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Close-up of golden-brown pumpkin cinnamon rolls drizzled with cream cheese frosting, perfect for an easy fall breakfast or brunch recipe.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Avatar photoAmelia Chen-Morrison
These easy pumpkin cinnamon rolls are a perfect fall treat, combining the warmth of cinnamon with the subtle sweetness of pumpkin. With a rich cream cheese frosting, they are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and surprisingly simple to make.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Small bowl
  • Large bowl
  • Stand mixer (optional)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Plastic Wrap
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Serrated knife or dental floss
  • Oven
  • Kitchen thermometer

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup warm water 105-115°F
  • ½ cup warm milk
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup pumpkin puree
  • ¾ cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Vegetable oil or cooking spray

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand for 5 minutes, or until foamy.
  • In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), combine warm milk, sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and pumpkin puree.
  • Add the yeast mixture to the wet ingredients and stir to combine.
  • Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for 5-7 minutes. If kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  • While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
  • Once the dough has doubled, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12x18 inches.
  • Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges.
  • Starting from the opposite long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
  • Using a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal rolls.
  • Place the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before frosting.
  • While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until combined.
  • Add milk and vanilla extract and beat until light and fluffy.
  • Generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, ensure your yeast is fresh and active. Overheating the milk or water can kill the yeast. To prevent the rolls from drying out during baking, you can place a pan of hot water on the bottom rack of the oven. Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving. For a vegan version, use plant-based butter, milk, and cream cheese alternatives.