The Best Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Nothing is more cozy than the scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home! Actually, there is one thing even better – the scent of PUMPKIN SPICE CINNAMON ROLLS. Sweet and fluffy pumpkin dough, the cinnamon-infused pumpkin spice filling, and the out-of-the-world delicious nutty and earthy pumpkin icing – it’s pure heaven. I can’t think of a better fall comfort food than these pumpkin cinnamon rolls.

As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and orange and a crisp breeze fills the air, it’s evident that fall has arrived. And what better way to celebrate the season than with a batch of homemade Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls? These easy pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls are the epitome of comfort food, combining pumpkin and cinnamon flavors with the sweet indulgence of freshly baked dough.

Imagine a soft, pillowy dough with hints of pumpkin and cinnamon warmth. When you bite into these chewy cinnamon rolls, you’ll be greeted with a delectable pumpkin spice filling that’s both sweet and spicy, with a creamy texture. The combination of flavors is a true delight for your taste buds, as the sweet, spicy, and creamy notes all come together in perfect harmony.

As these rolls bake to golden perfection, your kitchen will have an irresistible aroma that draws everyone closer, including your picky eater, little ones to adults. And when they emerge from the oven, adorned with velvety pumpkin spice icing, everyone wants a whole batch instead of a piece.

Whether you’re serving these pumpkin spice rolls for a lazy Sunday brunch or a festive gathering, they will become a cherished tradition. So, let’s dive into the recipe and bring autumn magic to your table!

Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients

Pumpkin Spice Dough:

All-purpose flour – Flour forms the base of the dough, providing the structure and texture to your cinnamon rolls.

Melted Butter – Butter adds richness and flavor to the dough, making it soft and tender. Salted or unsalted depends on your preference.

Sugar – Sugar activates and tenderizes yeast while adding sweetness.

Instant Yeast – Yeast is the leavening agent responsible for raising the dough. Instant yeast is a quick-acting yeast that doesn’t require proofing, making the dough rise faster.

Warm Milk – Warm milk activates the yeast and contributes to the dough’s moisture and tenderness.

Baking Powder – Baking powder gives the dough an extra lift and makes the rolls light and fluffy.

Pumpkin Spice Filling:

Pumpkin Puree – You won’t want to miss out on the real MVP of this recipe – the pumpkin puree! It adds delectable sweetness to the cinnamon rolls and provides just the right amount of moisture, resulting in heavenly, fluffy pumpkin cinnamon rolls.

Cinnamon – Cinnamon is the star of the filling, providing that warm, spicy sweetness that complements the pumpkin flavor perfectly.

Vanilla Extract – Vanilla extract adds a subtle depth of flavor and enhances the overall aroma of the filling.

Butter – Butter makes the filling rich and creamy, ensuring a luscious texture.

Pumpkin Spice – Pumpkin spice blends cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. It gives the filling its signature fall flavor.

Brown Sugar – Brown sugar imparts a robust molasses-sweet flavor and moisture to the filling, creating a gooey, caramel-like consistency.

Pumpkin Spice Icing:

Powdered Sugar – Powdered sugar is the base of the icing, adding sweetness and creating a smooth texture.

Vanilla Extract – Vanilla extract imparts a delightful aroma and enhances the overall flavor of the icing.

Butter – Butter adds richness and creaminess to the icing.

Pumpkin Puree – Pumpkin puree is the crucial ingredient that infuses the icing with pumpkin flavor.

Sour Cream – Sour cream contributes a pleasant tang and a silky texture to the icing.

Garnish:

Pumpkin Spice Creamer – Pumpkin spice creamer is the final touch drizzled over baked cinnamon rolls. It intensifies the pumpkin spice flavor and adds creaminess to the cinnamon pumpkin rolls.

How to make Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls

1.    Prepare Pumpkin Spice Dough

Start by adding 2 cups of all-purpose flour to a large bowl and creating a well in the center of the flour.

Pour in the melted butter, sugar, instant yeast, and warm milk.

Mix these ingredients with a wooden spoon for 1-2 minutes until foamy.

Cover the bowl with a cloth or towel and allow the dough to rest in a warm, draft-free place for approximately an hour. After this time, the pumpkin spice dough should have significantly expanded and doubled in size.

Stir in the remaining ½ cup of flour and ½ teaspoon of baking powder until well combined.

Knead the dough for 10 minutes, either by hand or a mixer, until it’s smooth and elastic.

Transfer the dough to a well-floured surface and use a rolling pin to flatten it into a large rectangle, approximately 12 by 24 inches. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle it generously with additional flour until it becomes easier to work with.

2.    Make Pumpkin Spice Filling

Combine the pumpkin puree, cinnamon, vanilla extract, butter, and pumpkin spice in a small bowl. Set this mixture aside; it’s about to infuse your cinnamon rolls with that quintessential fall flavor.

3.    Blend Pumpkin Spice Icing

Blend the powdered sugar, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, butter, and sour cream in another bowl until the icing reaches your desired consistency.

This luscious topping will add the perfect finishing touch to your rolls.

4.    Stuff and Assemble the Dough

Spread the prepared pumpkin spice filling evenly over the rolled dough, leaving a small border of at least ½ inch around the edges. Once the filling is in place, tightly roll the dough into a log.

Cut the rolled dough into approximately 1.5 to 2-inch slices using a string. Place these slices into a buttered baking pan, arranging them close together.

Drizzle the slices generously with pumpkin spice creamer, and then allow them to rest and proof for 15 to 30 minutes while your oven preheats to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

5.    Bake

Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. After removing them from the oven, let them rest for about 10 minutes, then generously pour over the prepared pumpkin spice icing.

Recipe Variations

It’s always exciting to experiment in the kitchen and put your own spin on classic recipes. With the same beloved ingredients and fillings, you can elevate your Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls to new heights with two innovative variations: Honeycomb Cinnamon Bites and Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Knots. Get ready to experience the magic of these creative fall treats.

How to Shape the Dough for Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Knots

1. Prepare the Dough: Start by preparing the dough and making the pumpkin spice filling as per the original recipe.
2. Roll It Out: Roll out the dough into a large rectangle like classic rolls, and spread the pumpkin spice filling.
3. Cut into Strips: Instead of rolling the dough into a log, cut it into long strips, approximately 1.5 to 2 inches wide.
4. Knot the Dough: Tie each strip into a simple knot, leaving the ends slightly loose to create a knot.
5. Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the knots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each knot.
6. Bake and Glaze: Follow the original recipe baking instructions. Once the knots are golden brown, drizzle them generously with Pumpkin Spice Icing.

How to Shape the Dough for Honeycomb Cinnamon Bites

1. Prepare the dough and filling according to the recipe instructions.
2. knead the dough.
3. Instead of rolling the dough into a log, make the bite-sized dough balls and gently roll them into a perfect round shape with your hands.
4. Arrange the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or butter, leaving some space between each ball, drizzle 1/4 cup of pumpkin spice creamer or heavy cream, spread the cinnamon pumpkin filling on top. allow to rest for 15 minutes.
5. Follow the original recipe baking instructions. Once these honeycomb cinnamon bites are golden brown, drizzle them generously with Pumpkin Spice Icing.

Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls FAQs

How to make overnight pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls?

Once you have placed the rolls in the buttered pan for baking, cover them immediately with plastic wrap. Put them in the fridge overnight and bake them in the morning as directed. Before baking, let the cinnamon rolls come to room temperature by leaving them on the counter for 30 minutes.

Can I freeze the unbaked cinnamon rolls for later?

Absolutely! After cutting the rolls and placing them in the baking pan, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze. When ready to bake, allow them to thaw and rise at room temperature for several hours before baking as usual.

What can I use if I don’t have pumpkin spice?

If you don’t have pre-made pumpkin spice, you can make your own by combining ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger in equal parts. Adjust the quantities to your taste preferences.

Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour?

You can use whole wheat flour, but remember that pumpkin cinnamon rolls made with wheat flour may have a denser texture. You should mix whole wheat and all-purpose flour to balance flavor and texture.

How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Can I make these pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls vegan?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe to be vegan. Replace dairy milk with non-dairy milk (almond or soy) and use vegan butter. Use vegan-friendly butter and a non-dairy sour cream or yogurt for the icing.