When the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls wafting through the house. These decadent, autumnal treats combine the warmth of cinnamon with the cozy flavor of pumpkin for a seasonal delight that’s sure to become a new fall favorite.
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Homemade baked goods have a way of stirring up feelings of nostalgia and comfort, and Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are no exception. The soft, pillowy dough, the gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, and the rich cream cheese frosting come together in a symphony of flavors and textures that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
To make these delectable Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (more for rolling out the dough)
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream for a thicker frosting)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Activate the Yeast
The first step in making these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls is to activate the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let this mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it’s nice and foamy. This step ensures the yeast is active and ready to work its magic in the dough.
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and egg. Once that’s combined, add the yeast mixture and stir until everything is well incorporated. Gradually mix in the flour, a little at a time, until a soft dough forms.
Knead and Rise
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 5–7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1–2 hours, or until it’s doubled in size. This rise time is crucial for developing the perfect texture in your Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls.
Prepare the Filling and Shape the Rolls
Make the Filling
While the dough is rising, it’s time to prepare the delectable cinnamon-sugar filling. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until it’s smooth and well combined.
Shape the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, then tightly roll it up from the short side. Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.

Second Rise and Baking
Let Them Rise Again
Cover the Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes. This second rise helps the rolls puff up and become extra fluffy and delicious.
Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, until they’re golden brown and irresistibly fragrant. Your kitchen is about to smell absolutely heavenly!
The Crowning Touch: Cream Cheese Frosting
No Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are complete without a generous swirl of rich and creamy cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until they’re smooth and combined. Add the vanilla, powdered sugar, and milk (or heavy cream for an even thicker frosting), and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Spread the frosting generously over the warm Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, allowing it to melt and drip down the sides. The combination of the soft, spiced rolls and the tangy-sweet frosting is simply divine.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Serve these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls warm, straight from the oven, for the ultimate indulgence. They pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them the ideal autumn treat to enjoy on a cozy morning or as an afternoon pick-me-up.
For a fun twist, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a delightful crunch. You could also experiment with different spices, like ginger or allspice, to further enhance the autumnal flavors. If you’re feeling extra decadent, drizzle the frosted rolls with a caramel or chocolate sauce.
FAQs About Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Are pumpkin cinnamon rolls good?
Absolutely! Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are an absolute delight. The combination of the soft, pillowy dough, the warm pumpkin and spice flavors, and the creamy cream cheese frosting is simply irresistible. They’re the perfect way to enjoy the cozy flavors of fall.
Did Trader Joe’s discontinue pumpkin cinnamon rolls?
Unfortunately, yes. Trader Joe’s did discontinue their popular Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls a few years ago, much to the disappointment of many loyal fans. However, with this homemade recipe, you can enjoy the same delicious flavors anytime you want, without having to worry about limited seasonal availability.
Does Cinnabon have pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls?
No, Cinnabon does not currently offer a pumpkin spice version of their classic cinnamon rolls. Their menu is focused on their signature original rolls, as well as some seasonal flavors like caramel pecan. But with this recipe, you can make your own pumpkin-infused cinnamon rolls right at home.
Do cinnamon and pumpkin go together?
Absolutely! Cinnamon and pumpkin are a match made in heaven. The warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon perfectly complement the rich, earthy sweetness of pumpkin. This combination is a hallmark of many classic fall desserts and baked goods, from pumpkin pies to pumpkin spice lattes.
Conclusion
Embrace the flavors of the season with these irresistible Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls. From the soft, pillowy dough to the gooey cinnamon-sugar filling and the tangy cream cheese frosting, every bite is a delightful celebration of autumn. Bake up a batch and savor the comforting, cozy flavors that will have your family and friends reaching for seconds (or thirds!). Pumpkin cinnamon rolls are the ultimate fall indulgence, and this homemade recipe is sure to become a new seasonal favorite.
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Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.
Print
Savor the Delight of Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Today!
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful fall treat combining the warmth of cinnamon with the cozy flavor of pumpkin, topped with rich cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 3 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 ounce cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoon milk
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and egg. Add yeast mixture and stir until well incorporated. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.
3. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
4. While dough rises, prepare filling by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
5. Once dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle. Spread filling evenly over the dough and roll tightly from the short side. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place in a greased baking dish.
6. Cover rolls and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
8. For frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla, powdered sugar, and milk; beat until light and fluffy.
9. Spread frosting over warm rolls.
Notes
Serve warm with coffee or tea. Consider adding chopped nuts to the filling or experimenting with different spices for variation.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg