Irresistible Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

Discover the ultimate autumn indulgence with these incredibly soft, fluffy, and undeniably gooey pumpkin cinnamon rolls. Crafted with a delicate pumpkin-infused dough, generously filled with aromatic cinnamon and rich brown sugar, and crowned with a luscious cinnamon-flavored cream cheese icing, these homemade sticky buns are the epitome of comfort. Perfect for cozy mornings, festive brunches, or a heartwarming dessert, these rolls encapsulate the very essence of the fall season in every single bite.

As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods filling your home. These pumpkin cinnamon rolls are designed to do just that – bringing warmth, sweetness, and a touch of seasonal magic to your kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a treat that truly celebrates autumn’s bounty.

September, October, and November are truly dominated by the delightful flavor of pumpkin, and these homemade cinnamon rolls are the absolute perfect way to honor this versatile, seasonal ingredient! Beyond being a holiday staple, pumpkin adds an incredible moisture and subtle sweetness to baked goods that makes them simply irresistible.

Just like my beloved Pumpkin Loaf Cake and the decadent Pumpkin Biscoff Cheesecake Brownies, these mouth-watering pumpkin cinnamon rolls stand out as one of my absolute favorite bakes to enjoy during this special time of year. They are not just a recipe; they are an experience, inviting you to savor the rich, spicy, and sweet flavors that define fall.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Incredibly Soft & Fluffy: The addition of real pumpkin puree in the dough creates an unbelievably tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Perfectly Gooey Center: The generous brown sugar and cinnamon filling caramelizes slightly during baking, ensuring every roll has that irresistible sticky, gooey center.
• Decadent Cream Cheese Icing: A rich, tangy cream cheese icing with a hint of cinnamon perfectly balances the sweetness of the rolls, making them truly extraordinary.
• Seasonal Delight: Embrace the flavors of autumn with this festive twist on a classic comfort food. It’s the ideal treat for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving breakfast, or a cozy weekend morning.
• Rewarding Homemade Experience: While they take a bit of time, the process of making these rolls from scratch is incredibly satisfying, and the end result is absolutely worth every minute.

Ingredients for Perfect Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Crafting these fluffy pumpkin cinnamon rolls requires a simple list of ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. However, the quality and preparation of these components make all the difference in achieving that perfect soft texture and rich flavor. Below are some detailed notes to guide you through selecting and using each ingredient effectively.

• Milk: Any type of milk will work, but for the richest flavor and the softest, most tender crumb, I highly recommend using whole (full-fat) milk. Ensure your milk is at a comfortable room temperature before you begin the recipe. This is crucial for properly activating the yeast and ensuring a smooth, even dough development.
• Butter: Both salted or unsalted butter are suitable for this recipe. We use butter generously in both the dough for richness and in the luscious filling for that irresistible gooey texture. For the filling, it’s vital that the butter is properly softened to room temperature so it can be easily spread across the rolled-out dough, creating an even layer for the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Pumpkin Puree: For convenience and consistent results, I always opt for canned pumpkin puree (make sure it’s 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling which contains added spices and sugar). If you prefer, you can certainly use homemade pumpkin puree; just ensure it’s thick and has been drained of any excess moisture to prevent a watery dough. The pumpkin adds moisture, flavor, and that beautiful autumn hue to your rolls.
• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is the star spice here, making an appearance in the dough, the irresistible filling, and even the delightful cream cheese icing. Feel free to adjust the quantities to match your personal preference for this warming, aromatic spice. If you adore cinnamon, don’t hesitate to add a little extra!
• Yeast: Fast-action yeast (also known as instant yeast) is my go-to choice due to its convenience and reliability – it can be mixed directly with the dry ingredients. However, other types of yeast, such as active dry yeast, will also work. If using active dry yeast, be sure to follow the instructions on the packet, as it typically requires activation in warm liquid before being combined with the rest of the ingredients.
• Flour: For optimal texture, strong white bread flour is highly recommended for this recipe. Its higher protein and gluten content provide the necessary structure and elasticity for incredibly soft, chewy, and airy rolls. This type of flour is ideal for achieving the perfect rise and texture in breads, rolls, and doughnuts.
• Brown Sugar: Soft light brown sugar is essential for creating that signature gooey cinnamon swirl in the filling. Its fine texture and molasses content contribute to a rich flavor and a wonderfully moist, caramelized filling. Using this type of sugar will yield the best and most authentic results for classic cinnamon rolls.
• Cream Cheese: For the ultimate creamy and decadent icing, it’s crucial to use only full-fat cream cheese (often labeled as soft cheese). Low-fat versions can result in a thinner, less stable icing. Just like the butter and milk, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature; this allows it to whip up smoothly without lumps, creating a silky-smooth glaze.

For a complete list of ingredients with precise measurements, please scroll to the bottom of this post to find the full recipe card.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Fluffy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Creating these delightful pumpkin cinnamon rolls is a rewarding baking project. Since the dough in this recipe is enriched with butter, milk, and pumpkin puree, it can be quite soft and pliable. You might find it easier and quicker to knead the dough using a freestanding mixer equipped with a dough hook attachment. However, rest assured that achieving a perfect dough by hand is absolutely possible; it simply requires a bit more patience and elbow grease. You can even knead it directly in a sturdy bowl with a wooden spoon for the initial stages.

Follow these detailed steps below to ensure your pumpkin rolls come out beautifully soft, perfectly spiced, and wonderfully gooey every single time.

Begin by kneading the dough thoroughly until it’s smooth and elastic. Once kneaded, transfer it into a lightly greased bowl, ensuring all surfaces are lightly coated with oil. Cover the bowl securely with a clean tea towel or plastic wrap, then set it aside in a warm, draft-free place to rise. This initial rise, known as the first proof, allows the yeast to work its magic, developing flavor and volume.

The dough is ready for the next stage when it has beautifully doubled in size. This can take anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the warmth of your kitchen. Gently punch down the dough to release the air, then transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, carefully roll the dough into a roughly 10×14-inch rectangle, aiming for an even thickness across the surface.

Once your dough rectangle is formed, generously spread the softened butter across its entire surface, leaving a small border free along one of the longer edges. In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this aromatic sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, gently pressing it down to ensure it adheres well. This creates the signature, deeply flavored cinnamon swirl.

Starting from one of the longer edges, tightly roll the dough into a log. Aim for a snug roll to create distinct layers. Once rolled, use a very sharp knife or, for an incredibly clean cut, unflavored dental floss, to slice the log into 12 equally sized buns. This precise slicing ensures uniform baking and an attractive spiral in each roll.

Lightly grease your chosen baking pan (a 9×13-inch rectangular dish works perfectly for 12 rolls). Carefully arrange the sliced rolls into the prepared pan, leaving a slight gap of about ½-inch between each one. This spacing allows them room to expand during their second rise and baking, resulting in those wonderfully soft, tender sides.

Cover the baking dish loosely with a tea towel or plastic wrap. Allow the rolls to undergo their second rise, also known as proofing, in a warm spot until they have visibly doubled in size and are puffy. This usually takes about 1 hour. Once they’ve reached this stage, they are perfectly proofed and ready to be transferred to the preheated oven for baking.

Hint: Planning ahead? The dough can be prepared through the kneading stage and left in the fridge overnight for a slow, cold rise. Alternatively, you can assemble the rolls in the baking dish and place them directly in the fridge for an overnight second rise. Consult the recipe notes below for more detailed information and timings.

Once baked to a golden brown perfection, remove these aromatic cinnamon pumpkin rolls from the oven. Allow them to cool in the pan for just 5-10 minutes. This brief resting period helps them set slightly while remaining wonderfully warm. While they’re still warm, generously spread the homemade maple cream cheese icing over the top. The warmth of the rolls will slightly soften the icing, allowing it to melt into every crevice, creating an incredibly rich and delicious finish.

Substitutions for Your Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

This recipe is quite adaptable, allowing for several substitutions to accommodate different dietary needs or simply what you have on hand. While the original recipe offers the best results, these alternatives can still produce delicious pumpkin cinnamon rolls.

• Milk: Feel free to use any type of milk you prefer or have available. While whole, full-fat milk contributes to the softest and fluffiest rolls, skim milk, 2% milk, or even plant-based milks like almond or oat milk will also work. Just be aware that using lower-fat or dairy-free options might result in a slightly less rich texture, but the flavor will still be fantastic.
• Egg: If you need to make this recipe egg-free, you can easily omit the large egg from the dough. To compensate for the lost moisture and binding properties, simply add an extra couple of tablespoons of pumpkin puree to the dough. This will help maintain the dough’s consistency and keep the rolls tender.
• Flour: Strong white bread flour is ideal for its high gluten content, which yields incredibly fluffy and chewy rolls. However, if you don’t have it, or prefer not to use it, plain or all-purpose flour can be used as a substitute. The end result might be a little different – the rolls may not be quite as airy or have the same chewiness – but they will still be utterly delicious and satisfying.
• Spices: Don’t limit yourself to just cinnamon! Enhance the warming flavors by adding extra spices to both the dough and the filling. Mixed spice is a fantastic addition, offering a complex blend of autumnal flavors. Other wonderful options include a dedicated pumpkin spice blend, ground ginger for a zesty kick, or a pinch of nutmeg for its classic warmth. Experiment to find your perfect spice blend!

Creative Variations for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Beyond simple substitutions, you can easily modify this pumpkin cinnamon roll recipe to create unique flavor profiles or cater to specific dietary preferences. Here are a few exciting ideas to inspire your next baking adventure:

• Different Flavor Frosting: Elevate your cream cheese frosting by infusing it with new flavors. For a sophisticated twist, try adding 1-2 teaspoons of espresso powder (or very fine instant coffee granules) to the cream cheese and icing sugar mixture. This creates a delightful coffee-flavored icing that complements the pumpkin and cinnamon beautifully. You could also try a hint of orange zest for a brighter taste.
• Simple Glaze: If you’re not a fan of rich cream cheese frosting, a lighter, simpler glaze is an excellent alternative. Prepare a quick glaze by mixing 100 grams of sifted icing sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency to your liking: add more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or a few more drops of milk for a thinner, more pourable icing. A dash of vanilla extract can also be added for extra flavor.
• Add Some Nuts: Introduce a delightful crunch and nutty flavor by scattering a handful of finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or even almonds over the cinnamon sugar filling before rolling the dough. For an extra touch, you can also sprinkle some chopped nuts on top of the iced buns right before serving. Toasting the nuts lightly beforehand will enhance their flavor even more.
• Vegan Cinnamon Pumpkin Rolls: This recipe can be very easily adapted to be completely vegan-friendly without sacrificing flavor or texture. Simply swap dairy milk for your favorite dairy-free milk (almond, oat, or soy milk work well), use a high-quality vegan butter substitute, and replace regular cream cheese in the icing with a suitable vegan cream cheese alternative. To make the dough egg-free, replace the egg with an extra couple of tablespoons of pumpkin puree, which adds moisture and helps with binding.
• Not a Fan of Pumpkin? While these pumpkin rolls are divine, if you’re craving a different seasonal flavor, why not try these equally delicious Apple Cinnamon Rolls instead?

No, a standing mixer is definitely not a requirement for this recipe, although it can certainly make the dough-making process much easier and quicker. The dough for these rolls can be successfully kneaded by hand on a lightly floured surface. You’ll need to be patient, as hand-kneading might take a bit longer, typically 10-12 minutes, until the dough comes together and achieves a smooth, elastic consistency. If the dough feels too sticky during kneading, add a little extra flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it becomes manageable and no longer adheres excessively to your hands or the work surface.

This recipe is designed to yield approximately 12-14 regular-sized cinnamon rolls. A rectangular 9×13-inch baking dish is perfectly suited for this quantity, allowing the rolls to proof and bake together beautifully. However, you have several alternative options if a 9×13-inch dish isn’t available. A smaller 7×11-inch dish can work, but you might need to arrange the rolls a bit more snugly or use two smaller dishes. Alternatively, a couple of round 9-inch baking dishes or 9-inch square baking pans can also be used. The key is to arrange the rolls with about ½-inch of space between them to allow for expansion during the second rise and baking.

It’s a common delightful dilemma! If you find yourself with leftover pumpkin puree after making these rolls, you’re in luck, as there are many fantastic ways to use it. You can whip up this elegant No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake, bake an incredible Pumpkin Sour Cream Coffee Cake, or try my easy and flavorful Pumpkin and Chai Cupcakes. Pumpkin puree is also great in smoothies, soups, or even dog treats! Alternatively, you can easily freeze any leftover pumpkin puree in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for future baking projects. It typically keeps well in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.

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Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Please note that all my recipes are developed and tested in metric grams. I highly recommend that you use digital scales for the most accurate results. While I have provided a conversion to US customary units in the recipe card, please be aware that I haven’t personally tested using this method, and results may vary slightly.