Craving a cozy fall treat? Pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls are here to warm your heart! These soft, fluffy rolls, infused with pumpkin puree and warm spices, are a perfect addition to your autumn mornings. With a drizzle of cream cheese frosting, each bite feels like a hug from the season. Join me as I guide you through this delicious recipe that’s sure to become a fall favorite. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
To make pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls, you need the following ingredients:
– All-purpose flour (2 ¾ cups)
– Pumpkin puree (¼ cup)
– Warm milk (½ cup)
– Granulated sugar (¼ cup)
– Active dry yeast (1 packet)
– Ground spices (1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon ginger)
– Salt (½ teaspoon)
– Large egg (1)
– Unsalted butter (¼ cup melted)
– For the filling:
– Brown sugar (½ cup packed)
– Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon)
– Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons softened)
– Ground nutmeg (¼ teaspoon)
– Ground ginger (¼ teaspoon)
– For the cream cheese frosting:
– Cream cheese (4 ounces softened)
– Powdered sugar (2 cups)
– Milk (2 tablespoons)
– Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon)
These ingredients blend to create a warm, spiced dough that rises beautifully. The filling adds sweetness and depth. The cream cheese frosting ties everything together. For the complete pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls recipe, check the Full Recipe section.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Dough
– Combine warm milk and sugar in a bowl. Sprinkle yeast on top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it froths.
– In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Make a well in the center. Add pumpkin puree, melted butter, egg, and the yeast mixture.
– Gradually stir in the rest of the flour until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic.
– Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Making the Filling
– In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Add softened butter and blend until it combines well.
Rolling and Baking
– Once the dough has risen, punch it down. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Spread the filling over the dough evenly.
– Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place them in a greased baking dish.
– Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-40 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Let the rolls cool slightly while you make the cream cheese frosting.
– For the frosting, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle it over the warm rolls and serve.
For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. Enjoy your pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Cinnamon Rolls
To get fluffy cinnamon rolls, start with warm ingredients. Warm milk helps the yeast grow. If the milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast. For best results, let milk cool slightly after heating. When you mix your dough, do not over-knead. Knead just until smooth. This keeps the rolls soft.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your warm cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven. They taste best this way! A festive platter makes them look even more inviting. You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Chopped pecans or walnuts also add a nice crunch.
Frosting Tips
For the best cream cheese frosting, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This makes it easier to mix. Beat it well with the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. If you want a twist, try adding maple syrup instead of vanilla. It adds a lovely flavor! Check out the Full Recipe for all the steps to create these fall treats.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can change the flavor of your pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls by swapping the pumpkin puree for other squash. Butternut squash or acorn squash works great! Both add a sweet, earthy taste.
Another fun twist is adding nuts or chocolate chips to the filling. Chopped pecans or walnuts give a nice crunch. Chocolate chips add a sweet surprise in every bite. Try mixing these options to find your favorite!
Dietary Modifications
If you need gluten-free rolls, use a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum. This helps the dough hold together well.
For a vegan version, swap the egg for a flax egg or applesauce. Use plant-based milk and butter instead of dairy. These changes make the rolls vegan-friendly without losing taste.
Seasonal Twists
You can add other spices like cardamom or cloves to your rolls for a seasonal twist. These spices bring warm flavors that fit perfectly with fall.
You can also adapt the recipe for other holidays. For Christmas, try adding peppermint extract to the frosting. For Thanksgiving, sprinkle in some crushed cranberries for a tart taste in your rolls.
For the full recipe, check out the earlier sections. Enjoy creating your perfect pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls!
Storage Info
Storing Leftover Rolls
After baking your pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls, let them cool for about 15 minutes. Place the rolls in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you have many rolls, you can freeze them. To freeze, wrap each roll in plastic wrap and then in foil. This prevents freezer burn. You can store them for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions
When you are ready to enjoy your rolls again, you can reheat them. The best method is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm. You can also use the microwave. Heat each roll for about 15-20 seconds. If you want to revive the frosting, add a splash of milk to it. Mix until smooth and creamy. Drizzle it over the warm rolls before serving.
FAQs
Common Questions
What can I use instead of active dry yeast?
You can use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast. Instant yeast works faster. You can add it directly to dry ingredients without proofing. Use the same amount as active dry yeast.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. After kneading, place it in the fridge. It can stay in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just let it sit at room temperature before rolling it out.
How long do these cinnamon rolls last?
These cinnamon rolls can last for about 3 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
Troubleshooting
Why are my rolls dense?
Dense rolls often come from not enough yeast or old yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh. Also, ensure you knead the dough well to develop gluten. Too little rising time can cause density, too.
How to tell when the rolls are done baking?
Your rolls are done when they are golden brown on top. You can also tap the bottom; it should sound hollow. An internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) means they are fully baked.
Health Considerations
Are these cinnamon rolls suitable for a low-carb diet?
No, these cinnamon rolls are not low-carb. They contain sugar and flour, which are high in carbs. You might want to look for low-carb alternatives if you follow that diet.
What is the best way to reduce sugar in the recipe?
You can cut the sugar by 25% without much change in taste. For a healthier option, use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit. Adjust the amount based on the product’s sweetness level.
These cinnamon rolls are a treat you can enjoy any time. We covered the ingredients, steps, and tips to get perfect rolls every time. You can mix things up with flavors and dietary needs, and storing tips help keep them fresh longer. Whether you enjoy them warm or with frosting, these rolls are sure to please. Get ready to enjoy warm, soft, and delicious cinnamon rolls right from your oven! Happy baking!
