Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls combine the warm, cozy flavors of fall into a delightful treat. These rolls feature pumpkin both in the dough and the filling, creating a soft and pillowy texture. Baked to perfection and topped with a luscious coffee maple cream cheese icing, they make for an irresistible dessert or breakfast option. Perfect for gatherings, holiday brunches, or simply indulging yourself, these rolls are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and spices creates a rich flavor profile that embodies the essence of fall.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as dessert, breakfast, or a snack – they’re perfect for any time of day!
• Impressive Presentation: These rolls look beautiful on any table, making them ideal for special occasions.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can master this recipe.
• Gooey Sweetness: The cream cheese icing drizzled on top adds a creamy sweetness that complements the warm rolls perfectly.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes kneading the dough easier and saves time compared to hand mixing.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve an even thickness when rolling out dough for perfect-shaped rolls.

Ingredients

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls have Pumpkin both in the dough and the filling. Soft pumpkin brioche is rolled up with a pumpkin brown sugar filling. The rolls are baked and then finished with a coffee maple cream cheese icing.

For the Dough

• One 425g can Pumpkin Puree (See body of post for making your own)
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 150g whole milk, lukewarm
• 4 Tbsp (50g) brown sugar
• 565g all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 140g reduced pumpkin puree
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten, at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
• 120g unsalted butter, at room temperature

For the Filling

• 225g unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 360g light or dark brown sugar
• 115g reduced pumpkin puree
• 2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp ground cardamom
• pinch of salt

For the Icing

• 165g cream cheese, at room temperature
• 75g butter, at room temperature
• 275g powdered sugar, sifted
• 75g maple syrup
• 2 tsp espresso powder
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste

How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by activating your yeast. In a mixing bowl, combine lukewarm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In your stand mixer bowl, combine activated yeast mixture with eggs, pumpkin puree (both regular and reduced), brown sugar, and vanilla bean paste. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Mixture

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Once combined, add in softened unsalted butter. Mix until smooth.

Step 5: Knead the Dough

Knead the dough using the stand mixer or by hand until it becomes smooth and elastic. This should take around 8-10 minutes.

Step 6: First Rise

Cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size—about 1-2 hours.

Step 7: Prepare Filling

While waiting for the dough to rise, mix together softened butter with brown sugar, reduced pumpkin puree, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt in a separate bowl until smooth.

Step 8: Roll Out & Fill

Once risen, punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the filling evenly over it.

Step 9: Roll & Cut

Carefully roll up the dough tightly from one long side to another. Cut into equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.

Step 10: Second Rise

Place cut rolls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover again and let rise until puffy—about another hour.

Step 11: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Step 12: Prepare Icing

While baking, mix cream cheese with softened butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing; then stir in maple syrup, espresso powder, kosher salt, and vanilla bean paste until smooth.

Step 13: Ice Your Rolls

Once baked rolls have cooled slightly but are still warm, drizzle with icing generously before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls fresh from the oven!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Serving Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls can elevate your breakfast or dessert experience. These delightful rolls can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them a versatile treat for any occasion.

Warm with Coffee

• Pair your rolls with a hot cup of coffee for a cozy morning treat. The flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon blend beautifully with the rich taste of coffee.

Drizzled with Icing

• For an extra touch, drizzle the coffee maple cream cheese icing over each roll just before serving. This adds sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Topped with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch. The nuts complement the gooey texture of the rolls perfectly.

Served with Vanilla Ice Cream

• Enjoy these rolls as a dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The warm rolls paired with cold ice cream create a delightful contrast.

Accompanied by Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears for a refreshing balance. The fruity acidity cuts through the richness of the rolls, enhancing your meal.

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How to Perfect Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Perfecting your Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls is key to achieving that soft, fluffy texture everyone loves. Here are some tips to ensure success:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your yeast is active and your spices are fresh. This will greatly affect the rise and flavor of your rolls.

• Knead Thoroughly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This helps develop gluten, resulting in light and airy rolls.

• Let it Rise Properly: Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. Patience here leads to fluffier rolls.

• Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on your rolls while baking. They should be golden brown but not overly dark to maintain moisture inside.

• Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve your Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls warm from the oven. They are most delicious when still soft and gooey.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Pairing side dishes with Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement their flavors well:

1. Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of bacon contrasts nicely with sweet cinnamon rolls, creating a balanced plate.

2. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and freshness to your meal, making it lighter and more vibrant.

3. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor that offsets sweetness.

4. Eggs Benedict: For a savory twist, serve alongside Eggs Benedict for a hearty brunch that satisfies different cravings.

5. Hash Browns: Golden-brown hash browns offer crunchiness that pairs well with soft cinnamon rolls.

6. Smoothie Bowl: A colorful smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds offers nutrition and contrasts well against rich pastries.

7. Herb Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea can cleanse the palate after enjoying sweet rolls, offering soothing relaxation after breakfast.

8. Cheese Platter: Include some mild cheeses for a savory option that complements the sweetness perfectly while enhancing variety on your table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls can be fun, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the yeast proofing: Always activate your yeast in lukewarm milk before adding it to the dough. This ensures the rolls rise properly.
• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can hinder the dough from rising as intended.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate flour measurement. Too much flour can dry out the dough.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on your rolls while baking. Overbaking can lead to dry and tough rolls instead of soft and gooey ones.
• Skipping the icing: The coffee maple cream cheese icing is essential for flavor. Don’t skip this step; it balances the sweetness perfectly.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Use within 3-5 days for best freshness.

Freezing Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual rolls on medium power for 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a roll in a covered skillet over low heat, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls?

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are soft, sweet rolls made with pumpkin puree both in the dough and filling, spiced with cinnamon and cardamom.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time, then refrigerate overnight before baking them fresh in the morning.

How do I store leftover Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I customize my Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even different spices to suit your taste preferences.

What should I serve with Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls?

These delicious rolls pair well with coffee or spiced tea, making them perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls offer a delightful blend of flavors that celebrate fall. With their soft texture and sweet icing, they make a cozy treat any time of year. Feel free to customize with your favorite spices or toppings, making this recipe versatile and enjoyable!