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Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting


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  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 large rolls

Description

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting are a perfect fall treat! Soft, tender, and rolled with pumpkin-spiced filling, topped with a creamy caramel frosting. A must-try for any pumpkin lover—these cinnamon rolls will make your holiday mornings extra special. Serve warm and indulge in the ultimate sweet and spicy dessert.


Ingredients

For the Dough:

1 packet active dry yeast

1/2 cup butter (melted)

3/4 cup buttermilk (or DIY buttermilk, see below)

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 large egg

1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

4 1/2 cups bread flour

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Filling:

1 cup brown sugar (packed)

2 tablespoons cinnamon

1/2 cup butter (softened)

For the Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting:

1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)

1/2 cup butter (softened)

1 cup brown sugar (packed)

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 


Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

In a microwave-safe bowl, warm the buttermilk (about 20 seconds) and add yeast and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes bubbly.

In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and nutmeg.

Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and butter to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, 1 cup at a time, stirring until a dough begins to form.

Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. If it’s sticky, add a little more flour as needed.

Cover the dough with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

2. Make the Filling:

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out onto a floured surface into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches).

Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter.

3. Shape the Rolls:

Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log, sealing the edge when finished.

Slice the dough into 12-15 rolls, and place them into a greased baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Let the rolls rise for an additional 30 minutes.

4. Bake the Rolls:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

5. Make the Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in the cream cheese, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Let the frosting cool slightly before drizzling it over the warm cinnamon rolls.

6. Serve & Enjoy:

Drizzle the caramel cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls.

Serve immediately for the best taste and texture!

Notes

Storing and Freezing Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

  • Storing: Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

  • Freezing Before Baking: After cutting the rolls, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let them thaw overnight in the fridge, then let them rise at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed.

  • Freezing After Baking: After baking, let the rolls cool completely. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature or heat in the microwave.


Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls:

  • Pumpkin + Cinnamon: The classic fall flavor combination, with an extra twist of caramel cream cheese frosting!

  • Soft and Tender: The dough is incredibly soft and melts in your mouth, while the buttery filling makes each bite even more indulgent.

  • Perfect for the Holidays: Whether it’s for a cozy fall breakfast, Thanksgiving, or Christmas morning, these pumpkin cinnamon rolls will be a hit!

  • Freezer-Friendly: Make them ahead of time and have a delicious, warm treat whenever you want it.

  • Prep Time: 35 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American