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Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

5.1 from 20 reviews

Delight in these moist and fluffy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls infused with warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom, filled with a rich pumpkin brown sugar mixture, and topped with a luscious coffee maple cream cheese icing. Perfect for fall breakfasts or cozy dessert treats.

Ingredients

Scale

Reduced Pumpkin Puree

  • 1 (425g) can Pumpkin Puree (or homemade)

Pumpkin Brioche

  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
  • 150g whole milk, lukewarm
  • 4 Tbsp (50g) brown sugar
  • 565g all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ 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

Brown Sugar Pumpkin 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

Coffee Maple Cream Cheese Icing

  • 165g cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 75g butter, at room temperature
  • 275g powdered sugar, sifted
  • 75g maple syrup
  • 2 tsp espresso powder
  • ¼ tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp vanilla bean paste

Instructions

  1. Reduce the pumpkin puree: Place the pumpkin puree into a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened and reduced. Set aside to cool.
  2. Activate yeast: In a small bowl, combine yeast, lukewarm milk, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Stir well and let it sit for 10-15 minutes until the mixture is foamy.
  3. Make the dough: In a stand mixer bowl fitted with the dough hook, mix flour, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, and remaining 2 tablespoons of brown sugar briefly. Add reduced pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla bean paste, and the foamy yeast mixture. Mix on low for 2-3 minutes until dough begins to come together, then increase speed to medium and mix for 5 more minutes until soft and smooth (it may look dry initially but will improve).
  4. Add butter: Reduce mixer speed to low and add softened butter in small increments, allowing it to fully incorporate before adding the next piece, a process taking about 3-4 minutes. Then increase to medium speed and mix another 5 minutes until dough is very soft and smooth.
  5. First rise: Transfer dough to an oiled bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. Alternatively, you can let it rise at room temperature.
  6. Prepare filling: In a small bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, reduced pumpkin puree, cinnamon, cardamom, and a pinch of salt until smooth and evenly blended.
  7. Shape rolls: On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough into a 24” x 16” rectangle, trimming edges to straighten. Spread the pumpkin filling evenly over the surface.
  8. Roll up and chill: Roll the dough tightly from a long side into a spiral log. Cut the log into two equal pieces and place side-by-side on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and freeze for 20 minutes to firm up for neater slicing.
  9. Slice rolls: Remove logs from freezer and slice each into 6 equal pieces (using a ruler for accuracy). Arrange rolls on a lined baking dish or sheet with space between them.
  10. Second rise: Cover the pan lightly with plastic wrap and let rolls rise for 45-60 minutes until puffy and a gentle indentation remains when poked.
  11. Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) while rolls are rising.
  12. Bake rolls: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until deeply golden brown. Remove and let cool for about 15 minutes before icing.
  13. Make icing: In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat cream cheese and butter on medium speed until combined. Add powdered sugar, maple syrup, espresso powder, salt, and vanilla bean paste; whip until light and fluffy.
  14. Ice rolls: Spread the coffee maple cream cheese icing over the warm cinnamon rolls.
  15. Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat gently in the microwave before serving.

Notes

  • Reducing the pumpkin puree concentrates its flavor and prevents soggy rolls.
  • Chilling the dough after shaping helps achieve cleaner slices and better texture.
  • You can make your own pumpkin puree by roasting pumpkin flesh and pureeing it until smooth.
  • The coffee in the icing adds a subtle depth that complements the spices perfectly.
  • Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for best mixing results.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the filling.
  • These cinnamon rolls freeze well; freeze before icing and thaw before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pumpkin cinnamon rolls, pumpkin spice rolls, fall baking, coffee maple icing, pumpkin brioche, breakfast rolls, cinnamon cardamom rolls