Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect treat for fall and beyond. These delightful rolls feature pumpkin in both the dough and filling, creating a soft and flavorful experience. Topped with a coffee maple cream cheese icing, they are sure to impress at any gathering. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack, these rolls are a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and spices creates a warm, inviting taste that celebrates fall.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert; these rolls fit any occasion.
- Homemade Goodness: Making your own rolls means you control the ingredients for a fresh experience.
- Unique Twists: With pumpkin in both the dough and filling, these cinnamon rolls stand out from traditional recipes.
- Perfectly Gooey: The cream cheese icing adds a rich and creamy finish that complements the flavors beautifully.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Simplifies mixing the dough, ensuring it’s well-blended without much effort.
- Rolling pin: Helps achieve an even thickness for rolling out your dough perfectly.
- Baking dish: Ensures even baking so your rolls come out fluffy every time.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- One 425g can Pumpkin Puree (See body of post for making your own)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 150g whole milk, lukewarm
- 4 Tbsp (50g) brown sugar
- 565g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 140g reduced pumpkin puree
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 120g unsalted butter, at room temperature
For the Filling
- 225g unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 360g light or dark brown sugar
- 115g reduced pumpkin puree
- 2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp ground cardamom
- pinch of salt
For the Icing
- 165g cream cheese, at room temperature
- 75g butter, at room temperature
- 275g powdered sugar, sifted
- 75g maple syrup
- 2 tsp espresso powder
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste
How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by combining warm milk and yeast in a bowl. Allow it to sit until frothy. In your stand mixer bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom. Add the yeast mixture along with eggs, vanilla bean paste, pumpkin puree, and butter.
Mix on low until combined then increase speed to medium until a smooth dough forms.
Step 2: First Rise
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In another bowl, combine softened butter with brown sugar, reduced pumpkin puree, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt. Mix well until smooth.
Step 4: Roll Out Dough
Once risen, punch down the dough gently. On a floured surface, roll out into a rectangle about ½ inch thick.
Step 5: Add Filling
Spread your prepared filling evenly over the rolled-out dough. Starting from one edge, roll tightly into a log.
Step 6: Cut Rolls
Slice the log into equal pieces (about 12). Place them in a greased baking dish.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover again and let them rise until puffy (around 30 minutes).
Step 8: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Step 9: Make Icing
While rolls bake, beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing. Then stir in maple syrup, espresso powder, salt, and vanilla bean paste until smooth.
Step 10: Frost Rolls
Once baked and slightly cooled, drizzle your icing over the warm Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls before serving.
Enjoy these delightful Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls fresh from your oven!
How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy breakfast or a festive dessert. Here are some delightful ways to serve these sweet treats that will impress your family and friends.
With Coffee
- Pair with freshly brewed coffee for a warm, comforting combination that enhances the flavors of the rolls.
Drizzled with Maple Syrup
- A drizzle of maple syrup adds an extra layer of sweetness, making each bite even more indulgent.
Topped with Nuts
- Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin.
Served Warm
- Enjoy your rolls straight from the oven or reheated slightly in the microwave for that gooey texture everyone loves.
Accompanied by Fresh Fruit
- Serve alongside slices of fresh apples or pears for a refreshing contrast to the rich cinnamon rolls.
As Part of a Brunch Spread
- Include these rolls in a brunch buffet, pairing them with other pastries and breakfast items for a delightful feast.
How to Perfect Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
To achieve the best Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, consider these helpful tips. They will elevate your baking game and ensure perfect results every time.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Always check the expiration dates on your yeast and spices to ensure maximum flavor.
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Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to prevent dense rolls; too much flour can ruin the texture.
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Don’t Skip Proofing: Allowing the dough to rise adequately is essential for soft, fluffy rolls. Be patient!
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Control Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to make sure your oven is at the right temperature for even baking.
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Experiment with Icing: Feel free to adjust the coffee maple cream cheese icing by adding more maple syrup or espresso powder based on your taste preference.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:
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Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein, balancing out the sweetness of the rolls perfectly.
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Breakfast Sausages: The savory flavor of sausage links complements the sweet cinnamon rolls beautifully.
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Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits offers freshness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the rolls.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries adds creaminess and crunch, making it an excellent side option.
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Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal can be a hearty addition that pairs well with sweet rolls.
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Green Smoothie: For a healthier twist, serve a green smoothie loaded with spinach or kale alongside your rolls.
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Chia Seed Pudding: This can serve as a light yet nutritious complement, adding texture and flavor variety.
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Cheese Platter: Add a selection of cheeses to offer salty contrasts against the sweetness of your Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes along the way. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
- Incorrect yeast temperature: Using water that’s too hot can kill the yeast. Always ensure your milk is lukewarm (about 110°F) before adding the yeast.
- Overworking the dough: Kneading too much can lead to tough rolls. Mix until just combined for soft, fluffy results.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for the flour and sugar.
- Skipping the rise time: Allowing dough to rise is crucial for texture. Be patient and let it double in size before rolling it out.
- Ignoring filling ratios: Using too much filling can cause overflow during baking. Stick to recommended amounts for perfect rolls.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover pumpkin cinnamon rolls in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
- Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place rolls on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one roll at a time on a microwave-safe plate for about 20-30 seconds.
- Stovetop: Use a covered skillet on low heat, adding a splash of water to create steam, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries about making Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! You can make your own pumpkin puree from fresh pumpkins by roasting and blending them until smooth.
How do I know when my rolls are done?
The tops should be golden brown, and they will have risen well. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
What variations can I try with Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls?
Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or even different spices like nutmeg for unique flavors!
Are these rolls suitable for freezing?
Yes! These rolls freeze well. Just ensure they are wrapped properly before freezing.
Final Thoughts
These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are not only delicious but also versatile enough to customize with your favorite spices or toppings. They make an excellent treat for any occasion or simply as a cozy breakfast choice. Try this recipe and enjoy the warmth and comfort of homemade goodness!
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful fall treat that combines the warmth of pumpkin and spices in both the dough and filling. Soft and fluffy, these rolls are topped with a luscious coffee maple cream cheese icing that elevates every bite. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they bring comfort and joy to any gathering. With their unique twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, these gooey delights are sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
- 425g canned pumpkin puree
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 150g whole milk (lukewarm)
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
- 565g all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
- 225g unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 165g cream cheese (room temperature)
- Maple syrup and espresso powder for icing
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast; let sit until frothy. In a stand mixer, mix flour, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom.
- Add yeast mixture, eggs, pumpkin puree, and butter; mix on low until combined, then increase speed to medium until smooth.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and let rise for about an hour until doubled in size.
- Prepare filling by mixing softened butter with brown sugar, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread the filling evenly over it, roll tightly into a log, and slice into equal pieces.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish; cover and let rise for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- While baking, prepare the icing by mixing cream cheese and butter until creamy; gradually add powdered sugar followed by maple syrup and espresso powder.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
