Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

Introduction

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing are the perfect marriage of autumn flavors and comforting baked goodness. Soft, pillowy rolls infused with pumpkin purée and warm spices are swirled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, then topped with a luscious cream cheese icing that melts into every crevice. These rolls are festive, cozy, and indulgent—ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert during the fall season.

The pumpkin purée in the dough doesn’t just add flavor, it keeps the rolls moist and tender. Combined with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, every bite feels like fall in pastry form. Then comes the cream cheese icing—slightly tangy, sweet, and creamy—completing the rolls with irresistible richness.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms the classic cinnamon roll into something seasonal and truly special. The pumpkin makes the dough extra flavorful and moist, while the spices add warmth that instantly makes the kitchen feel like home. It’s the kind of recipe that invites family and friends to gather around, share stories, and savor the flavors of fall.

Another reason I adore this recipe is its versatility—you can enjoy these rolls fresh out of the oven, reheat them the next day, or even prepare them ahead of time for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas morning. It’s a treat that never fails to impress, yet feels approachable enough for home bakers.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because:

• It’s a festive twist on a beloved classic.
• The pumpkin purée adds both flavor and nutrition.
• The cream cheese icing elevates it into bakery-worthy territory.
• It’s perfect for sharing, making it a centerpiece for gatherings.
• The dough is soft and fluffy, yet full of bold, spiced flavor.

Once you try these rolls, you’ll want to make them every fall!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes (plus 1½ hours rising time)
• Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: ~2 hours 20 minutes
• Servings: 12 rolls
• Calories: ~340 per roll

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Breakfast / Brunch / Dessert
• Cuisine: American, Fall-inspired Baking

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (to adjust consistency)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
2. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, melted butter, egg, remaining sugar, and spices.
2. Add the foamy yeast mixture.
3. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Knead for 6–8 minutes (by hand or mixer with dough hook) until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: First Rise

1. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1½ hours until doubled.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

1. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 14×18-inch rectangle.
2. Spread softened butter over the surface.
3. Sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

1. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.
2. Slice into 12 even rolls.
3. Place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 6: Second Rise

1. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.

Step 7: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.

Step 8: Make the Icing

1. Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, mixing until creamy.

Step 9: Ice the Rolls

1. Spread icing over warm rolls so it melts into the swirls.

How to Serve

Serve these pumpkin cinnamon rolls warm, topped generously with cream cheese icing. They pair beautifully with coffee, chai, or hot apple cider. Perfect for breakfast, brunch spreads, or dessert after a cozy fall dinner.

Recipe Tips

• Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise.
• Don’t overstuff with filling, or it may ooze out while baking.
• Slice rolls with a serrated knife or dental floss for clean edges.
• Let the rolls cool slightly before adding icing so it doesn’t melt completely.

Variations

• Maple Icing: Replace vanilla with maple extract for a fall twist.
• Nutty Filling: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling.
• Caramel Drizzle: Top with caramel sauce in addition to cream cheese icing.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep leftovers covered at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing (Unbaked): Freeze shaped rolls (before second rise) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge, then let rise before baking.
• Freezing (Baked): Freeze baked rolls (without icing) for up to 2 months. Reheat and add fresh icing.

Special Equipment Needed

• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but helpful)
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Rolling pin
• Serrated knife or unflavored dental floss

FAQ

Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough, let it rise, shape the rolls, then refrigerate overnight before baking the next morning.

Q2: Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling?
No, use pure pumpkin purée—pumpkin pie filling has added sugar and spices.

Q3: Why are my rolls dense?
This usually happens if the yeast is old, the dough wasn’t kneaded enough, or it didn’t rise fully.

Q4: Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just bake in two 9×13 pans.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing are the ultimate fall comfort treat—soft, spiced, pumpkin-infused dough swirled with cinnamon-sugar and topped with rich cream cheese icing. They’re festive, flavorful, and perfect for sharing, whether at holiday gatherings or cozy mornings at home. This recipe is a must-bake if you want to bring warmth, sweetness, and seasonal charm to your table.