Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate fall treat that combines the warm, cozy flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these rolls feature a soft pumpkin brioche dough filled with a luscious pumpkin brown sugar filling. Topped with a delightful coffee maple cream cheese icing, they are sure to impress your family and friends during any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and cinnamon creates a warm and inviting taste that is perfect for fall.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls at breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet dessert after dinner.
• Easy to Follow: With simple steps, even novice bakers can make these gooey rolls from scratch.
• Impressive Presentation: The beautiful swirls and creamy icing make for an eye-catching dish that will delight your guests.
• Comfort Food: These rolls are the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day while enjoying the cozy aroma of baking spices.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, gather your tools for a smooth experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Baking pan
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes kneading the dough effortless, ensuring you get that perfect texture without much handwork.
• Mixing bowls: Allows you to keep ingredients organized and makes mixing easier.
• Baking pan: A good quality pan ensures even baking and prevents sticking, making it easier to remove the rolls.

Ingredients

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls have Pumpkin both in the dough and the filling. Soft pumpkin brioche is rolled up with a pumpkin brown sugar filling. The rolls are baked and then finished with a coffee maple cream cheese icing.

For the Dough

• One 425g can Pumpkin Puree (See body of post for making your own)
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 150g whole milk, lukewarm
• 4 Tbsp (50g) brown sugar
• 565g all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 140g reduced pumpkin puree
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten, at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste

For the Filling

• 120g unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 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

For the Icing

• 165g cream cheese, at room temperature
• 75g butter, at room temperature
• 275g powdered sugar, sifted
• 75g maple syrup
• 2 tsp espresso powder
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste

How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, combine lukewarm milk and yeast. Let it sit until frothy (about 5-10 minutes).
2. In a stand mixer bowl, mix flour, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom together.
3. Add in pumpkin puree, reduced pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla bean paste, butter, brown sugar mixture, and yeast mixture.
4. Knead on medium speed until dough is smooth and elastic (about 8-10 minutes).

Step 2: Let It Rise

1. Transfer the dough into a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
2. Let it rise until doubled in size (about 1 hour) in a warm place.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. In a medium bowl:
   1. Combine softened butter with brown sugar, reduced pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, cardamom, and pinch of salt until well mixed.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

1. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle.
2. Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
3. Roll tightly from one end to another into a log shape.
4. Cut into equal pieces (about 12 rolls) using dental floss or sharp knife.

Step 5: Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Place rolls in greased baking pan close together for soft edges.
3. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 6: Make Icing

1. While rolls bake:
   1. Beat together cream cheese and butter until creamy.
   2. Gradually add powdered sugar followed by maple syrup and espresso powder until smooth.

Step 7: Ice Your Rolls

1. Once cooled slightly:
   1. Drizzle or spread coffee maple icing over warm rolls before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls fresh out of the oven!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven. They can be served in various delightful ways that enhance their flavor and make them a perfect treat for any occasion.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pair your rolls with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. The flavors complement each other beautifully, making for a cozy breakfast or snack.

Drizzled with Icing

• Add an extra touch by drizzling the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls. It melts slightly, creating a gooey, sweet topping that enhances each bite.

Topped with Nuts

• Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the rolls before serving for added crunch and flavor contrast.

Served Warm in a Basket

• Present your Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls in a warm basket lined with a cloth. This not only keeps them toasty but also adds a charming touch to your table setting.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Include these rolls as part of a larger brunch spread. They pair well with savory dishes like quiche or breakfast casseroles.

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How to Perfect Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

To achieve the best Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, consider these helpful tips that will elevate your baking game.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially yeast and spices, are fresh for optimal flavor and rise.
• Knead Properly: Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This helps create that soft, fluffy texture everyone loves.
• Let It Rise: Allow the dough ample time to rise. A warm environment will help it expand properly for light rolls.
• Don’t Skip the Icing: The coffee maple cream cheese icing is essential! It adds sweetness and moisture that perfectly complements the rolls.
• Store Correctly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness.
• Reheat Gently: When reheating, do so gently in the microwave or oven to avoid drying them out.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls can shine even brighter when served alongside complementary side dishes. Here are some great options.

1. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and balance out the sweetness of the rolls.
2. Bacon Strips: Crispy bacon adds a savory element that pairs wonderfully with sweet cinnamon flavors.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers brightness and acidity, enhancing your breakfast experience.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy and crunchy side that contrasts nicely with the rolls.
5. Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns add texture and heartiness, making your meal more substantial.
6. Sausage Links: Savory sausage links bring a satisfying meatiness that complements the sweetness of pumpkin.
7. Smoothie Bowl: A smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds provides health benefits while being deliciously filling.
8. Chia Seed Pudding: Light yet nutritious chia seed pudding can add an interesting texture and taste next to your rolls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients – Ensure all your ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature for the best texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly – Use the spoon and level method to avoid dense rolls; too much flour can ruin the dough.
• Ignoring proofing time – Allow the dough to rise properly; rushing this step can result in flat rolls that lack fluffiness.
• Skipping the icing – Don’t forget about the coffee maple cream cheese icing. It elevates these rolls to a whole new level of deliciousness!
• Overbaking your rolls – Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking. Overbaked rolls can be dry instead of soft and gooey.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat one roll at a time for about 20-30 seconds on high.
• Stovetop – Place a roll in a covered skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, turning once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just ensure it’s well-cooked and blended smoothly before adding it to your dough.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?

If your dough doesn’t rise, check that your yeast is active. Warm milk and a little sugar help activate it.

How do I make my Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls extra gooey?

Add more brown sugar to your filling or drizzle extra icing on top after baking for that gooey texture you crave!

Can I customize the icing for my Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with flavors like maple or vanilla bean paste in the icing for a unique twist.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are not only perfect for fall, but they also offer versatility for any occasion. You can easily customize them with different spices or toppings based on your taste. Give this comforting recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!