These soft pumpkin cinnamon rolls are a cozy treat, perfect for any fall morning. They’re fluffy, spiced just right, and topped with a yummy coffee maple frosting!
Seriously, is there anything better than warm cinnamon rolls? I love how the pumpkin makes them extra moist and flavorful. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven with a cup of coffee—pure bliss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Use canned pumpkin puree for convenience, but homemade works too! If you’re out of pumpkin, you can substitute with mashed sweet potatoes or applesauce, although flavors will vary slightly.
Yeast: Active dry yeast is great for this recipe, but if you have instant yeast, you can use it just the same without the need for proofing. It saves time and works just as well!
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for control over saltiness. If you’re keeping things dairy-free, use vegan butter or coconut oil instead.
Cream Cheese: For the frosting, cream cheese gives a great tangy flavor. If you want a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is my favorite for its rich flavor, but if you don’t have it, honey or agave syrup can work as alternatives, though they will change the flavor a bit.
How Can I Knead Dough Like a Pro?
Kneading is essential for building that fluffy texture in your cinnamon rolls. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking.
- Flatten the dough slightly, then fold it over itself and push it away with the heel of your hand.
- Turn the dough a quarter turn and repeat. Do this for 6-8 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic.
- Make sure not to over-flour—just enough to keep it from sticking is perfect!
What’s the Best Way to Roll and Cut the Dough?
To get nice, even rolls, follow these simple steps:
- After the dough rises, punch it down gently to release air. This makes it easier to work with.
- Roll it out into a rectangle, keeping the edges as straight as possible for uniform rolls.
- When you start to roll, tighten it gently to create a compact roll that holds its shape.
- For cutting, use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to slice through without squishing the rolls.
These tips can help ensure your pumpkin cinnamon rolls turn out soft, flavorful, and perfectly spiraled! Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
Soft Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Coffee Maple Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
- 3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Coffee Maple Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp instant coffee granules (dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and approximately 2 hours for rising and baking. With a little patience, you will enjoy warm, fluffy rolls that are perfect for breakfast or brunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, mix together the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir gently and allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it gets foamy on top. This means the yeast is active!
2. Mix the Dough Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, melted butter, the remaining sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix well until everything is combined.
3. Combine Everything:
Pour the foamy yeast mixture into the pumpkin mixture and stir it all together to combine.
4. Form the Dough:
Gradually add in 3 cups of the all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft dough begins to form. If the dough a little sticky, add more flour, a bit at a time, until it’s smooth and only slightly tacky.
5. Knead the Dough:
On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 6-8 minutes until it’s elastic and smooth. This is important for achieving those fluffy rolls!
6. Let the Dough Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm space until it doubles in size (around 1 to 1.5 hours).
7. Prepare the Filling:
While the dough is rising, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl. Set this aside for later!
8. Roll Out the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down, then roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 16×12 inches.
9. Spread the Filling:
Spread the softened butter evenly over the rectangle of dough, then sprinkle the prepared cinnamon sugar filling evenly across the surface.
10. Roll It Up:
Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape.
11. Cut the Rolls:
Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place these slices in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them.
12. Second Rise:
Cover the baking dish and let the rolls rise again for 30-45 minutes until they’re puffy.
13. Bake the Rolls:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 20-25 minutes, until they’re golden brown and fully cooked through.
14. Make the Frosting:
While the rolls are baking, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
15. Mix in the Sugar:
Add the sifted powdered sugar and continue to mix until fully combined.
16. Add the Flavorings:
Stir in the maple syrup, dissolved coffee, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust the sweetness or coffee level if necessary.
17. Frost the Rolls:
Once the rolls are out of the oven and have cooled slightly (about 10 minutes), spread the coffee maple frosting generously over the top.
18. Serve & Enjoy!
Serve the rolls warm and enjoy your delicious creation—perfect for sharing with family and friends!
This recipe yields soft, pillowy pumpkin cinnamon rolls with a delightful coffee-infused maple frosting—a heavenly treat for any occasion!
FAQ for Soft Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Coffee Maple Frosting
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you opt for fresh pumpkin, roast and puree it beforehand, ensuring it’s smooth and well-drained. This gives your cinnamon rolls a fresh taste!
How Do I Store Leftover Rolls?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Just reheat in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Make These Rolls Vegan?
Yes! To make the rolls vegan, substitute the milk with a plant-based milk, use vegan butter, and replace the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative. The results will still be delicious!
What Can I Do if My Dough Isn’t Rising?
If your dough isn’t rising, it may be due to cold temperatures or inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh and active—check the expiration date. If needed, place the dough in a warmer area or a slightly warmed (turned off) oven to encourage rising.
Feel free to dive into these tips to ensure your pumpkin cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly every time!
