Pumpkin cinnamon rolls are a delicious treat that’s perfect for fall. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with warm pumpkin spice flavors. Whether you’re making them for a special breakfast or just as a cozy snack, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. Plus, they’re easier to make than you might think, so you can enjoy fresh, homemade rolls without too much hassle.
| Servings | Total |
| 12 Rolls | 1hr 55mins |
History of Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Pumpkin cinnamon rolls are a relatively new twist on the traditional cinnamon roll, which has been a popular pastry for centuries. Cinnamon rolls originated in Sweden, where they are known as “kanelbullar,” and they spread across Europe and eventually to North America. The addition of pumpkin to cinnamon rolls likely came about as a way to incorporate the popular fall flavor into this beloved treat. Pumpkin spice has become a seasonal favorite, and adding it to cinnamon rolls was a natural evolution.
Why Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Pumpkin cinnamon rolls are a great way to bring the flavors of fall into your kitchen. The pumpkin adds moisture and richness to the dough, while the cinnamon and other spices bring warmth and depth to the flavor. These rolls are perfect for a cozy breakfast, a holiday brunch, or even as a dessert. They’re also a fun and creative way to enjoy the classic cinnamon roll with a seasonal twist.
What are Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Made of?
Pumpkin cinnamon rolls are made from a simple dough enriched with pumpkin puree and spices. The filling typically consists of butter, cinnamon, sugar, and sometimes a bit of nutmeg or cloves. Once baked, they’re often topped with a sweet glaze or cream cheese frosting, which complements the pumpkin flavor perfectly.
What to Have with Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Pumpkin cinnamon rolls are delicious on their own, but they pair well with a hot cup of coffee or tea. You can also serve them with a side of fresh fruit, yogurt, or a glass of milk. If you’re serving them as part of a brunch spread, they go well with scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage.
Is Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Healthy?
Pumpkin cinnamon rolls are a treat, so they should be enjoyed in moderation. While pumpkin is a good source of vitamins and fiber, the rolls also contain sugar, butter, and flour, which are high in calories. The overall healthiness of the rolls will depend on the ingredients used, especially the amount of sugar and butter.
Kitchen Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Baking dish (9×13 inch)
- Oven
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Dough hook (if using a stand mixer)
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk (warm)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 egg
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, pumpkin puree, melted butter, and the egg. Mix until smooth. Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, or use a dough hook with a stand mixer for 3 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional spices in a small bowl until well combined.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices and place them in a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once the rolls are done, drizzle the glaze over them while they are still warm. Serve and enjoy!
Tips
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the filling.
- You can make the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch.
Conclusion
Pumpkin cinnamon rolls are the perfect treat for fall, combining the warm spices of cinnamon with the rich flavor of pumpkin. They’re easy to make and a great way to enjoy the season’s flavors with family and friends. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your home.
MORE RECIPES
Easy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling Pin
- Baking dish (9×13 inch)
- Oven
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Dough hook (if using a stand mixer)
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk (warm)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, pumpkin puree, melted butter, and the egg. Mix until smooth. Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, or use a dough hook with a stand mixer for 3 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional spices in a small bowl until well combined.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices and place them in a greased or parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once the rolls are done, drizzle the glaze over them while they are still warm. Serve and enjoy!