Pillowy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting: Easy Fall Treat! 🎃🍂✨
1. Introduction
Welcome to the ultimate guide to making Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, a delicious fall-inspired dessert that combines the cozy flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and sweet cream cheese frosting. These Easy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for morning brunch, holiday gatherings, or a cozy weekend treat. With their soft, pillowy texture and fragrant pumpkin-spiced aroma, they are sure to become a new family favorite. Dive into this step-by-step recipe that will help you create bakery-quality cinnamon rolls right in your kitchen.
2. Ingredients for the Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- ¾ cup warm milk (around 110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter (for filling)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add melted butter, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, remaining sugar, and gradually mix in the flour. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and melted butter. Set aside.
Assemble the Rolls
Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the pumpkin-spiced butter mixture evenly over the surface. Roll tightly from the shorter side and cut into 1 to 1½ inch wide slices. Place the slices in a greased baking dish, leaving space for expansion.
Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Meanwhile, prepare the cream cheese frosting.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and blend until smooth. Spread the frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls as soon as they come out of the oven.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To enjoy later, reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. For best freshness, you can also freeze the cinnamon rolls and thaw when needed.
5. Serving Suggestions
These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are perfect on their own or paired with a hot cup of coffee or pumpkin-spiced latte. For extra indulgence, sprinkle some chopped pecans or toasted pumpkin seeds on top of the frosting. For more fall-inspired recipes, check out this decadent pumpkin cheesecake brownies or fluffy pumpkin pancakes.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin?
It is recommended to use pure pumpkin puree for this recipe. Pumpkin pie filling contains spices and sweeteners that may alter the flavor and texture.
Can I make these cinnamon rolls vegan?
Yes, substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like almond milk, coconut oil, and vegan cream cheese. Make sure to use vegan yeast if necessary.
How long does it take to prepare and bake?
The total time is approximately 2 hours, including rising, assembling, baking, and frosting. For detailed timing, follow the steps outlined above.
Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cinnamon rolls a day ahead, refrigerate unbaked, and bake them fresh the next morning for a warm, delicious breakfast.
7. Kitchen Tools That You Might Need for This Recipe
- Fullstar Vegetable Chopper and Spiralizer — Enhance your prep work with this versatile kitchen gadget that makes chopping and spiralizing pumpkin easy and quick.
- KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer — Effortlessly mix your dough with this reliable stand mixer, ensuring your cinnamon rolls come out perfect every time.
- Ninja Blender, Mega Kitchen System — Blend up delicious frostings or pumpkin purees smoothly with this powerful blender.
- Ninja SLUSHi with RapidChill Technology — Perfect for quick chilling or preparing beverages to accompany your cinnamon rolls.
8. Additional Tips for Baking Perfect Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
- Always proof your yeast in warm, not hot, liquids to ensure it activates properly.
- If your dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but do not overdo it to keep the rolls soft.
- Baking time may vary depending on your oven; keep an eye on the rolls to prevent over-baking.
9. Conclusion
Now that you have the perfect Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls recipe, it’s time to enjoy a warm, sweet treat full of fall flavors. The combination of fluffy dough, fragrant pumpkin spice, and rich cream cheese frosting makes these Easy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls a delightful addition to any autumn meal. Get creative by adding nuts or caramel drizzle and make every bite memorable. Happy baking!
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Pillowy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting: Easy Fall Treat!
Indulge in fluffy, warm Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls topped with creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for cozy fall mornings, these easy-to-make cinnamon rolls feature the comforting flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg, making them an irresistible seasonal treat. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a festive dessert, these bakery-style rolls will satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth and bring the taste of autumn into your home.
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 mins
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- ¾ cup warm milk (around 110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter (for filling)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add melted butter, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, remaining sugar, and gradually mix in the flour. Knead until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and melted butter to prepare the filling.
- Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the pumpkin-spiced butter mixture evenly over the surface.
- Roll the dough tightly from the shorter side and cut into 1 to 1½ inch slices. Place slices in a greased baking dish, leaving space for expansion.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, blending until creamy. Spread generously over the warm cinnamon rolls immediately after baking.
Notes
- Ensure your yeast activates properly by proofing in warm liquids, not hot.
- If dough feels too sticky, add a small amount of flour carefully.
- Baking times may vary based on oven calibration; keep an eye on the rolls to prevent over-baking.
- For a richer flavor, add chopped pecans or caramel drizzle on top of the frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20-25 mins
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking, Yeast Dough
- Cuisine: American, Fall Recipes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320 Kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg