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Lifting a roll free reveals the orange crumb that sets these pumpkin cinnamon rolls apart.
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5 from 1 vote

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Soft, spiced rolls filled with a brown sugar and pumpkin spice filling and finished with a tangy cream cheese frosting, ready in about 3 hours.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Proof/Rest Time2 hours 5 minutes
Total Time3 hours
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cinnamon roll, fall brunch, pumpkin, Thanksgiving
Servings: 12 rolls

Ingredients

Dough

Filling

Cream Cheese Frosting

Instructions

  • Add all dough ingredients to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. Mix on low for 1 minute to combine, then increase to medium speed and knead for 5 minutes until the dough pulls away from the hook when stretched. It will still be sticky, and that is okay.
  • Lightly oil a large bowl. Shape the dough into a ball, place in the bowl, and turn to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1½–2 hours until doubled.
  • While the dough rises, combine the light brown sugar, cinnamon, pumpkin spice mix, and butter in a medium bowl. Mash together with the back of a wooden spoon until spreadable. Set aside at room temperature.
  • Generously butter a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape into a rough rectangle, long side facing you. Roll with a rolling pin into an approximately 18x13-inch rectangle, adding flour as needed.
  • Spread the filling over the dough, leaving a ½-inch gap along one long edge. Starting at the opposite long edge, roll the dough tightly around the filling. Stop about 2 inches from the end, pull the clear edge of dough up and over the top of the log, and pinch to seal.
  • Slice the log into 12 pieces using a serrated knife. Arrange cut side up in the buttered dish, staggering as you go. Scoop any filling that escaped and dollop it over any rolls that look light.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and proof for 30 minutes at room temperature. Preheat the oven to 350°F (no fan) while the rolls proof.
  • Bake for 25–35 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center roll comes out clean or the internal temperature reads 185°F. A tighter 9x13 pan will need closer to 35 minutes; a roomier baking dish will be done around 25 minutes.
  • Let the rolls cool about 90% before frosting.
  • In a small bowl, stir together the cream cheese, butter, vanilla, salt, and powdered sugar with a silicone spatula until smooth. Loosen with 1–2 teaspoons milk if needed. Spread over the cooled rolls and serve.

Notes

Technique: The dough is intentionally sticky because of the pumpkin puree. Do not add extra flour to compensate. Use a stand mixer for kneading; hand kneading is possible but takes 8–10 minutes and the dough will be harder to manage.
Pan choice: A tight, true 9x13-inch cake pan gives taller rolls and keeps the filling inside the roll rather than pooling on the bottom. A roomier baking dish bakes faster but yields rolls that are more separated and slightly shorter.
Measuring: Keep the milk at exactly ¼ cup (65g). More milk dilutes the pumpkin spice flavor noticeably. Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
Storage: Store at room temperature, loosely covered, for up to 2 days. These are best eaten fresh. Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 20–30 seconds to revive the soft texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 434kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 426mg | Potassium: 167mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 3770IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 3mg