Best Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll (Print Version)

Soft rolls infused with pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg, finished with tangy cream cheese frosting for cozy mornings.

# Components:

→ Dough

01 - 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
08 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
09 - 2/3 cup whole milk, lukewarm
10 - 1/2 cup pumpkin purée
11 - 1 large egg, room temperature

→ Filling

12 - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
13 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
14 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
15 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

16 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
17 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
18 - 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
19 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
20 - 1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed

# Directions:

01 - In a large bowl, blend all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger thoroughly.
02 - In a separate bowl, whisk together melted unsalted butter, lukewarm whole milk, pumpkin purée, and large egg until fully combined.
03 - Add wet mixture to dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms. Knead for 6–8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, adding extra flour if dough is sticky.
04 - Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and leave in a warm environment for 1 hour or until doubled in volume.
05 - Punch down risen dough and roll out on a floured surface into a 16x12-inch rectangle using a rolling pin.
06 - Mix brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg for the filling. Spread softened unsalted butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with the sugar-spice mixture.
07 - Tightly roll up dough from the long edge, then slice into 12 uniform rolls using a dough scraper or sharp knife.
08 - Arrange rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes until visibly puffy.
09 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 22–25 minutes until golden brown and fully set.
10 - Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then blend in milk as necessary for a spreadable texture.
11 - Spread cream cheese frosting over warm rolls. Serve immediately for optimal freshness.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Features seasonal pumpkin flavor and aromatic spices
  • Delicious cream cheese frosting adds a decadent finish
02 -
  • Use canned or homemade pumpkin purée—not pumpkin pie filling
  • Store leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to two days
03 -
  • Add chopped toasted pecans to the filling for extra flavor
  • Thin the frosting with more milk for a lighter icing
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