Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls
Introduction
Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful fusion of warm spices and soft, pillowy dough. Perfect for fall mornings or anytime you’re looking to impress friends and family with a cozy, homemade treat. These sweet rolls offer the rich flavors of pumpkin spice with gooey cinnamon filling and a luscious cream cheese frosting that makes them absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees incredible results.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
For the Dough:
– 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed
– 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg, room temperature
– 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
– 1/2 cup light brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
– 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Prep Time
Preparing pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls is a straightforward process that takes 25 minutes to bring the dough and filling together. This includes blooming the yeast, kneading the dough, spreading the filling, and forming the rolls. It’s a fun and satisfying hands-on experience that will leave you feeling accomplished.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cooking these cinnamon rolls takes about 25 minutes in the oven, allowing them to bake to golden perfection. With approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes of total time (including rising and resting times), you’ll have warm and gooey rolls fresh out of the oven. This recipe makes around 9 large cinnamon rolls, perfect for sharing with loved ones. You’ll love how aromatic your kitchen will smell while baking these pumpkin-spiced treats!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Make the pumpkin spice dough
1. Warm the milk to about 100-110°F. Test the temperature with a thermometer to ensure it is warm but not too hot.
2. Add the yeast and sugar to the warm milk. Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, egg, melted butter, pumpkin spice, and the yeast mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
4. Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes by hand or about 5-7 minutes in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment until smooth and elastic.
6. Shape the dough into a ball and place it into a greased bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it proof in a warm area for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the filling
1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and pumpkin spice mix.
2. Mix until a smooth and spreadable paste forms. Set aside.
Assemble the cinnamon rolls
1. Lightly flour your work surface and roll the proofed dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle with an even thickness.
2. Spread the prepared filling evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border on one of the longer edges.
3. Starting from the opposite long edge, gently roll the dough into a tight log.
4. Pinch the seam to seal and place the seam side down for easier slicing.
5. Use a sharp knife or floss to cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
Second proof
1. Arrange the sliced rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or a lined and greased round pan, with a little space between each roll for expansion.
2. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and let the rolls proof again for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Bake the rolls
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden on top.
3. Allow the rolls to slightly cool in the pan before frosting.
Prepare the cream cheese frosting
1. In a medium bowl, add the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat until smooth and creamy.
3. If desired, adjust the consistency with a small amount of milk for a spreadable or drizzled frosting.
Frost and serve
1. Spread or drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the slightly cooled cinnamon rolls.
2. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
Proofing environment
– If the room is cool, placing the covered dough or rolls inside an oven that is turned off with the light on can create a warm environment for proper proofing.
Storage tips
– Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat before serving.
Freezing option
– Unbaked rolls can be frozen after assembling and cutting. Place them in a freezer-safe container and cover tightly. Thaw and bake when ready.
Make-ahead instructions
– For convenience, assemble the rolls the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Remove and allow them to proof at room temperature the next day before baking.
Cream cheese frosting variations
– Adjust sweetness by increasing or decreasing the powdered sugar in the frosting recipe to suit your preference.
Cook techniques
How to make the pumpkin spice cinnamon roll dough
To make the dough, you’ll begin by blooming the yeast in warm milk with sugar. Once the mixture is foamy, combine it with eggs, melted butter, salt, pumpkin puree, and the rest of the sugar in a mixing bowl. Gradually add the flour while mixing until a soft and slightly tacky dough forms. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
Properly knead the dough
Kneading can be done by hand or using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Knead until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky, but it shouldn’t stick to your hands excessively.
Let the dough rise
Cover the kneaded dough and allow it to rise until it doubles in size. This typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the room temperature.
Roll out the dough to fill
Roll the risen dough into a rectangular shape on a lightly floured surface. Spread the filling mixture evenly across the rolled-out dough, ensuring the edges are covered.
Rolling and slicing the cinnamon rolls
Roll the dough tightly from one long edge to the other to form a log. Slice the log evenly to create individual rolls. Arrange the rolls in a greased or parchment-lined baking dish, leaving some space between them to allow for another rise.
Allow the rolls to rise a second time
After slicing, allow the rolls to undergo a second rise until they become puffy. Ensure they double in size before baking, which will ensure soft, fluffy rolls.
Bake until golden and fragrant
Bake the cinnamon rolls in a preheated oven until they turn golden brown and aromatic. Allow the baked rolls to cool slightly before glazing.
Prepare and apply the cream cheese glaze
To make the cream cheese glaze, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk until smooth and spreadable. Spread or drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls for best results.
FAQ
Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them overnight before baking. Allow the rolls to come to room temperature and rise slightly before baking the next day.
How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat before serving.
Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls after slicing them. Thaw and allow them to rise before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze baked rolls and reheat them when needed.
Can I substitute the pumpkin puree with something else?
Pumpkin puree adds flavor and moisture to the dough. Substituting it may alter the taste and texture, so it’s recommended to stick to pumpkin puree for the best results.
What’s the best way to reheat cinnamon rolls?
You can reheat the cinnamon rolls in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at a low temperature for a couple of minutes until warm.
Why didn’t my dough rise properly?
Several factors could impact the rise, such as using expired yeast, incorrect milk temperature, or a cool environment. Ensure that your yeast is active and the milk is at the correct temperature (around 110°F).
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe, but be sure to use a larger mixing bowl and baking dish to accommodate the increased quantity.
What should I do if my rolls didn’t bake evenly?
Make sure your rolls are evenly spaced in the baking dish and your oven temperature is accurate. Rotating the baking dish midway through baking can also help ensure evenly baked rolls.
Conclusion
Pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls are the perfect treat for the fall season, combining warm, comforting flavors with a soft and fluffy texture. They are an absolute delight for breakfast, dessert, or any special occasion. Plus, the cream cheese frosting adds an irresistible finishing touch to these already decadent rolls. Whether you’re a pumpkin spice enthusiast or just looking for something cozy and festive, these cinnamon rolls will surely impress.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Classic cinnamon rolls
Enjoy the timeless flavor of classic cinnamon rolls with a rich, buttery cinnamon-sugar filling and a traditional glaze on top.
Apple cinnamon rolls
Incorporate chunks of fresh apples for a fruity twist that pairs beautifully with the spiced cinnamon mixture.
Pecan caramel sticky buns
Take it up a notch by making sticky buns topped with crunchy pecans and gooey caramel.
Chocolate cinnamon rolls
Add a chocolatey surprise by mixing cocoa powder into the filling or drizzling melted chocolate over the rolls.
Maple glazed cinnamon rolls
Swap the cream cheese frosting with a maple syrup glaze for a unique and rich flavor.
Chai spiced rolls
Replace the pumpkin spice with chai spice to enjoy another warming, aromatic option perfect for autumn.
Sweet potato cinnamon rolls
Use mashed sweet potatoes in your dough for a subtle sweetness and uniquely soft texture.
Berry-filled cinnamon rolls
Add fresh or frozen berries to the filling for a refreshing touch alongside the traditional cinnamon flavor.
Orange glaze cinnamon rolls
Complement your cinnamon rolls with a citrusy glaze to brighten their flavor profile.
Walnut and brown sugar rolls
Include chopped walnuts in the filling for a delightful crunch paired with the gooey sweetness.
