Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate fall treat, combining soft pumpkin brioche with a luscious pumpkin brown sugar filling. These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert and are sure to impress your family and friends. With their delightful blend of spices and a rich coffee maple cream cheese icing, they offer a unique twist on traditional cinnamon rolls that you won’t want to miss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and spices creates a cozy flavor profile that is perfect for autumn.
• Versatile Occasion: Serve these rolls at breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet ending to any meal.
• Homemade Goodness: Enjoy the satisfaction of baking from scratch with ingredients you can trust.
• Gooey Texture: Each roll is fluffy and filled with a gooey sweetness that melts in your mouth.
• Impressive Presentation: These rolls not only taste amazing but also look stunning on any table.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, having the right tools will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Baking dish
• Rubber spatula
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Ideal for kneading dough efficiently, saving you time and effort.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients properly without spills.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve an even thickness in the dough for perfect rolling.

Ingredients

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls have Pumpkin both in the dough and the filling. Soft pumpkin brioche is rolled up with a pumpkin brown sugar filling. The rolls are baked and then finished with a coffee maple cream cheese icing.

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

For the Filling

• 120g unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 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 mixing bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Then add pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla bean paste, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, ground cardamom, and half of the flour. Mix until combined. Gradually add remaining flour until you form a dough.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a separate bowl, mix softened butter with brown sugar, reduced pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

After the dough has risen, punch it down. Roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface. Spread the filling evenly over the dough.

Step 5: Form the Rolls

Starting from one long edge of the rectangle, roll up tightly into a log shape. Pinch seams to seal. Cut into equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.

Step 6: Bake

Place rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise again for about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once risen, bake rolls for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 7: Prepare Icing

While rolls are baking, whip together cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing. Add maple syrup, espresso powder, kosher salt, and vanilla bean paste; mix well.

Step 8: Ice Your Rolls

Once baked & slightly cooled, drizzle icing over warm Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls before serving. Enjoy!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed warm and fresh from the oven. They can be served in various delightful ways, enhancing your experience with these gooey treats.

With a Warm Beverage

• Coffee or Espresso: Pair these rolls with a cup of your favorite coffee or a shot of espresso to complement the flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon.
• Chai Tea: A spiced chai tea brings out the warm spices in the rolls, providing a cozy atmosphere.

As a Dessert

• With Ice Cream: Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top creates a delicious contrast between warm and cold.
• Drizzled with Caramel: A drizzle of warm caramel adds extra sweetness and richness to each bite.

For Breakfast

• Topped with Fresh Fruit: Sliced bananas or berries can add freshness and balance to the sweetness of the rolls.
• Accompanied by Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt gives a tangy twist that pairs well with the sweetness.

As a Snack

• With Nut Butter: Spread almond or peanut butter on top for added protein and flavor enhancement.
• Sprinkled with Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can provide crunch and additional nutrition.

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How to Perfect Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

To achieve the ultimate Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, follow these key tips for perfecting your baking technique.

• Use Fresh Yeast: Ensuring your yeast is fresh will help the dough rise perfectly for light and fluffy rolls.
• Knead Thoroughly: Kneading the dough until it’s smooth develops gluten, which contributes to soft texture.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your rolls while baking. They should be golden brown but not dry.
• Let Them Cool Slightly: Allowing them to cool for about 10 minutes before icing helps the glaze set without melting away.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing ingredients like butter and eggs to room temperature allows for better mixing and incorporation.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste. Adding nutmeg can elevate the fall flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls can be paired beautifully with various side dishes, making them perfect for any occasion. Here are some great options:

1. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs add protein and balance out the sweetness of the rolls.
2. Bacon Strips: Crispy bacon provides a savory contrast that enhances the overall meal experience.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can offer vibrant flavors that cut through the richness of the rolls.
4. Breakfast Sausage: Savory sausage links or patties bring heartiness that complements sweet pastries like these cinnamon rolls.
5. Avocado Toast: The creamy texture of avocado toast pairs well, adding healthy fats to your breakfast spread.
6. Smoothie Bowl: A colorful smoothie bowl filled with fruits adds freshness and nutrition alongside sweet cinnamon rolls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls can be a delightful experience, but some common mistakes can ruin the fun.

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your milk and eggs are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can prevent the dough from rising properly.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour. Too much flour will result in dry rolls.
• Ignoring resting time: Allow the dough to rest and rise as instructed. Skipping this step can yield dense rolls instead of fluffy ones.
• Overbaking the rolls: Keep an eye on your cinnamon rolls while baking. Overbaking can lead to dry and tough pastries.
• Not letting icing cool: Make sure your rolls are cool before adding icing. This prevents the icing from melting away.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual rolls for about 20-30 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat as they may become too tough.
• Stovetop: Place a roll in a pan over low heat, covering it with a lid. Heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls.

How do I make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls from scratch?

To make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls from scratch, you’ll combine ingredients like pumpkin puree, flour, yeast, and spices to create a rich dough that rises beautifully.

Can I use canned pumpkin for making Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls?

Yes, using canned pumpkin is convenient and effective for these rolls. Just ensure it’s pure pumpkin puree without added sugars or spices.

What variations can I try with Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls?

You can customize your rolls by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or different spices like nutmeg or ginger for added flavor.

How do I store leftover Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for later enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are not just delicious; they’re also versatile and perfect for any occasion. You can enjoy them as a cozy breakfast or dessert. Feel free to experiment with flavors or toppings to suit your taste!