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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree - 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast - 1/4 cup warm milk - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 large egg - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 tablespoons milk When you set out to make these pumpkin cinnamon rolls, you gather these key ingredients. The dry ingredients create the dough's base, while the wet ones add moisture and flavor. The glaze ingredients bring sweetness and a creamy finish to the rolls. Each item plays a vital role in making this fall treat a success. The spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger—infuse warmth and comfort into the rolls. The pumpkin puree not only adds flavor but also makes the rolls soft and moist. Combining these elements creates a delightful balance between taste and texture. When you have everything ready, you're one step closer to baking a batch of delicious pumpkin cinnamon rolls. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to combine yeast and warm milk. In a small bowl, mix the warmed milk with the active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about five minutes. You want it frothy. This means the yeast is ready. Next, it's time to mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This blend gives your rolls a warm flavor. Now, let’s combine the wet and dry ingredients. Add the pumpkin puree, melted butter, egg, and the frothy yeast mixture to the dry mix. Stir until a dough forms. It should be soft but not sticky. When the dough is ready, you must knead it. Use a floured surface and knead the dough for five to seven minutes. You are looking for smooth and elastic dough. This step is key for a good texture. Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for one hour. It should double in size. This is the first rise, and it helps develop flavor and texture. After the dough has risen, it's time to shape the rolls. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Aim for about a quarter inch thick. Now, you need to add butter and cinnamon-sugar filling. Spread a thin layer of softened butter over the entire surface. Next, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix evenly on top. Then, cutting and arranging rolls comes next. Roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other. Pinch the edges to seal. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place them in a greased baking dish. Before you bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for even baking. Now, it’s time for the baking time and signs of doneness. Bake your rolls for 20 to 25 minutes. They should turn golden brown. A toothpick inserted should come out clean. While the rolls bake, let’s prepare the glaze. Mixing cream cheese glaze ingredients is easy. Combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and two tablespoons of milk. Stir until smooth. Check for consistency. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If it's too thick, add a bit more milk. Once the rolls are done baking, let them cool slightly. This step is important before glazing. Now you can cooling and glazing the rolls. Drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the top. For presentation tips, serve warm on a nice platter. Add extra glaze and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an autumn touch. Enjoy the warmth and flavor of your pumpkin cinnamon rolls! - Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes. This helps develop gluten. - Use a floured surface to prevent sticking. - The dough should feel smooth and elastic. - To check if the dough has risen, poke it gently. If it springs back slowly, it’s ready. - Try adding a pinch of allspice for extra warmth. - You can mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. - Dark chocolate chips add a sweet twist to your rolls. - Pair your rolls with warm apple cider or coffee. - Serve on a festive platter with a sprinkle of cinnamon. - Drizzle extra glaze on top for a beautiful finish. Pro Tips Don’t Rush the Rising: Allow the dough to rise fully for the best texture. It should double in size, which ensures light and fluffy rolls. Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use fresh ground spices. They can make a significant difference in the taste of your cinnamon rolls. Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the right temperature, as an inaccurate oven can lead to undercooked or burnt rolls. Make Ahead: You can prepare the rolls the night before, cover them tightly, and place them in the fridge. Let them come to room temperature before baking in the morning. {{image_2}} For a gluten-free twist, you can use gluten-free flour blends. Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum. This helps mimic the texture of regular flour. You can also try almond flour or coconut flour. These will change the texture a bit, but they add a unique taste. Just remember to adjust the liquid in your dough. Gluten-free dough can be drier, so add a bit more liquid if needed. To make these rolls vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg. To make a flax egg, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about five minutes to thicken. Use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk. For butter, try coconut oil or vegan butter. These swaps keep your rolls soft and delicious without any animal products. For creative fillings, think beyond the classic cinnamon and sugar. You can add chopped apples or pears for a fruity kick. Chocolate chips can also bring a sweet twist. If you love nuts, try adding walnuts or pecans for crunch. You can also sprinkle in some dried cranberries for a tart contrast. Experimenting with fillings lets you customize your rolls to your taste. To keep your pumpkin cinnamon rolls fresh, place them in an airtight container. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. This method keeps them moist. Store them at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration works too, but they may dry out. Freezing these rolls is simple and smart. First, let the rolls cool completely. Then, wrap each roll in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, warm them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. These rolls stay fresh for about 2 days at room temperature. If you store them in the fridge, they can last up to a week. Freezing extends their life to about 3 months. Just remember, the fresher they are, the better they taste! Yes, you can prepare Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time. Here’s how: - Make the dough and let it rise. - After shaping the rolls, place them in a greased dish. - Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. - The next morning, let the rolls rise for 30 minutes before baking. If your rolls did not rise, check for these common issues: - The yeast may be expired. Always check the date. - The milk might have been too hot or too cold. It should be warm, not hot. - Ensure the dough is in a warm place to rise properly. To achieve softer rolls, follow these techniques: - Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour. - Knead the dough well to develop gluten. - Make sure not to overbake the rolls; they should be golden, not brown. Yes, you can use homemade pumpkin puree. Here’s what to consider: - Ensure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture. - Use the same amount as canned pumpkin in the recipe. - Fresh puree may have a different flavor; adjust spices if needed. Pair your Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with these options: - Hot coffee or warm apple cider enhances the fall flavors. - Serve with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added sweetness. - A light fruit salad can balance the richness of the rolls. In this post, we covered the key ingredients and steps to make delightful pumpkin cinnamon rolls. You learned how to prepare the dough, shape, bake, and glaze them. We shared tips to ensure perfect rolls and suggested fun variations. Use this knowledge to impress your friends and family. Baking can be fun and rewarding. Experiment with your flavors and make the recipe your own. Enjoy the warmth and joy these rolls bring to your home!

Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls

Deliciously soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls infused with pumpkin and warm spices, topped with a creamy glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 0.25 cup milk (warmed)
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 0.5 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, combine the warmed milk and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
  • Add the pumpkin puree, melted butter, egg, and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
  • Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
  • Spread a thin layer of softened butter over the surface of the dough. Sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar over the buttered surface evenly.
  • Roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other, forming a log. Pinch the edges to seal. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.
  • Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
  • While the cinnamon rolls bake, prepare the glaze by mixing the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth.
  • Once the rolls are done baking, let them cool slightly before drizzling the cream cheese glaze generously over the top.

Notes

Serve warm on a decorative platter, drizzled with extra glaze and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a beautiful autumn touch. Enjoy!
Keyword cinnamon rolls, dessert, pumpkin spice