These pumpkin cinnamon rolls are a cozy treat! Fluffy dough swirled with sweet pumpkin and warm spices make every bite comforting. And that coffee maple frosting? Simply irresistible!
I love enjoying these warm with a cup of coffee—perfect for a lazy Sunday morning. Just a heads up: the cinnamon aroma may have you dreaming about fall all year round! 🍂☕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for structure. If you’re gluten-free, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You could also use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, but it might make the rolls a bit denser.
Canned Pumpkin Puree: Always use pure pumpkin puree for the best flavor. If you’re fresh pumpkin inclined, you can roast and puree your own, but the canned stuff is quick and convenient! Just avoid pumpkin pie filling, as it’s sweetened and spiced already.
Active Dry Yeast: This helps the rolls rise. If you’re out of yeast, you can try baking powder, but expect a different texture. The rolls may not be as fluffy, but still delicious!
Cinnamon and Spices: Ground cinnamon is key, but you can mix it up with other spices like cardamom or allspice for a twist. If you’re not a fan of cloves or ginger, feel free to leave them out!
Cream Cheese: For the frosting, cream cheese adds creaminess. If you’re vegan, you could use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or even whipped coconut cream.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure My Dough Rises Well?
Getting the dough to rise perfectly is all about temperature and timing. Here’s how to make sure it works:
- Use warm water (about 110°F) to activate the yeast—too hot can kill it!
- Let the dough rise in a warm spot. If your kitchen is cool, try placing it in an oven (turned off) with the light on. This creates a cozy environment.
- Covering the dough helps retain warmth and moisture. A clean towel or plastic wrap works well.
- Be patient! The rising time can vary, so keep an eye on it; it should double in size for the best texture.
With these tips, you’ll have soft, fluffy rolls that make for a delightful treat! Enjoy your baking time! 🥳
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Coffee Maple Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Dough:
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk, warmed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Coffee Maple Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee granules, dissolved in 1 teaspoon hot water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep, with 2 to 2.5 hours of total rising and baking time. It’s worth every minute for those incredible flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate Yeast:
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means it’s alive and ready to make your dough rise.
2. Make Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, melted butter, warm milk, egg, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. Now, add the activated yeast mixture and mix until combined.
3. Form the Dough:
Gradually add 3 1/2 cups of flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is sticky, add in more flour a little at a time until it’s elastic and slightly tacky. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 6-8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
4. Let It Rise:
Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. Prepare Filling:
While your dough is rising, make the filling! In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt until combined and smooth.
6. Roll and Fill:
Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 16×12 inches). Then, spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, making sure to leave a small border around the edges.
7. Shape the Rolls:
Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 9 to 12 equal pieces. Place these rolls in a greased 9×9 inch baking pan, or similar sized dish.
8. Second Rise:
Cover the rolls again with a clean towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they are puffy and have expanded a bit more.
9. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they are a lovely golden brown color and smell amazing!
10. Make Frosting:
While your rolls are baking, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well. Then mix in the dissipated instant coffee, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until creamy.
11. Frost and Serve:
Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 5 minutes before generously spreading the coffee maple frosting on top. This will melt a bit and soak into the warm rolls for an extra treat!
12. Enjoy!
Serve your warm pumpkin cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors. They make for a perfect breakfast or snack any time of day!
These pumpkin cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfectly spiced, with a delicious coffee maple frosting to top them off. Happy baking!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! You can roast and puree your own pumpkin for this recipe. Just make sure to use the same amount (1/2 cup) and that it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
What Should I Do If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, it might be due to cold temperatures or inactive yeast. Ensure the water you use is warm (about 110°F) and place the dough in a warm, draft-free area to help it rise better.
How Do I Store Leftover Rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Just reheat in the oven or microwave before serving!
What Can I Substitute for the Coffee in the Frosting?
If you’re looking to skip the coffee, simply use more milk or cream in the frosting to achieve your desired consistency. You could also add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.