Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: Soft, Fluffy, and Irresistible

There’s something magical about baking cinnamon rolls—especially when the smell of pumpkin pie spice fills the kitchen. These pumpkin cinnamon rolls are everything fall dreams are made of: fluffy, sweet, and topped with a luscious cream cheese maple glaze. Whether you’re treating yourself on a chilly morning or sharing them with loved ones, this recipe will warm your heart and belly alike!

Let me tell you, these are the cinnamon rolls. I whipped up this batch between life’s chaos (and a pop-up event, no less!), and I promise you won’t regret setting aside the time for this cozy masterpiece.

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Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Fluffy and Tender: The pumpkin puree keeps the dough super soft and flavorful.
• Perfectly Spiced: A blend of pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon gives these rolls that signature autumn flavor.
• Decadent Cream Cheese Glaze: Sweetened with maple syrup, this glaze takes the rolls to the next level.
• Fall Vibes in Every Bite: Whether for brunch, dessert, or a special occasion, these rolls are full of fall comfort.

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Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to get started:

For the Dough:

• ¾ cup milk
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast (1 packet)
• ¾ cup pumpkin puree
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 egg (room temperature)
• 4 cups bread flour
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
• 3/4 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 2/3 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup butter (room temperature)

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 3 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• Pinch of salt

Optional: A sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for garnish.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. Warm the Milk: Heat the milk until it’s just warm to the touch (about 100-110°F). Stir in the sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, melted butter, egg, and the activated yeast mixture.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the flour, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook or knead by hand.
4. Let It Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

2. Make the Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
2. Make sure your butter is nice and soft—it’ll make spreading it onto the dough much easier.

3. Roll and Fill

1. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
2. Add the Filling: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture on top.
3. Roll It Up: Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice it into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.

4. Second Rise

Place the rolls into a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each one. Cover with a towel and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes, until they puff up nicely.

5. Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.

6. Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the rolls are baking, whip up the glaze. Combine the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

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Final Touch: Frost and Serve

Spread the creamy maple glaze generously over the warm rolls. The glaze will melt slightly into the swirls—pure perfection. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a bit of pumpkin pie spice on top.

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Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

1. Don’t Overheat the Milk: Too hot, and it’ll kill the yeast. Aim for warm—not hot.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures your dough and glaze mix together smoothly.
3. Even Slices: Use unflavored dental floss for slicing the rolls—it’s a baker’s secret!
4. Add Nuts: If you love some crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling.

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Why Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Are a Fall Must-Have

These pumpkin cinnamon rolls capture everything I love about fall: warm spices, soft textures, and sweet indulgence. They’re perfect for lazy weekends, brunches with friends, or even a holiday breakfast. Plus, the pumpkin adds moisture and flavor that sets these apart from classic cinnamon rolls.