Nothing signals the arrival of fall quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked pumpkin cinnamon rolls wafting through your home. Combining the warmth of cinnamon with the earthy sweetness of pumpkin, these rolls are a perfect treat for a cozy morning or a festive holiday brunch. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a simple yet delightful recipe, so you can indulge in this autumnal favorite anytime the craving strikes.
Essential Ingredients for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
For the Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
Step-By-Step Instructions for the recipe:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Begin by sprinkling yeast over warm milk in a large mixing bowl. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. Stir in the sugar and salt, followed by the butter, egg, and pumpkin puree. Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 6-8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen
2. Pumpkin Puree Selection
towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial as it allows the dough to develop its flavor and texture, setting the stage for the perfect cinnamon roll experience.
3. Preparing the Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the luscious cinnamon filling that will soon swirl through each roll. For the filling, you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to deflate it and transfer it back to your floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle, approximately 1218 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top, making sure it covers the entire surface uniformly.
Assembling the Rolls
Carefully roll the dough up, starting from one of the longer edges, to form a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal it. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 to 15 equal pieces, depending on how large you like your rolls. For precise cuts, try using unflavored dental floss: slide a piece of floss under the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull to slice cleanly through the dough.
Arranging and Baking
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Arrange the Rolls:Â Place the sliced rolls in the prepared dish, leaving a bit of space between each one to allow for expansion as they rise and bake.
- Second Rise:Â Cover the baking dish with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the rolls rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 30 to 45 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving fluffy, soft rolls.
- Preheat the Oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the Rolls:Â Once risen, place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and the centers are cooked through. If you notice the tops browning too
For the Dough (continued):
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (or one packet)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Preparing the Dough
- Activate the Yeast:Â In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Combine Ingredients:Â Add the melted butter,egg, pumpkin puree, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon to the frothy yeast mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Incorporate the Flour:Â Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough:Â Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for convenience.
- Initial Rise:Â Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning it to grease the top. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
With the dough ready, can now move on to rolling it out, adding the filling, and shaping your delicious pumpkin cinnamon rolls. Once the rolls are baked to perfection, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls, allowing it to melt slightly into the crevices for a truly indulgent treat. Enjoy your homemade pumpkin cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven with a cup of coffee or hot apple cider for the ultimate autumn experience.
Benefits of Fresh vs. Canned Pumpkin
When it comes to making pumpkin cinnamon rolls, the choice between fresh and canned pumpkin can significantly impact both flavor and texture. Each option has its own advantages, which we’ll explore to help you decide which suits your baking needs best.
Fresh Pumpkin
Rich, Natural Flavor: Using fresh pumpkin allows you to enjoy the vegetable’s natural, rich flavor without any preservatives or additives. The subtle sweetness and slightly nutty undertone of fresh pumpkin can enhance the overall complexity of your cinnamon rolls.
Customization:Â With fresh pumpkin, you have the flexibility to choose the variety that best fits your taste preferences. Some pumpkins are sweeter, while others have a more robust flavor, allowing you to tailor your rolls according to your liking.
Higher Nutrient Content:Â Fresh pumpkin tends to retain more of its natural nutrients, providing a good source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and beta-carotene. This can add a slight health benefit to your indulgence.
Labor Intensive:Â The downside is that preparing fresh pumpkin can be labor-intensive. It requires peeling, cutting, cooking, and pureeing, which might be time-consuming compared to popping open a can.
Canned Pumpkin
Canned pumpkin offers the perfect blend of convenience and flavor for those who want to enjoy baking without the added hassle of preparing fresh pumpkin puree. Not only does it save time, but it also guarantees a consistent texture and taste in your cinnamon rolls.
Benefits of Using Canned Pumpkin
- Consistency: Canned pumpkin provides a uniform texture that is hard to achieve with homemade puree. This ensures that your batter will turn out perfectly smooth every time.
- Time-Saving: Preparing fresh pumpkin can be labor-intensive, involving cutting, cooking, and pureeing. Canned pumpkin eliminates these steps, allowing you more time to focus on crafting the perfect cinnamon roll.
- Year-Round Availability: Available throughout the year, canned pumpkin allows you to savor the taste of fall whenever you desire, without waiting for pumpkin season.
Try More Recipes:-
- Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Hello Kitty Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Healthy Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad
- Fritos Chili Cheese Salad
- Black Bean and Corn Salad Recipe
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose fresh or canned pumpkin, incorporating this delicious ingredient into your cinnamon rolls adds a seasonal twist that elevates the classic treat. Fresh pumpkin brings a depth of flavor and a dose of nutrients, while canned pumpkin provides ease and consistent results. Both options can yield delightful rolls that are perfect for a cozy fall morning or a holiday gathering.
Regardless of your choice, don’t forget the warm spices and sweet icing that make cinnamon rolls so irresistible. Pour a cup of hot coffee or apple cider, and enjoy these pumpkin-infused rolls with friends and family for a truly comforting experience.
Now that you’re armed with the essentials of pumpkin cinnamon rolls, it’s time to get baking and enjoy the flavors of autumn in every bite.
FAQs
Why put heavy cream on cinnamon rolls before baking?
Heavy cream adds moisture and richness, making the rolls extra soft and gooey.
How do you add pumpkin to canned cinnamon rolls?
Spread a pumpkin purée and spice mixture over the unrolled dough before re-rolling and baking.
What is the secret to rolling a pumpkin roll?
Roll it while the cake is still warm using a clean towel, then unroll to fill and reroll once cooled.
Are pumpkin cinnamon rolls good?
Yes! They’re soft, spiced, and packed with cozy fall flavor — a seasonal favorite.
