Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Pumpkin cinnamon rolls are a seasonal upgrade to the classic sweet roll, bringing together soft, fluffy dough and the warm depth of pumpkin puree and spice. These rolls bake up tender with a gentle orange hue, a rich aroma of cinnamon and pumpkin spice, and a filling that melts into every swirl. The flavor is cozy, lightly spiced, and balanced, never overly sweet, which makes pumpkin cinnamon rolls comforting without being heavy.

More Hearty Desserts

What makes pumpkin cinnamon rolls so loved is how they capture fall baking in one pan. They taste like a cross between pumpkin pie cinnamon rolls and a classic bakery-style sweet roll. The pumpkin adds moisture and softness to the dough, while cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice bring that familiar fall pumpkin spice warmth. Finished with a smooth cream cheese glaze, these rolls feel indulgent yet homemade and honest, perfect for slow mornings, holidays, or sharing with family.

Pumpkin cinnamon rolls also fit beautifully into a wide range of pumpkin recipes dessert lovers enjoy. They work as a breakfast treat, a brunch centerpiece, or a sweet dish recipe served after dinner. From fun baking recipes to traditional fall baking recipes, this dish stands out because it is both nostalgic and exciting, familiar yet special every single time it comes out of the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pumpkin cinnamon rolls recipe is designed to be reliable, forgiving, and deeply flavorful. The dough is enriched but easy to work with, making it suitable for home cooks who want bakery-quality results without stress. Pumpkin puree naturally keeps the rolls soft for days, which means they stay tender even after reheating.

The spice balance is carefully developed so the pumpkin flavor shines without overpowering the cinnamon. This makes the rolls appealing even to those who usually find pumpkin desserts too strong. The cream cheese glaze adds just enough tang to balance the sweetness, creating a finish that feels polished and satisfying.

This recipe also adapts well to different baking styles. Whether you love brown butter pumpkin cinnamon rolls, pumpkin cinnamon rolls with cream cheese glaze, or even experimenting with pillsbury cinnamon roll recipes pumpkin inspired flavors, the base method here gives you confidence and consistency.

Preparation and Cooking Time, also serving

Prep time: 25 minutes
Rest and rise time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake time: 25 to 30 minutes
Total time: About 2 hours 25 minutes
Serving size: 12 pumpkin cinnamon rolls

These pumpkin cinnamon rolls are ideal for sharing. One batch comfortably serves a family breakfast, brunch gathering, or small celebration.

Ingredients

For the Dough

All purpose flour: 4 cups
Instant yeast: 2 and 1 quarter teaspoons
Granulated sugar: 3 quarters cup
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Pumpkin puree: 3 quarters cup
Whole milk, warm: 1 half cup
Unsalted butter, melted: 1 third cup
Egg: 1 large
Pumpkin pie spice: 1 teaspoon

For the Filling

Unsalted butter, softened: 1 half cup
Brown sugar: 1 cup
Ground cinnamon: 2 teaspoons
Pumpkin pie spice: 1 teaspoon

For the Cream Cheese Glaze

Cream cheese, softened: 6 ounces
Unsalted butter, softened: 1 quarter cup
Powdered sugar: 1 and 1 half cups
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Milk: 2 to 4 tablespoons

Substitution Notes

Pumpkin puree should be pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
Milk can be replaced with plant-based milk if needed.
Cream cheese glaze can be adjusted thinner or thicker depending on preference.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Mixing the dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit briefly until slightly foamy. Add pumpkin puree, melted butter, egg, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mix until smooth, then gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Kneading the dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. The dough should spring back gently when pressed.

Step 3: First rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size. This usually takes about 1 hour.

Step 4: Preparing the filling

In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth and spreadable.

Step 5: Rolling and shaping

Roll the risen dough into a rectangle about 16 by 12 inches. Spread the filling evenly over the surface. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log and slice into 12 equal rolls.

Step 6: Second rise

Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise for 30 minutes until puffy.

Step 7: Baking

Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Step 8: Making the glaze

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then milk until desired consistency is reached.

Step 9: Finishing

Spread glaze over warm pumpkin cinnamon rolls so it melts gently into the swirls.

How to Serve

Serve pumpkin cinnamon rolls warm for the best texture and aroma. Arrange them on a wide platter so the swirls are visible, highlighting their soft layers and glossy glaze. For brunch, pair them with fresh fruit, yogurt, or eggs to balance sweetness. They also shine alongside coffee, chai, or spiced tea, making them ideal for fall recipes sweet menus. For dessert, serve with a light drizzle of extra cream cheese glaze or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Additional Tips

Use room temperature ingredients for smoother dough mixing.
Avoid adding too much flour, as a softer dough creates fluffier rolls.
Let the rolls rise fully before baking to achieve light layers.
For deeper flavor, refrigerate the shaped rolls overnight and bake the next morning.

Recipe Variations

Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls
For an extra warm and fragrant version, increase the amount of pumpkin pie spice in the dough and filling, and add a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or allspice. This intensifies the classic fall pumpkin spice flavor and gives the rolls a comforting aroma that fills the kitchen. Ideal for cozy breakfasts or brunch gatherings.
Brown Butter Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Elevate the richness by browning the butter before mixing it into the filling. The nutty, caramel-like flavor of brown butter adds depth and complexity, turning these pumpkin cinnamon rolls into a bakery-style treat with a sophisticated twist. Perfect for holiday tables or special occasions.
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls No Yeast
For a quicker option, make a yeast-free version using baking powder and baking soda. The texture will be slightly different less airy but still tender and flavorful. This pumpkin cinnamon easy pumpkin cinnamon rolls no yeast variation is great when you want delicious rolls without waiting for rising time.
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze
Take your rolls to the next level by generously topping them with a smooth cream cheese glaze. The tangy sweetness pairs perfectly with the spiced pumpkin filling, creating a dessert-like finish reminiscent of pumpkin roll with cream cheese frosting.
Chocolate Swirl Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Add chocolate chips or a thin layer of chocolate spread into the filling before rolling the dough. This creates a decadent twist on traditional pumpkin cinnamon rolls, combining the richness of chocolate with the warmth of pumpkin and spice.
Caramel Pecan Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Sprinkle chopped pecans and drizzle caramel sauce over the filling before rolling for a nutty, indulgent variation. The caramel adds sweetness, the pecans add crunch, and the pumpkin filling keeps the rolls moist and flavorful.

These expanded variations show how flexible pumpkin cinnamon rolls can be. From classic spiced versions to indulgent chocolate or caramel twists, small changes in the filling, glaze, or spices can transform the base recipe into a wide range of memorable, fall-inspired treats.

Freezing and Storage

Store baked pumpkin cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months.
Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warm and soft.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 420 per roll
Carbohydrates: 58 grams
Protein: 7 grams
Fat: 18 grams
Sugar: 28 grams
Values are approximate and will vary by ingredients used.

Final Words

Pumpkin cinnamon rolls are the kind of bake that turns an ordinary day into something memorable. From the moment the dough comes together to the warm scent filling the kitchen, this recipe invites you to slow down and enjoy the process. Working with pumpkin-enriched dough teaches patience and care, but the reward is a batch of rolls that are softer, richer, and more flavorful than anything store-bought. This is the kind of sweet roll recipe that feels comforting, familiar, and deeply satisfying with every bite.

What truly sets pumpkin cinnamon rolls apart is their balance. The pumpkin adds moisture and tenderness without making the rolls heavy, while the cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice create warmth rather than sharp sweetness. This balance is why they fit so naturally into fall recipes sweet collections and why they appeal even to those who usually skip pumpkin desserts. Whether you enjoy them plain, with a thick cream cheese glaze, or as pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls with extra spice, the base recipe remains reliable and forgiving.

Baking these rolls at home also gives you control and confidence. You can adjust the sweetness, experiment with brown butter pumpkin cinnamon rolls, or explore variations inspired by pumpkin pie cinnamon rolls and pumpkin roll with cream cheese frosting styles. Each batch helps you understand dough texture, proofing, and flavor development a little better, making you a stronger and more intuitive baker over time. These are skills that carry over into many other fun baking recipes and baking sweets you may want to try next.

Most importantly, pumpkin cinnamon rolls are meant to be shared. They bring people to the table, encourage conversation, and create small traditions around breakfast, brunch, or holiday mornings. Whether you bake them once a year or make them a regular part of your fall baking recipes, they offer comfort that goes beyond taste. When you pull a pan of warm pumpkin cinnamon rolls from the oven, you are not just serving a dessert, you are offering care, warmth, and the simple joy of something made by hand.

FAQ’s

Yes, you can prepare and shape the rolls, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh the next morning.

The pumpkin flavor is gentle and balanced, enhancing moisture and color rather than overpowering the cinnamon.

Pumpkin roll style fillings work best as a glaze or swirl variation, but the classic cinnamon filling gives better structure.

The glaze is balanced with tangy cream cheese, keeping sweetness smooth and not heavy.

Yes, adjust the glaze thickness and spread generously for a richer, dessert-style finish.