Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy morning at home or a festive gathering. With their delightful blend of warm spices and pumpkin goodness, these rolls are sure to impress. The soft pumpkin brioche dough is rolled with a sweet pumpkin brown sugar filling and topped with a luscious coffee maple cream cheese icing, making each bite an irresistible experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and spices creates a rich, comforting flavor profile that everyone will enjoy.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls fit seamlessly into any meal.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll find the process straightforward and rewarding.
• Impressive Presentation: These rolls look stunning on any table, making them a great choice for gatherings or special events.
• Versatile Toppings: Feel free to customize the icing with your favorite flavors or leave it off entirely for a lighter option.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful recipe, it’s essential to gather your kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Why These Tools Matter

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl helps combine all ingredients efficiently, ensuring everything is well mixed.
• Rolling pin: This tool is crucial for rolling out the dough evenly to create those perfect cinnamon rolls.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even baking and provides enough space for your rolls to rise.

Ingredients

Ingredients:

For the Dough

• One 425g can Pumpkin Puree (See body of post for making your own)
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 150g whole milk, lukewarm
• 4 Tbsp (50g) brown sugar
• 565g all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 140g reduced pumpkin puree
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten, at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
• 120g unsalted butter, at room temperature

For the Filling

• 225g unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 360g light or dark brown sugar
• 115g reduced pumpkin puree
• 2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp ground cardamom
• pinch of salt

For the Icing

• 165g cream cheese, at room temperature
• 75g butter, at room temperature
• 275g powdered sugar, sifted
• 75g maple syrup
• 2 tsp espresso powder
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste

How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by warming the whole milk until lukewarm. In a mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm milk with active dry yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. In another mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, cinnamon, and ground cardamom.
2. Add in brown sugar and mix well.
3. Stir in the activated yeast mixture along with pumpkin puree and beaten eggs.
4. Mix until combined; then add room-temperature butter.
5. Knead until you have a smooth dough (about 5–10 minutes).

Step 3: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (approximately 1 hour).

Step 4: Prepare Filling Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine softened butter with reduced pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, ground cardamom, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

Step 5: Roll Out Dough

Once risen, turn out the dough onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.

Step 6: Add Filling

Spread the filling mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough.

Step 7: Roll Up Dough

Starting from one long edge of the rectangle, carefully roll up the dough tightly into a log shape.

Step 8: Cut Rolls

Using a sharp knife or dough cutter, slice the rolled dough into equal pieces (about 12–15). Place them into a greased baking dish.

Step 9: Second Rise

Cover your baking dish with a towel again and let rise for about 30 minutes until puffy.

Step 10: Bake Rolls

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake rolls for about 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 11: Prepare Icing

While rolls are baking, beat together cream cheese and butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar followed by maple syrup, espresso powder, kosher salt, and vanilla bean paste until smooth.

Step 12: Ice Rolls

Once baked rolls have cooled slightly but are still warm, drizzle with coffee maple cream cheese icing before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Serving Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls can elevate your breakfast or brunch. They are delicious on their own but pairing them with complementary items can enhance the experience.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: A warm cup of coffee pairs perfectly, balancing the sweetness of the rolls.
• Chai Latte: The spices in chai complement the cinnamon and pumpkin flavors beautifully.
• Hot Chocolate: For a cozy treat, rich hot chocolate adds a delightful contrast.

With Fresh Fruit

• Sliced Apples: Crisp apples provide a refreshing crunch that contrasts well with the soft rolls.
• Berries: A mix of strawberries and blueberries brings a burst of freshness and color to your plate.
• Citrus Slices: Oranges or grapefruit add a zesty note that brightens the meal.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs offer protein that balances the sweetness of the rolls.
• Yogurt Parfaits: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit provides a healthy addition to your brunch table.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

To achieve perfect Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, consider these helpful tips for optimal texture and flavor.

• Use Fresh Yeast: Fresh yeast ensures your dough rises well, giving you light and fluffy rolls.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter, eggs, and cream cheese to reach room temperature for even mixing.
• Knead Properly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic; this develops gluten for better structure.
• Don’t Rush Rising Time: Let the dough rise in a warm spot until doubled in size; this is crucial for fluffy rolls.
• Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to tweak cinnamon and cardamom amounts based on your flavor preference for added warmth.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

When serving Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, consider these delightful side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Each dish complements the sweet and spiced flavors of the rolls wonderfully.

1. Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the rolls.
2. Savory Quiche: A slice of quiche offers a rich, savory counterpoint that pairs nicely with sweet pastries.
3. Oven-Baked Turkey turkey bacon or Turkey Turkey turkey bacon: Crispy turkey turkey bacon adds a salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with soft rolls.
4. Smoothie Bowl: A smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds provides nutrition alongside indulgence.
5. Granola with Yogurt: Crunchy granola served over creamy yogurt enhances texture while remaining light.
6. Spiced Nuts: A bowl of spiced nuts adds an unexpected crunch and flavor depth to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls that can ruin your efforts. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the yeast proofing: Always proof your yeast before adding it to the mixture. This ensures that your rolls rise properly.
• Using cold ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature. Cold eggs and butter can affect the dough’s texture and rise.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements. Too much flour can lead to dense rolls.
• Ignoring the resting time: Allow the dough to rest as instructed. This helps develop flavor and texture in your rolls.
• Overbaking or underbaking: Keep an eye on your rolls while baking. Overbaking will dry them out, while underbaking leaves them doughy.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat for 15-20 seconds per roll on a microwave-safe plate for quick reheating.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls different from regular cinnamon rolls?

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls feature pumpkin puree both in the dough and filling, adding a rich flavor and moist texture that sets them apart from traditional cinnamon rolls.

Can I make these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature before rolling it out.

How do I customize my Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls?

You can add nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips to the filling for extra flavor. Adjust spices according to your preference as well.

What should I serve with Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls?

These rolls pair beautifully with coffee or hot cocoa. You can also serve them with a side of whipped cream cheese spread.

How do I store leftover Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether enjoyed during breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat, they offer a warm and comforting flavor profile. Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins for a unique twist!

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