Fluffy and Soft Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, sweet treat that wraps the warm flavors of fall into every bite, this Fluffy and Soft Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine pillowy soft rolls entranced with fragrant cinnamon and nutmeg, perfectly sweetened with pumpkin puree and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting that melts just so. These rolls bring pumpkin spice magic to your morning, a happy gathering, or a special dessert that’s both comforting and delightfully indulgent. Whether it’s your first time baking cinnamon rolls or you’re a devoted fan, this recipe will become your new favorite go-to for seasonal baking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that each play an important role in achieving the tender texture and rich flavors that make these pumpkin cinnamon rolls so irresistible. From the warm spices to the creamy frosting, every element is essential.

• Whole milk, warm (110°F or 45°C): Activates the yeast and adds moisture to the dough for softness.
• Active dry yeast: Gives the dough that perfect airy rise and fluffiness.
• Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and gently sweetens the dough.
• Pumpkin puree: Adds natural moisture, vibrant color, and subtle sweetness with a hint of earthiness.
• Unsalted butter, melted and softened: Enriches the dough and filling, offering a tender crumb and rich taste.
• Large egg: Binds the ingredients and contributes to the dough’s structure and softness.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth to the dough and frosting flavors.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation for the soft dough’s structure.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves: The quartet of spices that gives these rolls their signature pumpkin spice heart.
• Light brown sugar: Deepens the filling’s sweetness with a hint of molasses richness.
• Cream cheese and powdered sugar: Together create the velvety frosting that crowns the rolls perfectly.
• Milk (for frosting): Adjusts frosting consistency for that just-right spreadability.

How to Make Fluffy and Soft Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by warming the milk to about 110°F, which is warm enough to wake up the yeast without killing it. Sprinkle the yeast and a pinch of sugar over the milk, then let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it’s frothy and bubbly. This indicates the yeast is active and ready to help your dough rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, melted butter, the egg, and vanilla extract. This blend brings moisture, richness, and subtle flavor layers that make these rolls so uniquely satisfying.

Step 3: Combine Yeast Mixture with Pumpkin Mix

Pour the frothy yeast mixture into the pumpkin bowl gradually, stirring as you go. This step ensures the wet ingredients mix evenly, which sets the stage for a consistent dough texture.

Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and the cozy pumpkin pie spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This dry mix is the essence of flavor and structure for your rolls.

Step 5: Form the Dough

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring carefully until a dough begins to form. Then, transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This kneading step is crucial for developing gluten, which creates that wonderful fluffy texture.

Step 6: First Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rest in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size. This rise gives the dough its airy lightness that you’re after.

Step 7: Prepare the Filling

While the dough rises, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until they’re fully combined and aromatic. This sweet, spiced filling is what will make each bite melt in your mouth with pumpkin spice goodness.

Step 8: Roll and Fill the Dough

Once your dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 14 by 18-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon-butter filling evenly, leaving a small border around the edges. This ensures clean edges when rolling.

Step 9: Roll Into a Log and Cut

Roll the rectangle tightly from the long edge into a neat log. Using a sharp knife, slice it into 12 equal pieces to form your cinnamon rolls.

Step 10: Second Rise in Baking Dish

Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch pan, cover them again, and let them rise for 30 minutes. They’ll puff up delightfully, getting ready to bake into soft clouds of pumpkin perfection.

Step 11: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until their tops turn a beautiful golden brown—they’ll smell absolutely heavenly at this point!

Step 12: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls bake, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and creamy. This frosting will be the luscious finishing touch to your freshly baked rolls.

Step 13: Frost and Enjoy

After the rolls cool for about 10 minutes, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. This step creates that signature gooey indulgence that makes this Fluffy and Soft Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe a standout treat everyone will love.

How to Serve Fluffy and Soft Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

To add an extra touch of charm and flavor, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the frosting. A dusting of cinnamon or even some pumpkin seeds adds a crunchy, nutty contrast that highlights the warmth of the pumpkin and spices.

Side Dishes

These rolls shine brightest alongside a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or hot apple cider. Pairing them with fresh fruit slices or a simple yogurt on the side keeps the breakfast or brunch balanced and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve your pumpkin cinnamon rolls on a rustic wooden board sprinkled with powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce. You can also turn leftover rolls into a decadent bread pudding or cut them into bite-sized pieces for a party platter that’s easy to share.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover pumpkin cinnamon rolls fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To retain moisture best, cover the container or roll them tightly in plastic wrap. This way, they stay soft and inviting.

Freezing

You can freeze the rolls either before or after baking. For unbaked rolls, freeze them arranged in the pan tightly wrapped in plastic and foil, then bake directly from frozen with a slight increase in rising time. For baked rolls, wrap individually or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

Reheat rolls gently in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. To avoid drying out, cover loosely with foil when using the oven. If stored unfrosted, add fresh frosting after warming for the most delightful experience.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Yes! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly here and is actually the most common and convenient choice. Just be sure to use pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, as it contains extra sugars and spices.

Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?

Absolutely. The first rise develops the dough’s airy structure, and the second rise after shaping helps achieve that fluffy texture and nice volume in the final rolls.

Can I make these rolls vegan?

You can make substitutions like using plant-based milk, vegan butter, and an egg replacer. However, you might need to adjust rising times and textures slightly since yeast dough can be sensitive to ingredient changes.

What if I don’t have all the spices listed?

No worries! Cinnamon is the star spice here. If you’re missing others, just increase the cinnamon slightly and you’ll still get that cozy pumpkin spice feel.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Yes, you can make the dough in the evening and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling out and giving the second rise. This can even improve flavor development.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting about biting into a warm, fluffy pumpkin cinnamon roll with that creamy frosting melting on top. This Fluffy and Soft Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe brings all the joy of fall baking right into your kitchen with manageable steps and remarkable results. I encourage you to treat yourself and your loved ones to this magical, seasonal delight—you’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can create such unforgettable moments.

Print