Indulge in the Best Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls for Every Occasion

As the leaves start to turn and the air grows crisp, there’s no better way to welcome the fall season than with a batch of warm, fragrant Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls. These pillowy soft rolls, infused with the rich flavor of pumpkin and a cozy blend of autumn spices, are a true delight for the senses. Whether you’re baking them for a cozy weekend brunch or sharing them with loved ones, these pumpkin-infused cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to become a new seasonal favorite.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

To create these autumnal masterpieces, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together to form the perfect balance of flavors. Let’s break down the components:

For the Dough:

• 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (more for rolling out the dough)

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream for a thicker frosting)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Now that we have all the necessary ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating these delectable Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls:

Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Allow the mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and activated.

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and egg. Add the yeast mixture and combine. Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms.

Knead and Rise

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-2 hours until it has doubled in size.

Make the Filling

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

Shape the Rolls

Roll the dough out into a large rectangle. Spread the filling mixture evenly over the dough, then tightly roll it up from the short side. Cut the roll into 12 equal slices and place them in a greased baking dish.

Second Rise

Cover the rolls and let them rise for an additional 30-45 minutes.

Bake the Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and delicious.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the vanilla, powdered sugar, and milk (or heavy cream), and beat until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.

Frost and Serve

Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm pumpkin cinnamon rolls and enjoy this cozy, autumnal treat!

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

To ensure your Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft and slightly tacky, but not overly sticky. Add a little more flour if it’s too sticky, or a splash of milk if it’s too dry.
• Proofing the Dough: Be mindful of the rising time and avoid over-proofing the dough, as this can lead to collapsed rolls.
• Shaping the Rolls: Roll the dough into a tight, even log to ensure the filling is distributed evenly and the rolls bake up nicely.
• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover pumpkin cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Variations and Additions

While the classic Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are a true delight, you can also try a few variations to make them your own:

• Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for an extra crunch.
• Dried Fruit Twist: Add a handful of dried cranberries or raisins to the filling for a sweet and tangy twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with other warm spices like ginger, cloves, or allspice to enhance the autumnal flavors.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Apple Cinnamon Rolls
• Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls
• Maple Pecan Sticky Buns

FAQs About Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Are pumpkin cinnamon rolls good?

Absolutely! The combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, and cream cheese frosting creates a delightful and indulgent treat that’s perfect for the fall season. The pumpkin adds a rich, moist texture, while the cinnamon and spices provide a cozy, autumnal flavor.

Did Trader Joe’s discontinue pumpkin cinnamon rolls?

Unfortunately, it appears that Trader Joe’s has discontinued their popular pumpkin cinnamon rolls. However, this just means it’s the perfect time to try making your own homemade version! With this recipe, you can enjoy all the flavors you love without having to wait for a limited-time seasonal offering.

Does Cinnabon have pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls?

While Cinnabon is known for their classic cinnamon rolls, they do occasionally offer seasonal variations, including a pumpkin spice cinnamon roll during the fall months. However, their pumpkin offering may not be available year-round, making homemade Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls an excellent alternative.

Do cinnamon and pumpkin go together?

Absolutely! Cinnamon and pumpkin are a match made in heaven. The warm, spicy notes of cinnamon complement the rich, earthy flavor of pumpkin perfectly. This classic combination is a staple in many autumn-inspired baked goods and desserts, including pies, breads, and of course, these delectable Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls.

Conclusion

When the crisp air of autumn arrives, nothing quite captures the cozy, comforting essence of the season like a freshly baked batch of Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls. With their pillowy soft dough, swirls of pumpkin and cinnamon, and a creamy cream cheese frosting, these rolls are a true delight for the senses. Whether you’re enjoying them for a leisurely weekend brunch or sharing them with loved ones, these pumpkin-infused cinnamon rolls are sure to become a new fall favorite.

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