The Ultimate Guide to Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls – Inspired by Sally’s Baking Addiction

Nothing captures the cozy spirit of autumn quite like the aroma of freshly baked pumpkin cinnamon rolls swirling through the kitchen. This delightful twist on a classic breakfast treat is rich, gooey, and irresistibly spiced—perfect for crisp fall mornings, holiday brunches, or anytime you’re craving something warm and sweet. Inspired by the beloved recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create soft, fluffy rolls bursting with pumpkin spice flavor and topped with luscious maple cream cheese icing.

Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, these beauties feature real pumpkin puree in the dough, creating a moist texture and rich color that screams fall. If you’re wondering where to find the right kind of pumpkin, go with a trusted brand like Libby’s Pumpkin Puree to ensure you’re using pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.

The yeasted dough may seem intimidating if you’re new to baking, but with the help of trusted guides like King Arthur Baking’s Yeast Guide, anyone can master the process. Let’s dive into the full method, from ingredients to icing to freezing leftovers—so you can enjoy these autumn-perfect rolls again and again.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Soft and fluffy dough with a rich pumpkin base
• Filled with gooey brown sugar and warm spices
• Topped with decadent maple cream cheese icing
• Easy to make ahead and freeze
• Perfect comfort food for chilly mornings

Ingredients Breakdown: The Flavor & Science Behind It

To get perfect texture and flavor, you’ll need a few specific ingredients that make these rolls stand out:

For the Dough

• Pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) – Adds flavor and moisture
• Whole milk – Enhances tenderness
• Unsalted butter – For richness
• Granulated sugar – Feeds the yeast and sweetens
• Nutmeg – Enhances the pumpkin
• Egg – Adds structure
• Salt – Balances flavor
• Instant or active dry yeast – Helps the dough rise
• All-purpose flour – The structural backbone

Note: Cinnamon is not included in the dough. Why? It can inhibit yeast activity. Combined with the already heavy pumpkin, this could prevent a proper rise. Nutmeg steps in here with warmth without sacrificing lift.

Step-by-Step: Making the Perfect Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Dough

Creating the perfect dough is key. Here’s how:

1. Warm the milk and butter just until the butter melts. Cool until lukewarm.
2. Mix pumpkin, sugar, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl. Add the lukewarm milk mixture, egg, and yeast.
3. Add flour in stages and mix to form a soft, tacky dough.
4. Knead for 5–6 minutes by hand or with a mixer and dough hook until elastic and smooth.
5. Let rise for about 2 hours, covered, until doubled in size.

Pro Tip: Use the windowpane test—gently stretch a piece of dough. If you can see light through it without tearing, it’s ready.

The Sweet, Spicy Filling

Here’s what goes into the iconic pumpkin spice swirl:

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and ginger

Assembly

• Roll dough into a 10×14 inch rectangle.
• Spread butter and sprinkle filling evenly.
• Roll up tightly and cut into 10–12 even pieces.
• Place in a greased pan, cover, and let rise again for about 1 hour.

Baking Your Rolls

• Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Bake rolls for 22–28 minutes.
• Cover with foil halfway through to avoid over-browning.
• Let rest on a wire rack while you make the icing.

Maple Cream Cheese Icing & Alternatives

The magic touch is the frosting! The default icing is a velvety maple cream cheese glaze made from:

• Full-fat cream cheese
• Pure maple syrup
• Milk
• Confectioners’ sugar
• Optional: a pinch of cinnamon

Icing Variations:

• Vanilla icing (for simplicity)
• Salted caramel glaze (for decadence)
• Classic cream cheese icing (for tang)
• Apple cinnamon drizzle (for apple-pumpkin lovers)

Spread icing generously while rolls are still warm for the gooeyest experience.

Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions

Overnight Option:

• Follow the recipe up to the second rise.
• Cover and refrigerate rolls (uncooked) overnight.
• Bring to room temp for 1 hour before baking.

Freezing Options:

• Before second rise: Freeze shaped rolls and thaw overnight in the fridge before final rise and bake.
• Partially baked: Bake for 10 mins, cool, freeze, then bake final 15 mins after thawing.
• Fully baked: Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Other Cinnamon Roll Variations You’ll Love

Try branching out with other sweet roll recipes inspired by the same dough base:

• Apple Cinnamon Rolls
• Raspberry Sweet Rolls
• Birthday Cake Rolls
• Maple Pecan Sticky Buns
• Lemon or Orange Sweet Rolls

First-Time Yeast Baker? Here’s What to Know

• Liquid temperature matters—lukewarm, not hot!
• Rise dough in a warm, draft-free place.
• Avoid adding too much flour—dough should be soft and a little sticky.
• Don’t skip the kneading step!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using pumpkin pie filling instead of puree
• Adding too much flour, resulting in dense rolls
• Not letting dough rise long enough
• Skipping icing or adding while cold

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes pumpkin cinnamon rolls different?
They include pumpkin puree in the dough, giving them a moist, rich texture and deep fall flavor.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?
No—pumpkin pie filling is pre-spiced and sweetened, which can ruin the dough balance.

Can these be made gluten-free?
You can try 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blends, but results may vary.

What frosting goes best with pumpkin cinnamon rolls?
Maple cream cheese icing is the most recommended, but vanilla or caramel work beautifully too.

Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, with swaps like almond milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese.

Why didn’t my dough rise?
Possible causes include expired yeast, too hot liquid, or a cold rise environment.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to elevate your fall baking game, these pumpkin cinnamon rolls are a must. With fluffy dough, spiced swirl, and dreamy frosting, they’re as satisfying to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re baking for guests, family, or just for yourself on a cozy morning, this recipe delivers the ultimate fall comfort food experience.

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