There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filling your home, especially when they’re infused with the cozy, comforting flavors of pumpkin spice. As the leaves turn to brilliant shades of orange and red, these Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls capture the essence of fall. Imagine soft, fluffy dough swirled with a delicious pumpkin spice filling and topped with a rich, creamy glaze—perfection!
If you love pumpkin spice lattes and everything autumnal, this recipe is for you. These Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rollswill fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting scent of fall spices. Plus, making these cinnamon rolls at home is easier than you might think, and they’ll taste even better than the store-bought versions.
Not only do they bring the cozy flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, but they also offer the soft, gooey texture that makes cinnamon rolls so irresistible. You’ll be surprised at how quickly they come together, and your family will be delighted with every bite.
For more autumn baking inspiration, check out the Pumpkin Spice Recipe Collection on River Recipes. This site offers a variety of fall-inspired dishes that perfectly complement these cinnamon rolls.
And if you’re a fan of breakfast pastries, you might want to try their Cinnamon Roll Variations, which offers fun twists on the classic recipe. You can find everything from caramel apple cinnamon rolls to maple pecan versions.
Making these at home also means you can control the quality of the ingredients, ensuring each roll is packed with fresh flavors. For an extra boost of creativity, explore this Homemade Bread Recipes section for more delicious ways to bake with yeast at home. You’ll soon be a pro at creating bakery-quality treats right from your own kitchen!
Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls
Essential Ingredients for the Dough
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup warm milk
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
Pumpkin Spice Filling Ingredients
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
Cream Cheese Glaze Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls
Preparing the Dough
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Adding the Wet Ingredients
Next, add the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
Kneading and Letting It Rise
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Making the Pumpkin Spice Filling
Combining Sugar and Spices
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger together. This is your pumpkin spice blend.
Adding Pumpkin Puree
Incorporate the pumpkin puree and softened butter into the sugar and spice mixture. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
Rolling and Assembling the Rolls
Rolling Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll it out into a rectangle (about 16×12 inches) on a lightly floured surface.
Spreading the Filling Evenly
Spread the pumpkin spice filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, making sure to cover every inch.
Rolling the Dough into a Log and Cutting
Carefully roll the dough from the long edge into a tight log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 even slices.
Baking the Rolls
Oven Temperature and Baking Time
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
Checking for Doneness
The rolls should be puffed up and slightly firm to the touch. You can insert a toothpick in the center to check for doneness—it should come out clean.
Preparing the Cream Cheese Glaze
Mixing the Cream Cheese and Sugar
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and milk, mixing until creamy.
Achieving the Perfect Consistency
Adjust the amount of milk depending on how thick or thin you like your glaze. For a thicker glaze, use less milk; for a thinner drizzle, add more.
Drizzling the Glaze Over the Warm Rolls
Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over them. Serve warm for the ultimate indulgence.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls
Choosing the Right Pumpkin Puree
Make sure to use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The latter contains added sugars and spices, which could throw off the balance of flavors.
How to Get the Dough Fluffy
The key to fluffy cinnamon rolls is to give the dough enough time to rise. Patience is essential here, so don’t rush the process.
Baking Tips for a Golden Finish
To prevent over-browning, cover the rolls with aluminum foil halfway through baking if needed.
Variations of Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls
Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls
Substitute the eggs with flax eggs, and use a non-dairy butter and milk alternative to create a vegan version of this classic.
Gluten-Free Option
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum to ensure the dough holds together.
Adding Nuts or Chocolate Chips
For an extra layer of texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or chocolate chips over the filling before rolling up the dough.
Storing and Reheating Tips
How to Store Leftovers Properly
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Best Ways to Reheat for Fresh-Tasting Rolls
To reheat, microwave each roll for about 20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
Health Benefits of Pumpkin Spice Ingredients
Nutritional Benefits of Pumpkin
Pumpkin is rich in vitamins A and C, and is a great source of fiber, making it a nutritious addition to these rolls.
Benefits of Cinnamon and Other Spices
Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels, making these indulgent rolls slightly more wholesome.
There’s no better way to celebrate fall than with a batch of warm, gooey Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls. They’re soft, rich, and packed with seasonal flavors that will bring warmth to any morning or afternoon treat. The delightful combination of pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and other comforting spices makes these rolls a must-have on your autumn baking list. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or try a creative variation like adding nuts or using a vegan alternative, these cinnamon rolls will quickly become a family favorite.
For more autumn-inspired treats, check out these Pumpkin Muffins or try your hand at making Apple Cinnamon Breadto complete your fall baking collection.
If you’re new to baking and want some helpful tips, this Guide to Perfect Yeast Dough will ensure your rolls are fluffy and delicious every time.
With each bite, you’ll enjoy the perfect balance of sweet pumpkin filling, warm spices, and a creamy glaze that melts in your mouth. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and bring a little fall magic to your kitchen!
Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them the night before and refrigerate the unbaked rolls. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and then bake.
Can I freeze pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely. Freeze the baked rolls (without the glaze) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw and reheat before glazing.
What is the best way to reheat cinnamon rolls?
Microwaving for 20-30 seconds is the quickest way to reheat. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes to restore their freshness.
Can I substitute other spices for the pumpkin spice mix?
If you’re out of pumpkin spice, you can use a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger as a substitute.
How do I make the glaze thicker?
To thicken the glaze, simply add more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk to reach the desired consistency.