Fluffy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you are looking for a cozy, irresistible treat that will fill your kitchen with the warm scents of autumn, this Fluffy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is your ticket to pumpkin-spiced heaven. Combining the soft, tender texture of classic cinnamon rolls with the rich and comforting flavor of pumpkin and warming spices, these rolls are a delightful twist on a beloved favorite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday brunch or simply craving a comforting snack, this recipe brings together the perfect blend of fluffiness, spice, and sweetness in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these pumpkin cinnamon rolls lies in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from the warm milk that activates the yeast to the fragrant spices that bring fall flavor to life. Together, they create a dough that is soft and pillowy, and a filling that’s richly spiced, ensuring every roll is a little piece of comfort.

• Whole milk, warmed (3/4 cup): Provides moisture and warmth to activate the yeast for a perfect rise.
• Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): The essential leavening agent that makes these rolls wonderfully fluffy.
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance pumpkin’s earthiness.
• Pumpkin purée (1/2 cup): Brings natural moisture, vibrant color, and seasonal flavor to the dough.
• Unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup): Enriches the dough for tenderness and a subtle buttery taste.
• Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and adds richness to the dough texture.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies other flavors.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Delivers warm spice that’s signature to cinnamon rolls.
• Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a hint of nutty warmth and depth.
• Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon): Provides a gentle pungency that complements the cinnamon and nutmeg.
• All-purpose flour (3 to 3 1/2 cups): The base for the dough, giving structure while keeping it tender.
• Unsalted butter, very soft (1/2 cup, for filling): Creates a luscious layer of richness inside the rolls.
• Brown sugar, packed (3/4 cup): Sweet and slightly molasses-flavored, it caramelizes beautifully while baking.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon, for filling): Intensifies the cinnamon flavor in the filling.
• Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon, for filling): Adds warm spice complexity within the swirl.
• Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon, for filling): Complements other spices inside the filling for a truly cozy blend.
• Cream cheese, softened (4 oz, for frosting): Creates a tangy, smooth frosting that contrasts beautifully with the sweet rolls.
• Unsalted butter, softened (1/4 cup, for frosting): Adds richness and creaminess to the frosting.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup, for frosting): Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a perfect glaze.
• Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon, for frosting): Offers aromatic depth in the frosting.
• Pinch of salt (for frosting): Enhances all the frosting’s flavors, balancing sweetness.

How to Make Fluffy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast

Start by whisking warm milk, yeast, and a tablespoon of sugar in a large bowl. This gentle mixture wakes the yeast up, making it foam and become bubbly—a sure sign it’s ready to work its magic in the dough.

Step 2: Mix the Pumpkin Dough

Next, add in the rest of the sugar, pumpkin purée, melted butter, egg, vanilla, salt, and warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir until silky smooth; this pumpkin-infused mixture is your dough’s flavorful base.

Step 3: Add Flour and Knead

Gradually mix in the flour, a cup at a time, until a soft dough forms that’s slightly sticky but workable. Knead for 5 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic—this process builds strength to help your rolls rise beautifully fluffy.

Step 4: First Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and leave it in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours. Watch it puff up and nearly double – this is the yeast creating those precious air bubbles.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Turn out the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently roll it into a 16 by 12-inch rectangle. This is the canvas for your scrumptious filling.

Step 6: Add the Spiced Filling

Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled dough. Sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves generously on top, creating a sweet and aromatic blanket that will melt into the dough as it bakes.

Step 7: Roll and Slice

Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife, slice it into 12 even rolls, each packed with sweet, spicy filling spirals.

Step 8: Second Rise

Place the rolls in a well-greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and allow them to rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until puffed and smiling with promise.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and smell like fall coziness incarnate.

Step 10: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your rolls are baking, whip together softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt to make a dreamy frosting that complements the spicy pumpkin rolls perfectly.

Step 11: Frost and Serve Warm

Once the rolls are out of the oven and still warm, slather the frosting on top so it melts slightly and pools into those swirled crevices, making every bite irresistibly gooey and flavorful.

How to Serve Fluffy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance your rolls with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, or a light dusting of cinnamon powder for extra spice aroma. A drizzle of maple syrup on top can bring another layer of sweetness that complements the pumpkin perfectly.

Side Dishes

Serve these rolls alongside a steaming mug of pumpkin spice latte or rich hot chocolate to double down on cozy flavors. A simple bowl of fresh fruit or a crisp green salad can provide a refreshing balance to the rich, sweet rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, bake the rolls inside individual ramekins or muffin tins to create mini portions perfect for sharing. Alternatively, layer sliced rolls in a trifle dish with whipped cream and caramel sauce for an unexpected dessert twist that wows guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover pumpkin cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. To keep the rolls soft, avoid refrigeration without proper covering, as they may dry out.

Freezing

You can freeze the rolls before the second rise by wrapping the rolled log tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then let rise and bake as usual.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers, warm rolls gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes, loosely covered with foil. Add a fresh spoonful of frosting or a light glaze after warming for a perfect finish.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin purée?

It’s best to use plain pumpkin purée rather than pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added spices and sweeteners that could alter the flavor and texture of your rolls.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute plant-based milk and dairy-free butter alternatives. Just ensure the non-dairy milk is warmed and unsweetened for best results.

How do I know if my yeast is active?

If your yeast mixture becomes foamy and bubbly after a few minutes in warm milk and sugar, it’s active and ready to use. If it doesn’t foam, it might be expired or the water temperature was off.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Absolutely! After kneading, cover the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Bring it back to room temperature before rolling and shaping the rolls, then complete the recipe as usual.

What makes these pumpkin cinnamon rolls so fluffy?

The perfect combination of yeast activation, kneading to develop gluten, and allowing the dough to rise twice creates those light, fluffy rolls that melt in your mouth.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of pulling warm, fluffy cinnamon rolls from the oven, especially when infused with the comforting essence of pumpkin and spices. This Fluffy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a must-try for anyone wanting a delicious way to embrace the flavors of fall in their kitchen. Once you make them, I’m sure these rolls will become a cherished tradition you’ll want to bake again and again.

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