Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls: 9 Cozy Reasons This Is the Best Fall Recipe Ever

There’s something magical about the aroma of warm spices and sweet dough wafting through your kitchen on a crisp autumn morning. These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate comfort food for fall—soft, fluffy, spiced just right, and slathered in a luscious cream cheese glaze. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at homemade rolls for the first time, this is the Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Recipe that delivers indulgence, flavor, and fall magic in every bite.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, holidays, or cozy weekends. If you’re looking for Good Fall Recipes or Fall Sweet Recipes, your search ends here.

Save

What Makes Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls So Special?

Unlike classic cinnamon rolls, these Pumpkin Spice Rolls are infused with real pumpkin puree and seasonal spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. The pumpkin not only adds earthy sweetness and moisture but also gives the rolls a beautiful golden hue. The balance between the soft dough, warm spices, and gooey cinnamon-sugar filling makes this one of the best Pumpkin Spice Baking Recipes you’ll ever try.

If you’re a fan of cozy desserts, you’ll also love our Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake.

Ingredients for Homemade Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make 9 large and fluffy rolls:

For the Dough:

• ¾ cup milk (whole or almond), warmed to 110°F (43°C)
• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
• ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp salt

For the Filling:

• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1½ tbsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ cup softened butter

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3 tbsp butter, softened
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsp milk (as needed for desired consistency)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Before getting started, make sure you have these tools on hand:

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
• Whisk
• Rolling pin
• Sharp knife or floss (for cutting rolls)
• 9×9 or 9×13 inch baking dish
• Oven
• Cooling rack

If you’re looking for more breakfast-ready recipes, don’t miss this Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole or these Oatmeal Bars.

Step-by-Step Preparation: How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Making these Homemade Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls may seem like a labor of love, but each step is simple and rewarding.

1. Activate the Yeast

Warm your milk to around 110°F. Pour it into a large bowl and stir in the yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.

2. Mix the Dough

To the yeast mixture, add the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, egg, and melted butter. Mix well. Then add the spices, salt, and flour gradually, mixing until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead the Dough

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes (or use a stand mixer for 5 minutes) until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

4. Prepare the Filling

While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a small bowl. Set aside.

5. Roll and Fill

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 14×16 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the dough.

6. Roll and Cut

Carefully roll the dough up from the long edge. Slice into 9 even rolls using a sharp knife or floss.

7. Second Rise

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.

8. Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.

9. Make the Glaze

While the rolls bake, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.

10. Glaze and Serve

Spread the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls. Serve fresh and enjoy!

Save

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Rolls Every Time

• Use fresh yeast for the best rise. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast may be inactive.
• Don’t overheat the milk—it should be warm to the touch, not hot.
• Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for faster proofing.
• Use dental floss to cut the rolls neatly without squashing the dough.
• Glaze the rolls while they’re still warm so the icing melts into the layers beautifully.

For another indulgent idea, check out our Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches—a fun, over-the-top dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Pumpkin Rolls

• Using pumpkin pie filling instead of puree. The added spices and sugars in pie filling can ruin the flavor balance.
• Over-flouring the dough. The dough should feel slightly sticky but manageable.
• Underbaking or overbaking. Check the rolls at 20 minutes to avoid dry or undercooked centers.
• Skipping the second rise. It’s crucial for achieving soft, fluffy rolls.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed warm and fresh. For a beautiful and inviting presentation:

• Drizzle the glaze in a zigzag pattern using a spoon or piping bag.
• Dust with extra cinnamon or top with chopped toasted pecans for crunch.
• Present on a rustic wooden board or a white platter lined with parchment for a cozy autumn feel.

For a cozy brunch, pair with Country Gravy Breakfast Enchiladas for a savory-sweet combo.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

To Store:
Place leftover rolls in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

To Reheat:
Microwave individual rolls for 15–20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes. Add a bit of milk or butter if needed to restore moisture.

To Freeze:
You can freeze baked (unglazed) rolls. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, reheat, then glaze.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Recipe Variations and Swaps

• Dairy-Free Option: Use almond or oat milk, dairy-free butter, and vegan cream cheese.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the filling before rolling.
• Try Maple Flavor: Replace vanilla in the glaze with maple extract and add a tablespoon of maple syrup.
• Mini Version: Slice into 12–16 smaller rolls and reduce baking time accordingly.

Looking for more comfort bakes? You’ll enjoy our Irresistible Butter Swim Biscuits.

Food and Drink Pairings for Your Pumpkin Spice Rolls

These rolls pair wonderfully with warm, cozy beverages and light accompaniments such as:

• Spiced chai tea or cinnamon tea
• Hot apple cider
• Herbal teas like rooibos or ginger
• Fresh fruit salad or roasted apples

Explore more drink ideas in our Drinks Category.

Why This Dessert Recipe Is a Must-Try for Fall Baking

This Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Recipe has it all—seasonal flavor, an easy-to-follow process, and soft, bakery-style results. It’s ideal for anyone looking for reliable Baking Fall Recipes and unforgettable Dessert Recipes Pumpkin lovers will appreciate. The pumpkin not only adds moisture but enhances the flavor and festive color. Once you try these, they’ll become your new autumn tradition.

Save

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, after shaping the rolls, cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.

Can I use canned pumpkin?
Absolutely, as long as it’s 100% pure pumpkin puree and not spiced pie filling.

Can I skip the cream cheese glaze?
You can opt for a simpler vanilla icing or just dust with powdered sugar if you prefer something lighter.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes. You can skip the blooming step and mix it directly with the flour.

Conclusion & Call to Action: Share the Love for Fall Baking Recipes

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are cozy, festive, and impossible to resist. Perfect for cool mornings, holiday spreads, or indulgent desserts, they bring the warmth of autumn right to your kitchen. Soft, sweet, and spiced to perfection, they deserve a place in your favorite fall bakes.

Tried this recipe? Share it with your family and friends, leave a comment below, and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more delicious inspiration and homemade magic from RecipeZed.

Print