There’s something undeniably cozy about diving into a tray of soft pumpkin cinnamon rolls, especially on a crisp morning when the world still feels wrapped in a chill. These rolls take pumpkin comfort to a whole new level, swirling pillowy dough with spiced sweetness that literally melts in your mouth. Every bite is a balance of tender, yeast-risen bread and warmly scented cinnamon filling, with just enough pumpkin puree folded in to give it that luxe autumnal twist. And then comes the magic finale: a decadent maple cream cheese frosting that adds a whisper of tangy richness and a kiss of sweet, amber maple syrup. It’s the kind of treat that instantly lifts spirits, wrapping you in a cozy hug of flavor.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with countless variations of cinnamon rolls, but this pumpkin-infused version stole my heart the first time I tried it. What I love most is how adaptable it is: you can stir in a little extra pumpkin for a bolder squash note, or sneak in a pinch more pie spice to dial up the warmth. The dough itself rises into golden, fluffy spirals, while the filling melts into a gooey ribbon of brown sugar and spice. Then, frosting these beauties is an event in itself—watching the cream cheese softens and swirls together with maple syrup until it’s silky and smooth. Slathering it on slightly warm rolls transforms them into an irresistible morning indulgence or a show-stopping dessert for guests. Trust me—you’ll be scribbling “make again!” on your mental recipe list before you even finish the first roll.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN SOFT PUMPKIN CINNAMON ROLLS WITH MAPLE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
Every great recipe starts with thoughtful ingredients, and these pumpkin cinnamon rolls are no exception. From the foundation of soft, yeasted dough to the decadent cream cheese frosting, each component contributes essential flavor, texture, and structure. Below are the star players that come together to create the most irresistible fall-inspired rolls.
- Warm Milk
A gentle warmth activates the yeast, ensuring a light and airy dough with the perfect rise.
- Active Dry Yeast
The leavening agent that gives the rolls their soft, pillowy texture and that classic cinnamon roll pull-apart feel.
- Granulated Sugar
Balances the savory notes in the dough and helps feed the yeast for optimal fermentation.
- Pumpkin Puree
Infuses rich moisture and a subtle autumnal flavor, creating tender bread with a hint of squash sweetness.
- Egg
Adds structure, richness, and a beautiful golden hue to the dough.
- Unsalted Butter (melted in dough)
Contributes fat that tenderizes the gluten, yields a softer crumb, and adds a touch of richness.
- All-Purpose Flour
The base of the dough, providing enough gluten to support the rise without becoming too dense.
- Salt
Enhances overall flavor and strengthens the gluten network for proper dough elasticity.
- Ground Cinnamon (in dough)
Delivers a warm, fragrant note that complements the pumpkin and spices in the filling.
- Nutmeg
A touch of warming, slightly sweet spice that layers complexity into the dough’s flavor profile.
- Unsalted Butter (softened for filling)
Serves as the base for a rich, gooey interior that holds brown sugar and spices in place.
- Brown Sugar
Offers deep, caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the filling mixture.
- Ground Cinnamon (in filling)
Provides that classic cinnamon-sugar swirl that defines every cinnamon roll.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice
A pre-blended mix of warming spices—clove, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon—that enhances the pumpkin notes.
- Cream Cheese
Creates the tangy, luxuriously creamy base of the maple-infused frosting.
- Unsalted Butter (softened for frosting)
Helps achieve a smooth, spreadable frosting texture and balances the tanginess of cream cheese.
- Vanilla Extract
Adds depth and aromatic sweetness to the frosting.
- Pure Maple Syrup
Infuses natural sweetness with a hint of woodsy, caramel undertones.
- Powdered Sugar
Sweetens and thickens the frosting, ensuring it spreads beautifully over warm rolls.
HOW TO MAKE SOFT PUMPKIN CINNAMON ROLLS WITH MAPLE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
Get ready to transform simple pantry staples into a tray of lush, spiced pumpkin cinnamon rolls that will fill your kitchen with irresistible warmth. Follow these steps closely, and don’t rush the resting periods—those rises are crucial for achieving that light, airy texture we all love.
1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and a pinch of granulated sugar. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, until it turns foamy on top, indicating the yeast is alive and ready.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, remaining granulated sugar, egg, and melted butter until you have a smooth, even batter.
3. Gradually add the flour, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and the yeast mixture to the pumpkin mixture. Stir with a sturdy spoon until the dough begins to come together.
4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly shinny.
5. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour.
6. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by mixing the softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice in a small bowl until it’s completely incorporated.
7. Once risen, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a 16×12 inch rectangle.
8. Spread the butter-sugar-spice mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one long edge to help seal the rolls.
9. Starting at the opposite long edge, roll up the dough tightly, pinching the seam edge to seal.
10. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 even slices. Place them cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
11. Cover the pan with a clean towel and let the rolls rise again for 30 minutes.
12. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until they’re a golden brown and puffed up.
13. While baking, prepare the frosting by beating together the cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
14. Add the vanilla extract, maple syrup, and powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until the frosting is lusciously smooth.
15. Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for 5–10 minutes. This slight rest ensures the frosting spreads without melting away completely.
16. Spread the maple cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls and serve immediately.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR SOFT PUMPKIN CINNAMON ROLLS WITH MAPLE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
Pairing these pumpkin cinnamon rolls with the right sides and settings can turn an everyday breakfast into an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or treating yourself to a weekend indulgence, presentation and accompaniments elevate every bite. Here are four ideas to help you serve these sweet spirals in style and maximize that cozy, fall-inspired vibe.
- Serve Warm with a Dab of Extra Frosting
Transfer rolls to individual plates while still warm and spoon an extra drizzle of maple cream cheese frosting on top. The heat will slightly melt the frosting, creating those irresistible glossy swirls.
- Accompany with Spiced Coffee or Chai
Brew a pot of bold coffee with a sprinkle of cinnamon or steep a fragrant chai tea. The spices in the beverage echo the cinnamon roll flavors, crafting a harmonious, aromatic pairing.
- Dust with Cinnamon Sugar
For a rustic touch, lightly dust each frosted roll with a pinch of cinnamon sugar. It adds a subtle crunch and extra sparkle that catches the eye and complements the soft interior.
- Garnish with Toasted Pecans or Walnuts
Chop and toast pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet until fragrant. Sprinkle them over the frosted rolls for added texture, a nutty complement, and a delightful crunch that plays off the soft dough.
HOW TO STORE SOFT PUMPKIN CINNAMON ROLLS WITH MAPLE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
To keep these pumpkin cinnamon rolls fresh and delicious, proper storage is essential. Because yeast dough can dry out or become gummy when stored incorrectly, follow these tips to maintain that perfect soft texture and luscious frosting. Whether you’re stashing extras for tomorrow’s breakfast or freezing for a future treat, these methods will help preserve flavor and texture.
- Room Temperature Storage
Place leftover rolls in an airtight container or cover them tightly with plastic wrap. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, ensuring the rolls remain soft and the frosting stays creamy.
- Refrigeration
Transfer cooled rolls to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Before serving, allow them to come to room temperature or microwave each roll for 10–15 seconds to restore that freshly baked warmth.
- Freezing
For longer storage, freeze unfrosted rolls on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10–15 minutes before frosting.
- Reheating
To revive refrigerated or frozen rolls, wrap each in damp paper towels and microwave on medium power for 20–30 seconds. Alternatively, place in a preheated oven at 325°F for 8–10 minutes, tented loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
CONCLUSION
From the moment you blend pumpkin puree and warm spices into a yeast-risen dough, through the thrilling aroma of baking rolls, to the final sweet flourish of maple cream cheese frosting, this recipe showcases the very best of fall baking. Each step builds layers of flavor: the tender dough enriched with pumpkin, a filling that balances brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice, and a frosting so creamy you’ll want to spoon it from the bowl. Along the way, you’ll learn how simple techniques—proofing yeast just right, kneading until elastic, and allowing two rises—unlock that ethereal softness we all crave in a cinnamon roll. Plus, with tips on adjusting pumpkin intensity and prepping overnight, you can customize this recipe to perfectly suit your schedule and taste.
Whether you’re gathering around the kitchen counter with family, hosting a weekend brunch for friends, or simply carving out a moment of self-care, these pumpkin cinnamon rolls are a celebration of warmth and flavor. If you’d like, print out this article and save it in your recipe binder for easy reference. You’ll also find a FAQ below to help troubleshoot any questions as you bake. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out—please leave a comment or question if you try this recipe, need clarification on a step, or have feedback on flavor tweaks. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with the cozy joy of freshly baked pumpkin cinnamon rolls!
Soft Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
Description
These soft pumpkin cinnamon rolls are a delightful blend of warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor, crowned with a luscious maple cream cheese frosting for an unforgettable treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s foamy.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, egg, and melted butter until smooth.
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Gradually add in the flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough starts to come together.
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Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
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Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
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Mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice together in a small bowl for the filling.
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Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 16x12 inch rectangle.
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Spread the butter mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border uncovered on one long edge.
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Roll up the dough tightly from the long edge, pinching the seam to seal.
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Cut the log into 12 even pieces and place them in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
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Cover and let the rolls rise for an additional 30 minutes.
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
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While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting by beating the cream cheese and butter together in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
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Add vanilla extract, maple syrup, and powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, mixing until smooth.
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Allow the rolls to cool for 5-10 minutes before spreading the frosting on top.
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Serve warm and enjoy!
Note
- For a stronger pumpkin flavor, consider adding a bit more pumpkin puree and adjusting the flour accordingly.
- You can prepare the dough the night before and bake in the morning for a fresh breakfast treat.
- Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor in the frosting.
- These cinnamon rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for longer freshness.
