Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

There is something irresistibly cozy about Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls that makes them the ultimate fall treat. Imagine soft, fluffy dough infused with the subtle sweetness and warm earthiness of pumpkin, rolled generously with cinnamon-spiced brown sugar, and topped with the most luscious salted caramel frosting. These rolls bring together the perfect blend of seasonal flavor and comforting texture, making every bite a little moment of pure joy. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are guaranteed to fill your home with delicious aromas and your heart with happiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls recipe plays a starring role, combining to create a perfect balance of moist, flavorful dough and sweet, sticky filling. These simple pantry staples come together to give the rolls their tender texture, warm spice, and that irresistible golden color.

• Flour (3 1/4 cups, divided): Provides structure and the perfect chewy base for the rolls.
• Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): Gives the dough a wonderful rise and lightness.
• Pumpkin (1/2 cup, NOT pumpkin pie filling): Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and that beautiful seasonal color.
• Milk (2/3 cup): Helps achieve a tender crumb and keeps the dough soft.
• Sugar (2 tablespoons): Balances the earthiness of pumpkin with just a hint of sweetness.
• Butter (4 tablespoons, divided): Infuses richness both in the dough and the filling.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
• Egg (1 beaten): Binds the ingredients and adds to the dough’s soft texture.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup packed): The key to that deep, caramelized cinnamon swirl inside.
• Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Warms and spices the filling with classic flavor.
• For the salted caramel frosting: Butter, brown sugar, milk, vanilla, salt, and confectioner’s sugar combine to create an irresistible, rich topping that perfectly complements the rolls.

How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the dough base

Start by combining 1 1/2 cups of flour with the yeast in your stand mixer bowl, then set that aside for a moment. In a saucepan, whisk together the pumpkin, milk, sugar, salt, and two tablespoons of butter. Warm this mixture gently on medium-low heat until it’s hot and the butter is nearly melted—take care not to let it boil, as the warmth activates the yeast perfectly without killing it.

Step 2: Mix and knead the dough

Pour the warm pumpkin mixture and the beaten egg into the flour and yeast mixture. Stir on medium speed until everything is combined and wet. Gradually add the remaining flour, continuing to mix on medium speed. The dough should start pulling away from the bowl’s sides but remain slightly sticky—you can add a little more flour if needed to reach this texture. Knead it in the mixer for about eight minutes to develop that perfect elasticity and softness.

Step 3: Let the dough rise

Transfer your dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise until doubled in size—this usually takes about an hour. This rise time allows the dough to become airy and tender, setting the stage for light, fluffy cinnamon rolls.

Step 4: Roll and fill

After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 12 by 10 inches. Melt the remaining butter and brush it generously over the surface. Then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly across the dough. These layers of sweet filling will create those signature swirls bursting with flavor.

Step 5: Shape and second rise

Roll the dough tightly, starting from the long edge, and slice it into 12 equal rolls. Place the rolls cut side down in a greased 9 x 13 inch pan. Cover and let them rise for 30 minutes to puff up before baking.

Step 6: Bake and frost

Bake your rolls at 375 degrees for 20 minutes until golden and cooked through. While they cool, prepare the salted caramel frosting by melting butter on medium-low heat, stirring in brown sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt. Let it cook for three minutes before removing from heat and whisking in confectioner’s sugar to create a glossy, silky glaze. Drizzle this decadent frosting over the cooled rolls and prepare to delight in every bite!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

Adding a little extra flair to your Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls is so easy and fun. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans adds a lovely crunch and nutty depth, while a light dusting of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice amps up the seasonal aroma. For a pop of color and subtle tartness, you can even scatter a few dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds on top.

Side Dishes

These rolls are a wonderful centerpiece for any brunch or breakfast spread. Pair them with a creamy chai latte or spiced coffee to echo the warm cinnamon notes. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or a citrusy fruit salad perfectly balances the richness of the rolls. If serving as dessert, vanilla bean ice cream or a simple bowl of whipped cream complements the salted caramel frosting beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, try serving your Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a rustic, charming vibe. You can also arrange the rolls in a spiral on a large platter and drizzle the caramel frosting artistically for a show-stopping presentation. Wrapping each roll in parchment paper tied with a strand of twine makes for a delightful homemade gift or party favor too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls left after the first delightful round, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft and fresh. To avoid dryness, place a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully if you want to make them ahead. Make sure they are completely cooled, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge for easy access.

Reheating

To bring your frozen or leftover Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls back to life, warm them gently in the oven at 300 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving for 20-30 seconds works too—just be careful not to overdo it or they’ll become tough. Add a fresh drizzle of caramel frosting for an extra indulgent treat.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of fresh pumpkin?

It’s best not to use canned pumpkin pie filling because it contains added sugars and spices that will alter the flavor and texture of your rolls. Pure pumpkin puree keeps the dough moist without making it too sweet or overly spiced.

Do I need a stand mixer to make these rolls?

Nope! While a stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading easier, you can mix and knead the dough by hand. Just be prepared for a bit of a workout and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 10-12 minutes.

Can I make the dough the night before?

Absolutely! After kneading, cover the dough well and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let it come to room temperature and proceed with rolling, filling, and baking. This slow rise helps develop deeper flavor.

What’s the best way to measure flour for this recipe?

For soft and fluffy rolls, fluff your flour first, then spoon it loosely into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping directly, which can compact the flour and lead to dense dough.

Can I make the salted caramel frosting ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the frosting a day before and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to use, gently rewarm it and whisk until smooth before drizzling over the rolls.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a fall breakfast that feels like a warm hug, these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls will not disappoint. Their tender pumpkin-infused dough, sweet cinnamon-sugar swirls, and luscious salted caramel frosting make every bite magical. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe—you’ll be rewarded with a kitchen filled with cozy aromas and a tray of irresistible treats that friends and family will ask for again and again.

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