As summer fades into autumn, the focus shifts from grilling outdoors to warming up the kitchen with sweet delights. One of my go-to recipes during this cozy season is undoubtedly my pumpkin cinnamon rolls.
They pair perfectly with a warm latte or a cozy cup of apple cider. Imagine the aroma that fills your kitchen—a comforting scent that invites everyone to gather.
My best pumpkin cinnamon rolls ever are not only delicious but also bring that harvest feeling right to your breakfast table.
Why is This My Best Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Ever?
These pumpkin cinnamon rolls are fluffy, tender, and infused with the warm spices of fall. The addition of pumpkin puree not only gives them a beautiful color but also enhances their moisture, making each bite melt in your mouth.
Topped with a creamy glaze, these rolls transform breakfast from ordinary to extraordinary.
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- Bobby Flay Irish Brown Bread
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The Ingredients
For the pumpkin cinnamon roll dough:
¼ cup (50g) white granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 ¼ teaspoons rapid-rise yeast
¾ cup (183g) pure pumpkin puree
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¾ cup (180g) whole milk
¼ cup (57g) melted unsalted butter
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
4 cups (480g) bread flour
1 large egg, room temperature
2 tablespoons pumpkin spice blend
For the cinnamon filling:
¼ cup (57g) softened unsalted butter
1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
⅔ cup (142g) packed dark brown sugar
For the cream cheese glaze:
4 tablespoons pure maple syrup
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Pinch of fine sea salt
4 ounces (112g) cream cheese, softened
¼ cup (28g) sifted powdered sugar
For garnish:
Light dusting of ground cinnamon
How to Make My Best Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Ever?
Before diving into the step-by-step directions, let’s talk about the process. This recipe involves creating a dough, letting it rise, rolling it out with the filling, and baking. The aroma that fills your kitchen is simply unbeatable. Now, let’s jump into the steps.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a small bowl, mix the warm milk and sugar together. Then add the yeast. Let it sit for about five minutes until it becomes foamy. This step activates the yeast, ensuring your rolls rise beautifully.
In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, melted butter, and beaten egg. Once your yeast mixture is ready, add it to this bowl. Whisk until everything is well combined.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the bread flour, pumpkin spice blend, nutmeg, and salt.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. I often use my hands at this point. It’s okay to get a little messy!
Knead the dough in the bowl for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until it feels smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step if you prefer.
Step 3: First Rise
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is the best time for a coffee break, so grab a cup!
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
While the dough rises, let’s get that cinnamon filling ready. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well blended. You want it to be spreadable but thick enough to stay in place when you roll it.
Step 5: Roll the Dough
Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving about half an inch along the edges.
Step 6: Roll and Slice
Starting at one edge, carefully roll the dough into a log. Once rolled, slice it into 12 equal pieces. If you love generous rolls, you can slice them larger.
Step 7: Second Rise
Place the sliced rolls in a greased baking dish, ensuring they are spaced out. Cover with a towel and allow them to rise again for about 30 minutes.
Step 8: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up. When you take them out, let the smell envelop you.
Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. Beat together cream cheese, butter, maple syrup, a pinch of salt, and powdered sugar until smooth. This glaze is going to be the cherry on top of your delightful rolls.
Step 10: Glaze and Serve
Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the cream cheese glaze on top. Finish with a light dusting of ground cinnamon. Serve warm and watch as everyone swoons!
Notes
Here are some helpful tips to perfect your pumpkin cinnamon rolls:
- Don’t rush the rises. Give your dough ample time to rise to achieve a fluffy texture.
- Room temperature ingredients like the egg and cream cheese mix better and incorporate air, adding to the lightness of the rolls.
- Use fresh spices. Ground spices lose potency over time, so fresh ones make a difference.
- Adjust sweetness. If you prefer your rolls a bit sweeter, add more sugar to the filling or glaze to suit your taste.
- Chilling the dough for an hour in the refrigerator can enhance the flavors and make it easier to roll out.
Storage Tips
To keep these rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them.
Allow the rolls to cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in the oven.
Nutrition Information
My Best Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Ever Nutrition Facts
Serving Suggestions
Here are some fantastic ways to enjoy your pumpkin cinnamon rolls:
- Warm with Coffee. Start your day with a freshly baked roll paired with hot coffee or espresso. It’s a comforting morning treat!
- Brunch Delight. Serve these rolls at your next brunch gathering. Your friends and family will rave about them.
- Dessert with Ice Cream. Heat a roll and place a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert experience.
- With Fresh Fruit. Pair these rolls with sliced apples or warm pear compote for a fresh twist on breakfast.
- Gift them. Wrap the rolls as gifts for neighbors or friends. Who wouldn’t love receiving a homemade treat?
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in My Best Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Ever?
You might want to switch things up a bit. Here are some substitutes that still yield delicious results:
- Maple Syrup instead of Sugar: Use maple syrup in the dough or glaze for a deeper, more complex sweetness. Just adjust the liquid ingredients accordingly.
- Almond Milk for Whole Milk: For a dairy-free option, almond or oat milk can work just as well and keep the rolls moist.
- Applesauce in Place of Butter: You can replace half of the butter in the dough with applesauce for a lighter roll.
- Canned Sweet Potatoes: If pumpkin isn’t your thing, sweet potatoes can be a great substitute for the puree and provide a nice twist.
- Sourdough Starter for Yeast: If you’re a sourdough enthusiast, use a sourdough starter to leaven the dough. This adds a unique tang and depth of flavor.
Equipment
- Small bowl
Ingredients
For the pumpkin cinnamon roll dough:
- ¼ cup 50g white granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ teaspoons rapid-rise yeast
- ¾ cup 183g pure pumpkin puree
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¾ cup 180g whole milk
- ¼ cup 57g melted unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 4 cups 480g bread flour
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin spice blend
For the cinnamon filling:
- ¼ cup 57g softened unsalted butter
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ⅔ cup 142g packed dark brown sugar
For the cream cheese glaze:
- 4 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- Pinch of fine sea salt
- 4 ounces 112g cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup 28g sifted powdered sugar
For garnish:
- Light dusting of ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, mix the warm milk and sugar together. Then add the yeast. Let it sit for about five minutes until it becomes foamy. This step activates the yeast, ensuring your rolls rise beautifully.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, melted butter, and beaten egg. Once your yeast mixture is ready, add it to this bowl. Whisk until everything is well combined.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together the bread flour, pumpkin spice blend, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. I often use my hands at this point. It’s okay to get a little messy!
- Knead the dough in the bowl for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until it feels smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step if you prefer.
Step 3: First Rise
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is the best time for a coffee break, so grab a cup!
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
- While the dough rises, let’s get that cinnamon filling ready. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well blended. You want it to be spreadable but thick enough to stay in place when you roll it.
Step 5: Roll the Dough
- Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving about half an inch along the edges.
Step 6: Roll and Slice
- Starting at one edge, carefully roll the dough into a log. Once rolled, slice it into 12 equal pieces. If you love generous rolls, you can slice them larger.
Step 7: Second Rise
- Place the sliced rolls in a greased baking dish, ensuring they are spaced out. Cover with a towel and allow them to rise again for about 30 minutes.
Step 8: Bake the Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up. When you take them out, let the smell envelop you.
Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. Beat together cream cheese, butter, maple syrup, a pinch of salt, and powdered sugar until smooth. This glaze is going to be the cherry on top of your delightful rolls.
Step 10: Glaze and Serve
- Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the cream cheese glaze on top. Finish with a light dusting of ground cinnamon. Serve warm and watch as everyone swoons!
Notes
- Don’t rush the rises. Give your dough ample time to rise to achieve a fluffy texture.
- Room temperature ingredients like the egg and cream cheese mix better and incorporate air, adding to the lightness of the rolls.
- Use fresh spices. Ground spices lose potency over time, so fresh ones make a difference.
- Adjust sweetness. If you prefer your rolls a bit sweeter, add more sugar to the filling or glaze to suit your taste.
- Chilling the dough for an hour in the refrigerator can enhance the flavors and make it easier to roll out.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough the night before?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough, let it rise, and then punch it down. Place it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, roll it out and let it rise again before baking.
What if my rolls don’t rise?
If the dough doesn’t rise, ensure your yeast is fresh and that the milk wasn’t too hot or too cold when mixing.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the bread flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend. Results can vary, so some experimentation may be needed.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
They should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. A thermometer should read around 190°F (88°C) in the center.
Can I add nuts or raisins?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts or raisins are great additions to the filling. They add a nice texture and flavor contrast.
Conclusion
Making my best pumpkin cinnamon rolls ever transformed my kitchen into a cozy haven filled with warmth and sweet scents. This recipe brings together simple ingredients and a few hours of time to create something truly magical.
The joy on my family’s faces as they savor each delicious bite makes all the effort worthwhile.
Feel free to experiment, share the rolls with loved ones, and spread that delightful autumn warmth. With the rich flavors and comforting scents, these cinnamon rolls will become a staple in your home for years to come. So, grab your apron and get started!
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more