Pumpkin cinnamon rolls

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Rise Time: 1½ – 2 hours
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: ~2½ – 3 hours
Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ (Intermediate)
Yields: 12 large rolls
Flavor Profile: Soft, Spiced, Sweet, Buttery

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Rolls

• Made with real pumpkin puree for color, flavor & moisture

• Perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves

• Buttery brown sugar swirl in every bite

• Rich, tangy cream cheese frosting

• Make-ahead & freezer-friendly

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Dough:

• ¾ cup whole milk, warmed (110°F / 43°C)

• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

• ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 large egg, room temp

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)

• 1 tsp salt

• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• ¼ tsp ground cloves

• ¼ tsp ground ginger (optional)

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed

• 1½ tbsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• 1–2 tbsp milk or cream (for thinning)

Instructions

 Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. Warm the milk (not hot!) to about 110°F.

2. Stir in the yeast and 1 tsp of the sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until bubbly and foamy.

 Step 2: Mix the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), combine:

   • Pumpkin puree

   • Brown sugar

   • Egg

   • Melted butter

   • Activated yeast mixture

2. Stir until smooth.

3. In another bowl, whisk flour with salt and spices. Gradually add to the wet mixture.

4. Knead for 8–10 minutes by hand or 5–6 minutes with dough hook, until the dough is soft and elastic. Add flour if sticky.

 Step 3: First Rise

• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap.

• Let rise for 1 to 1½ hours in a warm place until doubled in size.

 Step 4: Make the Filling

In a small bowl, mix:

• Brown sugar + cinnamon

• (Optional: Add 1 tbsp of pumpkin pie spice or a pinch of cloves)

• Set aside with softened butter

 Step 5: Roll & Fill

1. Punch down risen dough. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle.

2. Spread softened butter evenly across the dough.

3. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar filling over the top.

 Step 6: Roll & Slice

1. Roll the dough up tightly from the long edge to form a log.

2. Cut into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.

3. Place rolls in a greased 9×13 baking dish, slightly spaced apart.

 Step 7: Second Rise

• Cover with a towel or plastic wrap.

• Let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffed.

 Step 8: Bake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown on top and cooked through.

 Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Whip together until smooth:

• Cream cheese + butter

• Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk for consistency.

 Step 10: Frost and Serve

• Spread frosting over warm (not hot) rolls so it melts into all the nooks.

• Serve immediately with coffee, cider, or a warm drink.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Overnight Version:

• After cutting and placing in pan, cover and refrigerate overnight.

• Bring to room temp in the morning (~30 minutes), then bake as usual.

Storage:

• Room Temp: 2 days in airtight container

• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days (microwave to reheat)

• Freezer: Freeze unfrosted rolls up to 3 months; thaw overnight and warm to serve

Flavor Variations

• Maple Cream Cheese Frosting: Replace milk with maple syrup

• Pecan Pumpkin Rolls: Add chopped pecans inside the filling

• Extra Spiced: Add cardamom or extra ginger for warming spice

• Vegan Option: Use almond milk, egg replacer, and vegan butter/cream cheese

Nutritional Info (per roll, with frosting – estimate)

Note: Will vary depending on ingredients & frosting amount.

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are fall in every bite — soft, sweet, perfectly spiced, and slathered with rich cream cheese frosting. They’re great for cozy mornings, holidays, brunches, or dessert.

They’re surprisingly easy to make and well worth the little bit of extra time. Once you try them, regular cinnamon rolls just won’t cut it anymore.