

 Nutrition Info (Per Roll – Approximate)

 Tips & Variations

• Pumpkin puree: Use canned or homemade, but avoid pumpkin pie filling which is sweetened and spiced already.

• Coffee frosting: Use espresso or cold brew concentrate for a bolder coffee flavor.

• Add-ins: Mix chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins into the filling for extra texture and flavor.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

 Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Coffee Cream Cheese Frosting blend the best flavors of fall — warm spices, creamy coffee notes, and comforting pumpkin — all wrapped in soft, fluffy dough. They’re the perfect way to brighten up a morning or treat guests with something special