Description
These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful fall-inspired treat, combining soft, fluffy yeast dough with spiced pumpkin filling and a luscious pumpkin cream cheese icing. Perfect for cozy mornings or festive celebrations, they feature a tender pumpkin-infused dough, warm brown sugar and pumpkin spice filling, and a creamy frosting that adds just the right amount of sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- ¾ cup milk
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons warm water (105-110°F)
- 1 (0.25 ounces) packet dry active yeast
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3½-4 cups all-purpose flour (plus additional for dusting the work surface)
Filling Ingredients
- â…“ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon)
Icing Ingredients
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- â…› teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch pan or baking dish and set aside to use later for baking the rolls.
- Heat Milk and Butter: In a wide, shallow saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk and 6 tablespoons of butter. Stir frequently and heat just until you see small bubbles appearing around the edges. Avoid boiling the milk.
- Cool Milk: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the milk mixture to cool to below 115°F, which typically takes about 15 minutes.
- Activate Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water and dry active yeast. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes until it becomes bubbly and frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the cooled milk, egg, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until all ingredients are incorporated.
- Add Flour and Form Dough: Begin by adding 3 cups of flour to the mixture. Using the dough hook attachment on medium-low speed, mix until combined. Then add the remaining flour ¼ cup at a time until the dough pulls away from the bowl edges and forms a soft ball.
- Knead Dough: Continue kneading the dough in the stand mixer on low speed for 5 minutes, or knead by hand on a floured surface until the dough is smooth and elastic, approximately 8 minutes.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a large greased bowl, cover lightly with a kitchen towel, and let it rest in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Roll Dough: Turn the risen dough out onto a floured surface and roll it into a 15 x 12-inch rectangle, preparing it for filling.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the â…“ cup pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice until evenly combined.
- Fill and Roll: Spread the filling mixture evenly over the dough rectangle, leaving a 1-inch gap on one long side to seal the roll. Gently roll the dough into a log starting at the long edge with filling, being careful as the filling is soft and may ooze.
- Cut Rolls: Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, slice the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces. Place them cut side up into the prepared greased pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 45-60 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last part of the second rise.
- Add Heavy Cream: Pour ½ cup heavy whipping cream evenly over the raised rolls before baking to keep them moist and add richness.
- Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the rolls are cooked through.
- Cool Rolls: Remove the baked rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before icing.
- Make Icing: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with a hand mixer until fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Sift in powdered sugar and mix until smooth and creamy.
- Ice Rolls: Spread the cream cheese pumpkin icing generously over the cooled rolls for a luscious finish.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is cooled below 115°F before adding to the yeast to prevent killing the yeast.
- Use warm water between 105-110°F to properly activate the yeast.
- For best results, allow the dough to double in size during both rises; this creates soft and fluffy rolls.
- If the filling mixture is too soft and oozes out while rolling, handle the dough gently to maintain shape.
- You can substitute pumpkin pie spice with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves if desired.
- Store leftovers wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Reheat rolls gently in the microwave or oven before serving to restore softness and freshness.
