If you’re craving a cozy, comforting treat that fills your kitchen with the warm scent of autumn spices, this Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is going to be your new favorite. Imagine tender, fluffy rolls swirled with a spiced pumpkin filling and crowned with luscious cream cheese frosting—it’s the perfect way to celebrate pumpkin season or any time you want to indulge in a little homemade magic. These rolls are a crowd-pleaser, combining classic flavors with a seasonal twist that’s impossibly delicious from the very first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making these pumpkin cinnamon rolls shine. Each component is essential, contributing unique flavor, texture, or color that brings this recipe to life.
- Whole milk, warmed to 110°F (43°C): Activates the yeast for a perfect rise and adds richness to the dough.
- Active dry yeast (1 packet): The magical agent that makes your rolls fluffy and airy.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just right without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.
- Unsalted butter, melted and softened: Adds tenderness to the dough and richness to the filling and frosting.
- Pumpkin puree: Brings moisture, vibrant color, and that unmistakable autumn essence.
- Large egg: Binds ingredients together while contributing to the dough’s structure.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its sweet, aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base for your dough, providing the right amount of chew.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and elevates flavor complexity.
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves: The warm spices that give pumpkin cinnamon rolls their signature cozy personality.
- Brown sugar, packed: Mixed into the filling for deep caramel sweetness and moisture.
- Cream cheese, softened: For the luscious, tangy frosting that melts beautifully into the warm rolls.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect texture.
- Milk (optional): Adjusts the frosting consistency for spreading or drizzling.
How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by activating your yeast. In a small bowl, mix the warmed milk, yeast, and a little sugar. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until bubbly and foamy. This bubbling action means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Then, pour in your yeast mixture and stir everything until combined. The pumpkin gives this dough its beautiful orange hue and keeps it moist and soft.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in another bowl. Gradually add this to your wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough is formed. The blend of spices here is essential for a perfectly balanced pumpkin cinnamon roll.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. This step develops gluten, giving your rolls that irresistible chew. Once kneaded, place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
Step 5: Make the Filling
While the dough is rising, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to create a fragrant, rich filling that perfectly complements the pumpkin base.
Step 6: Assemble the Rolls
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface to a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon-spiced filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent leaks when rolling.
Step 7: Roll and Slice
Roll up the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Arrange these rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, giving them a little space to puff up.
Step 8: Final Rise
Cover the dish with a clean towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until they look puffy and inviting. This final proof ensures soft, airy centers once baked.
Step 9: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn a pretty golden color and are cooked through. Your kitchen will fill with irresistible aromas!
Step 10: Make the Frosting
While the rolls are baking, whip up the cream cheese frosting by beating together cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. If the frosting feels too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk until smooth and spreadable.
Step 11: Frost and Serve
Once the rolls come out of the oven, allow them to cool just a bit before spreading that dreamy cream cheese frosting on top. Serve them warm for the ultimate indulgence.
How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Classic rolls are wonderful on their own, but adding a sprinkle of toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon on top of the frosting can elevate the experience. You might also drizzle a little maple syrup or drizzle caramel for an extra touch of sweetness and texture.
Side Dishes
These cinnamon rolls pair brilliantly with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, chai tea, or even warm apple cider. For a brunch spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon to balance the sweet and savory notes.
Creative Ways to Present
You can bake these rolls in individual ramekins for a fun, personalized serving. Alternatively, create a decadent pumpkin cinnamon roll cake by layering sliced rolls in a springform pan and drizzling the frosting between layers for a surprise inside.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them soft, you can place a piece of parchment paper between layers.
Freezing
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe results freeze beautifully. Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months.
Reheating
Warm frozen or refrigerated rolls in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. Add a little extra frosting if desired for that fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin puree in this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly here and helps keep the recipe convenient while still delivering rich pumpkin flavor.
What if I don’t have all the spices listed?
You can simplify by using just cinnamon and nutmeg, but the full blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves brings a more complex and traditional pumpkin spice taste.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and swap butter and cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives to keep those moist textures and creamy frosting intact.
How can I tell when the rolls are fully baked?
Look for golden tops and a slight pull-away from the edges of the pan. You can also insert a toothpick in the center of a roll; if it comes out clean, they’re done.
Is it possible to double this Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?
Definitely! Just double all ingredients and use two baking dishes to keep even baking. This is great for large gatherings or holidays.
Final Thoughts
Making these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is such a joyful experience, from the inviting smell that fills your home to the first bite of soft, spice-kissed dough topped with creamy frosting. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or guests, these rolls are sure to become a cherished tradition. Don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients and treat yourself to a batch of this fall-inspired goodness today!
Print
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls offer a delicious fall twist on a classic treat, featuring a soft pumpkin-infused dough rolled with a spiced brown sugar filling and topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or dessert, these rolls combine warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with the rich flavor of pumpkin for a comforting seasonal delight.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F (43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Frosting Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (to thin, if necessary)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine the warmed milk, active dry yeast, and a pinch of granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Add the yeast mixture and stir everything together until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg to create the spiced filling.
- Assemble the Rolls: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the prepared filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from the long side of the rectangle, tightly roll the dough into a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place these rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Final Rise: Cover the baking dish with a clean towel and allow the rolls to rise again for 30-45 minutes until they become puffy.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes until they turn lightly golden and are cooked through.
- Make the Frosting: While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting by beating together softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk as needed to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Once the rolls have baked and cooled slightly, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting flavors.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warmed to around 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- For a stronger pumpkin flavor, use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned if available.
- Letting the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot helps achieve a light and fluffy texture.
- You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it for a slower rise for convenience.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar in the filling or frosting accordingly.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
