Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Why We Like This Recipe

• This isn't your ordinary cinnamon roll! We've added pumpkin right into the dough.
• They are incredibly soft. Every bite is moist, fluffy, and bursting with flavors of fall. 
• Inside these rolls, you'll find more than just the usual filling. We've added crunchy nuts - either pecans or walnuts - which add a lovely texture and rich taste. 
• You can prepare these rolls ahead of time.  
• Want to make it vegan? No problem! With some easy swaps, you can enjoy these pumpkin cinnamon rolls without any animal products.   
• It is a very versatile recipe. You can even make pumpkin dinner rolls using the same dough, leaving out the filling and frosting and following the steps in our soft dinner rolls recipe.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, we've talked about the ingredients. Now, let's get baking! Here's how to make these yummy pumpkin spice rolls step by step.

Make the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, and pumpkin spice.
2. Add the pumpkin puree, milk, and butter.
3. Mix it a little with a spatula or a hand whisk.
4. Knead the dough, either inside the bowl or on a floured surface, until it's smooth and no longer sticky.

5. Grease your bowl, especially the base and sides. Place the dough inside, then cover with cling wrap. 
6. Set it in a warm spot and let it rise until it has doubled — about 1 hour.

Want to make your cinnamon roll dough in a stand mixer? No worries. Combine flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and pumpkin spice. Add pumpkin puree, milk, and butter. Mix with the dough hook on medium until smooth, about 5-7 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it double in size over an hour.

Make the Filling

Combine dark brown sugar, butter and pumpkin pie spice. Add in chopped pecans and set the paste aside until needed.

Assemble

1. After the dough has risen, punch it down gently.
2. Sprinkle some flour on your work surface and place the dough on it. Use a floured rolling pin to roll the dough into a large rectangle, aiming for a thickness between 5mm to 1cm.

3. Evenly spread your filling across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. If you like, sprinkle some additional brown sugar and your choice of chopped nuts on top.
4. Carefully roll the dough lengthwise, forming a long cylinder. Refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes to firm it up. This makes slicing easier. Slice this into 10-12 individual rolls with a sharp knife or a dough scraper.

5. Position the rolls on a greased baking tray, cover with cling wrap, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.

Bake them

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Once risen, bake the rolls for approximately 20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
3. Allow the rolls to cool down for 15-20 minutes after baking.

Make the Frosting

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whip the butter until it's pale and fluffy, which should take about 2 minutes.
2. Stir in the powdered sugar, pumpkin spice, and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is smooth. Don't forget to scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
3. Once the rolls are somewhat cool but still warm, generously spread the frosting on top and serve. Enjoy!

Understanding Yeast Types for This Recipe

Instant Yeast (also known as Fast-Acting or Quick-Rise Yeast): This is the yeast we use in this pumpkin cinnamon roll recipe. It dissolves quickly and doesn't require proofing, meaning you can mix it directly with your dry ingredients. 

Active Dry Yeast: This is a common type of yeast that needs to be dissolved in warm liquid (like milk or water) with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the recipe. This process, called "proofing", activates the yeast. 

 If using this in our recipe, ensure the liquid's temperature is about 100°F to 110°F (37°C to 43°C) for optimal activation. 

Fresh Yeast (also known as Cake Yeast or Compressed Yeast): It comes in a soft block. To use it in our recipe, crumble and dissolve it in warm liquid, similar to the active dry yeast. When replacing instant yeast with fresh yeast, you typically need to use double or even triple the amount by weight.

How to Slice the Rolls Perfectly

There are two primary methods: using a sharp knife and using dental floss. Here's how to get the best results with each:

1. Using a Sharp Knife:

• Sharpen First: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts without squashing the dough.
• Chill the Dough: If your dough is too soft or sticky, refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes to firm it up. This makes slicing easier.
• Apply Even Pressure: Press down evenly from one end to the other. Avoid a sawing motion to maintain the roll's shape.
• Mark Beforehand: Mark the roll at even intervals before cutting. This guarantees rolls of the same size.
• Clean After Each Slice: Wipe the knife after each cut. This prevents the filling from sticking and ensures a clean cut for the next roll.

2. Dental Floss Method:

• Instead of a knife, slide dental floss under the rolled dough, cross the ends over the top, and pull in opposite directions. This method produces a clean, even slice without pressing on the dough.

Storage

To keep your cinnamon pumpkin rolls fresh and delicious, proper storage is essential. Here's how to store them:

Room Temperature:

• If you plan to eat the rolls within a day or two, simply store them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This will keep them soft and prevent them from drying out.
• Ensure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.

Refrigeration:

• For longer storage, up to a week, place the rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate.
• Before serving, you can warm them up in the oven for a few minutes to regain that fresh-baked texture and warmth.

Freezing:

• To store the rolls for an extended period, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
• To enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and then reheat in the oven.

Storing Unbaked Rolls:

• If you've prepared the rolls but want to bake them later, you can freeze them after the second rise. Place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
• When ready to bake, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.

Making Them Ahead of Time

Want to prepare these pumpkin cinnamon rolls in advance? They would be great for a festive breakfast on special occasions like Thanksgiving. Here's how to plan ahead and enjoy fresh, warm rolls:

Overnight Refrigeration

• Prepare the Rolls: Follow the recipe until you've cut the rolls and place them in the baking pan.
• Slow Down the Rise: Instead of letting them rise at room temperature, cover the rolls tightly with plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator overnight.
• Baking Day: The next morning, take your overnight pumpkin cinnamon rolls out and let them come to room temperature while you preheat the oven. This might take about 30 minutes to an hour. Then, bake as directed.

Freeze the Dough After Shaping

Prepare the recipe up to placing the cut rolls in the baking pan. Instead of letting them rise, wrap tightly and freeze. When you're ready to bake, let the rolls thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then allow them to rise at room temperature before baking.

Variations

Vegan Version

• Dough: Since this recipe is already egg-free, making it vegan is straightforward. Substitute regular milk with plant-based alternatives like almond, soy, or oat milk. Use vegan butter in place of regular butter.
• Frosting: For a vegan frosting, use vegan butter, plant-based milk, and ensure your powdered sugar is vegan (some brands use bone char in processing).

Gluten-Free Version

We haven't tested this recipe with a gluten-free flour. If you want to give it a try, you can use brands that offer gluten-free blend. Also, it might be a good idea to add xanthan gum for better elasticity if the blend doesn't already contain it.

You can have a look at this easy gluten free cinnamon roll recipe to get an idea.

No-Yeast Version

Remove the yeast and instead, use 2 teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of baking soda. This will act as leavening agents, giving your rolls a lift. Because of the absence of yeast, there's no need for the dough to rise. Simply prepare, fill, roll, cut, and bake immediately. 

Cinnamon Rolls with Pumpkin Filling

Instead of the traditional cinnamon and brown sugar filling, use a mix of pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and brown sugar. This intensifies the pumpkin flavor and gives the rolls a moist, flavorful core.

Alternative Frostings

• Cream Cheese Frosting: Mix together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and vanilla extract. The result is a tangy and creamy topping that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin flavor. To make it vegan, use vegan cream cheese and plant-based milk.
• Maple Glaze: Combine powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, and a bit of milk (or dairy-free milk) for a sweet and earthy glaze reminiscent of autumn mornings.
• Caramel Drizzle: A warm caramel sauce drizzled over your baked rolls brings an extra layer of richness. You can find vegan caramel sauces or make your own using coconut milk.

Expert Tips

• Make sure the ingredients are at room temperature. This is a rule for all recipes with yeast. If they are fridge-cold, yeast won't work properly and your dough won't rise well.
• Let your dough rest to rise at a warm place. You can leave it on the counter if the weather is warm enough. Alternatively, preheat the oven to 350°F. Switch the oven off and place the dough near the top with the door slightly opened.
• You have to grease your bowl before putting the dough inside. Otherwise, the dough will stick and your perfect pumpkin sweet rolls will be misshapen.
• For the second rise (after the rolls have been sliced), cover the rolls with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place them next to the oven while it is preheating.
• To easily slice the rolls, use a sharp dough scraper, sharp thin-bladed knife, or a piece of thin twine or even fish line.
• If somehow your rolls look too loose after you slice them, you can fix them with your hands by gently squeezing and sticking the edges before placing them in the baking dish.
• Spread the frosting on the rolls when they are still warm so that it melts a bit.
• To reheat these pumpkin cinnamon buns, place them inside a preheated oven for 5 minutes or inside the microwave on high for 10 seconds.
• To make these rolls ahead of time, keep them covered inside the fridge overnight after they are sliced. Once ready to bake, place them on the stove while the oven is preheating so they come to room temperature. Bake them as usual. Make the frosting on that day.