Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that combines the warm flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon, perfect for any occasion. These rolls feature soft pumpkin brioche dough swirled with a sweet pumpkin brown sugar filling and topped with a luscious coffee maple cream cheese icing. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy gathering, these rolls are sure to impress with their unique taste and comforting aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and cinnamon creates a flavor profile that is both warm and inviting.
• Made for Sharing: These rolls are perfect for gatherings, making them an excellent choice for brunches or holiday celebrations.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save some for later; they stay delicious for days.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these delightful treats.
• Impressive Presentation: The beautiful swirl of the filling makes these rolls as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools that will streamline the process and ensure success.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rolling pin
• Baking pan
• Parchment paper

Why These Tools Matter

• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes helps in combining ingredients without mess.
• Rolling pin: Essential for achieving an even dough thickness for perfect rolling.
• Baking pan: A good quality pan ensures even baking and browning of your rolls.

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: Prepare the Dough

Start by activating your yeast. In a mixing bowl, combine lukewarm milk with active dry yeast and let it sit until frothy.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

In another large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and ground cardamom. Add in the eggs, vanilla bean paste, reduced pumpkin puree, and softened butter. Once combined, pour in the yeast mixture.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Knead the dough on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic. This should take about 8–10 minutes. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about an hour).

Step 4: Prepare Filling

While the dough rises, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, reduced pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, and salt in a bowl until well combined.

Step 5: Roll Out Dough

Once risen, roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread your filling evenly over the surface.

Step 6: Form Rolls

Starting from one edge of the rectangle, tightly roll up the dough into a log shape. Cut into equal pieces to form individual rolls.

Step 7: Bake

Place rolls in a greased baking pan. Cover them again and let rise for another half hour. Preheat your oven to350°F (175°C). Bake for about 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 8: Make Icing

While rolls bake, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing. Then blend in maple syrup, espresso powder, kosher salt, and vanilla bean paste until creamy.

Step 9: Ice & Serve

Once baked rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle with icing before serving. Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls pair wonderfully with various accompaniments.

Pair with Coffee

• Enjoy the warm cinnamon rolls alongside a freshly brewed cup of coffee. The rich flavors complement each other perfectly.

Add Fresh Fruit

• Serve with slices of fresh apple or pear. The crispness of the fruit provides a nice contrast to the soft rolls.

Whipped Cream

• Top with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert. This adds a light and airy texture to balance the richness.

Ice Cream Delight

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side makes for a decadent dessert option. The cold ice cream melts slightly on the warm rolls, creating a heavenly combination.

Nutty Toppings

• Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor. They enhance the overall taste and texture.

Drizzle with Honey

• A light drizzle of honey can elevate the sweetness without overwhelming the dish. It adds a floral note that pairs beautifully with pumpkin and cinnamon.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

To achieve perfect Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, follow these essential tips for enhanced flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your yeast is active by checking its expiration date. Fresh ingredients improve rise and flavor.
• Knead Properly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This develops gluten, which helps create soft rolls.
• Allow Adequate Rising Time: Let the dough rise until it doubles in size. Patience here results in fluffier rolls.
• Don’t Overfill: When adding the filling, spread it evenly but don’t overdo it. Too much filling can cause leaks during baking.
• Cool Before Icing: Wait until the rolls are just warm before adding icing. This prevents melting and ensures a beautiful finish.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust spices like cinnamon or cardamom to suit your taste preferences. Personalizing flavors can make your rolls unique.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls enhances the meal experience. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the rolls.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that complements the richness of cinnamon rolls.
3. Chia Pudding: This creamy, nutritious pudding can be made ahead of time and offers a wonderful texture contrast.
4. Savory Quiche: A slice of quiche provides a savory element that pairs well with sweet cinnamon rolls, making for an interesting brunch spread.
5. Crispy Turkey turkey bacon Strips: Cooked turkey turkey turkey bacon delivers a crunchy and salty contrast that works beautifully against sweet flavors.
6. Herbed Cheese Spread: Serve with crackers or bread; this creamy spread adds an elegant touch to your breakfast table.
7. Spiced Nuts: A bowl of spiced nuts offers crunch and warmth, creating an inviting mix alongside sweet pastries.
8. Smoothies: Blend your favorite fruits into smoothies for a refreshing drink option that complements your meal nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your milk, eggs, and butter are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can hinder the dough from rising properly.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix the dough just until combined. Overmixing can result in dense rolls rather than light and fluffy ones.
• Skipping the proofing time: Allow the dough to rise as instructed. Skipping this step can lead to tough rolls that lack fluffiness.
• Not measuring accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements. Inaccurate measuring can alter the texture and taste of your rolls.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Preheat your oven thoroughly before baking. An improperly preheated oven can lead to uneven baking.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months; label with the date for reference.

Reheating Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individually on medium power for about 30 seconds, adding more time if needed.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls from scratch?

To make these rolls, start by combining warm milk, yeast, and brown sugar. Then proceed with mixing flour, spices, and pumpkin puree into a dough and let it rise before filling and rolling them up.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes! Fresh pumpkin works well. Just ensure it’s pureed smoothly before adding it to the dough and filling mixtures.

How do I serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls?

These rolls pair wonderfully with coffee or tea. You can also add nuts or dried fruits into the filling for extra texture and flavor!

Can I customize my Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or even cream cheese bits into the filling for a unique twist on this classic treat.

How long do Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they can last up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them as directed earlier.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are not only delicious but also versatile! Their soft texture combined with spiced flavors makes them perfect for breakfast or dessert. You can easily customize them by adding your favorite ingredients like nuts or chocolate chips. Give this recipe a try today!

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