Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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There’s something magical about waking up to the smell of freshly baked pumpkin cinnamon rolls, especially as the cooler months roll in.

These rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with warm spices that just make you feel cozy inside.

With the perfect pumpkin flavor paired with cinnamon, they’re a delightful treat for breakfast or dessert.

Let’s dive into the recipe and bring some deliciousness to your kitchen!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

These pumpkin cinnamon rolls are not just any ordinary rolls.

They are rich, moist, and packed with the flavors of fall.

The pumpkin puree gives them a lovely texture and subtle sweetness, while the cinnamon filling provides that warm, comforting taste that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.

Plus, they’re completely homemade, which means you can enjoy them fresh out of the oven.

Trust me, once you try these, your brunch game will be forever changed!

Ingredients

To make these scrumptious pumpkin cinnamon rolls, you’ll need the following:

• ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk, warm between 105° and 115°F (40° and 46°C)
• 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (212 g) pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons (25 g) light brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
• 3 ¾ cups (450 g) all-purpose flour

These simple ingredients blend together to create a dough that’s easy to work with and delicious to eat.

How To Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Now, let’s get started on making these heavenly rolls!

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and melted butter.

Make sure the milk is warm, not too hot, to avoid killing the yeast.

Stir in the pumpkin puree, egg, light brown sugar, and salt until well combined.

Sprinkle the instant yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

This means the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!

Step 2: Add the Flour

Slowly start adding the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time.

Mix until a dough starts to form.

You can use a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.

If you’re mixing by hand, you might get a little flour on your countertop, and that’s okay—embrace it!

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Once the dough comes together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface.

Knead the dough for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour as needed.

After kneading, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl.

Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Prepare The Filling

While the dough is rising, let’s make the filling.

In a small bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

This mix will give your rolls that classic cinnamon flavor.

You can also add a tablespoon of melted butter to the mixture if you’d like a richer filling.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air.

On a lightly floured surface, roll it out into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.

You want it to be about ¼ inch thick.

Spread the pumpkin filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving about 1 inch of space at the edges.

Step 6: Roll and Cut the Dough

Start at one end of the rectangle and carefully roll it up tightly, making sure not to squish the filling out.

Once you have a log shape, slice the dough into even pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches wide.

You should have about 12 rolls.

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each one.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until they puff up nicely.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during this time.

Step 8: Bake the Rolls

Once the rolls have risen, pop them in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes until they are golden brown.

Keep an eye on them toward the end to prevent over-baking.

Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly!

Step 9: Glaze the Rolls

While the rolls are baking, you can prepare a simple glaze if you like.

Mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Drizzle it over the warm rolls as soon as they come out of the oven for that perfect finishing touch.

Expert Tips

• Make sure your milk is warm enough but not too hot, as it can kill the yeast.
• Feel free to add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for extra texture.
• If you want to make these in advance, you can prepare the rolls and place them in the fridge overnight. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
• Don’t skip the second rise! It’s essential for fluffy, soft rolls.

Variations and Customizations

• For a cream cheese frosting, whip together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract.
• Swap fall spices! Consider adding nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile.
• Try using whole wheat flour in place of some of the all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
• Add chocolate chips to the filling for a sweet twist!

How to Store Leftovers

Once you’ve made your pumpkin cinnamon rolls, you’ll likely want to enjoy them for a couple of days.

Store any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to two days.

If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week.

To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.

FAQ

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin well, removing excess moisture so it stays consistent with canned pumpkin.

Why are my cinnamon rolls dense?

Dense rolls often come from not allowing enough rise time or using old yeast.

Ensure your yeast is fresh and allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size.

Can I freeze these pumpkin cinnamon rolls?

Yes! Once baked and cooled, you can freeze them in an airtight container.

Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.

What can I serve with pumpkin cinnamon rolls?

These rolls go perfectly with coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet treat!

Conclusion

There you have it—a delicious and easy recipe for pumpkin cinnamon rolls that will fill your home with warmth and spice.

This recipe captures the essence of fall perfectly and is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Whether enjoyed for breakfast or as a tasty snack, they’re a delightful way to celebrate the season.

So gather your ingredients, channel your inner baker, and create something special with these pumpkin cinnamon rolls.

Happy baking!

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