These fluffy pumpkin cinnamon rolls are a cozy treat, perfect for fall. Soft dough swirled with cinnamon and pumpkin spice will have your kitchen smelling heavenly!
And let’s not forget that coffee maple frosting—it’s like a hug for your taste buds! I love enjoying these warm with a cup of coffee in hand. What a joy! ☕🐿️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not the spiced pie filling. If you don’t have pumpkin, you can substitute with a similar amount of mashed sweet potato or butternut squash for a different flavor.
Active Dry Yeast: This gives your rolls that fluffy texture. If you’re out of active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast at the same amount, and it doesn’t require proofing.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for baking, but if you only have salted, just skip the added salt in the dough. You can also use coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
Cream Cheese: For the frosting, if you want a lighter option, you can swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt, but it may be less rich. A dairy-free cream cheese also works well.
How Do You Get Perfectly Soft Dough?
Kneading your dough correctly is key to getting that soft, fluffy texture. Here’s how to knead dough for pumpkin cinnamon rolls:
- After mixing, gently turn the dough out onto a floured surface.
- Push the dough with the heel of your palm, fold it over, and repeat. Keep the surface lightly floured to avoid sticking.
- Continue kneading for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- To check if it’s ready, poke the dough lightly; it should spring back.
This process develops gluten, giving your rolls that perfect rise and texture!
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Coffee Maple Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Dough:
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- ¾ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 3 to 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
For the Coffee Maple Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
Getting these delicious rolls ready will take about 20 minutes of prep time, plus 2 hours for rising (1 hour for the dough and about 30-45 minutes for the rolls). Baking them will take about 20-25 minutes, resulting in a cozy treat perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it’s frothy and bubbly. This means it’s active and ready to work its magic in the dough!
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, melted butter, sugar, egg, and salt until everything is nicely blended. You want it to be smooth and creamy.
3. Combine and Add Spices:
Pour in the activated yeast mixture into the pumpkin mixture and stir well. Next, add your ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger—this is where the autumn spice magic happens!
4. Add Flour:
Gradually add the flour, starting with 3 cups, mixing until you have a sticky dough. If the dough is too wet, add a little more flour a tablespoon at a time until it’s soft but not overly sticky.
5. Knead Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook if you have one!
6. First Rise:
Place your dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Set it in a warm place to rise until it doubles in size, which should take about 1 to 1 ½ hours.
7. Prepare Filling:
While the dough is rising, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in a small bowl until it’s well combined and creamy.
8. Roll Out Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle about 15×10 inches.
9. Spread Filling:
Evenly spread the cinnamon sugar-butter mixture all over the rolled-out dough, making sure to get it into every corner for maximum flavor!
10. Form Rolls:
Starting with the long side of the rectangle, tightly roll the dough into a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 9 equal rolls. You can use dental floss for a cleaner cut if you prefer!
11. Second Rise:
Place the rolls in a greased 9×9-inch baking pan, spacing them slightly apart. Cover and let rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until they look puffy and inviting.
12. Preheat Oven and Bake:
While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls are puffy, bake them for 20 to 25 minutes until they are golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly.
13. Make Frosting:
While the rolls are baking, make the coffee maple frosting by beating the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, then the maple syrup, espresso or coffee, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until it’s creamy and delicious.
14. Frost and Serve:
Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 5 minutes. Generously spread the coffee maple frosting over the warm rolls, letting it melt into every nook and cranny. Serve them warm and enjoy every gooey bite!
Enjoy your cozy, spiced pumpkin cinnamon rolls topped with that rich coffee-maple frosting! They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet afternoon snack!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pumpkin Puree?
Yes, store-bought pumpkin puree works perfectly! Just ensure it’s not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
How Do I Know When the Rolls Are Done Baking?
The rolls should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped lightly. You can also check with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to the first rise, then refrigerate it. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out and proceeding with the recipe.
