These pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls take everything you love about traditional cinnamon rolls and infuse them with the warm, cozy flavors of fall. Made with soft, fluffy dough and filled with a rich blend of dark brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice, these rolls are the perfect combination of sweet and spiced. But the true star is the nutty, creamy brown butter cream cheese frosting that tops them off. Each bite is a melt-in-your-mouth experience, filled with warmth and comfort. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert, these cinnamon rolls are sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls are the ultimate comfort food—soft, fluffy, and filled with all the cozy spices that make fall baking so wonderful. The addition of pumpkin puree in the dough not only adds flavor but keeps the rolls incredibly moist. The brown butter cream cheese frosting elevates this recipe, giving it a deep, nutty richness that pairs perfectly with the spiced filling. You’ll love how easy it is to make these rolls, even if you’re not an experienced baker, and the result is always impressive. Plus, they’re perfect for making ahead, so you can enjoy freshly baked rolls without the morning rush.
The Perfect Occasion
These cinnamon rolls are perfect for a wide range of occasions, from a lazy weekend breakfast to a festive holiday brunch. They’re especially ideal for fall gatherings like Thanksgiving or Halloween, where the flavors of pumpkin and spice truly shine. The dough can be made the night before, making it easier to prepare fresh rolls the next morning for family or guests. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, these rolls bring warmth and sweetness to any event.
Decoration Tips
While these pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls are delicious on their own, a few decorative touches can make them look even more appealing. After applying the frosting, you can sprinkle the tops with a bit of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for added color and flavor. For a seasonal touch, garnish the rolls with small candied pecans or walnuts, which add a lovely crunch and pair well with the nutty frosting. If you're serving these rolls for a festive occasion, drizzle a little caramel sauce over the top for an extra decadent finish. Freshly grated nutmeg or orange zest can also add a refreshing note that complements the rich spices.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 400g-450g bread flour (add more as needed if dough is too sticky)
- 7g instant yeast
- 30g granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 28g softened butter
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 150g pumpkin puree
For the Filling:
- 113g dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 56g melted butter
For the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz softened cream cheese
- 42g browned butter (see instructions below)
- 25g powdered sugar
- 7g vanilla extract
- 30g heavy cream
Instructions:
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, instant yeast, salt, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, warm water, pumpkin puree, and the egg. Stir until the mixture begins to come together into a rough dough.
- Once the dough is partially mixed, fold in the softened butter. Continue kneading the dough for about 10 minutes, either by hand or with a dough hook attachment on a stand mixer. The dough should become smooth, soft, and only slightly sticky—add a little more flour if needed to achieve the right texture.
- After kneading, place the dough back into the mixing bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rest and rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the dark brown sugar, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients form a thick, spreadable paste.
- Assemble the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking dish (a 9x13-inch pan works best, but two 9-inch round pans can also be used). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a large rectangle, roughly 16x14 inches.
- Spread the filling mixture evenly over the surface of the dough. Starting from the bottom edge, carefully roll the dough up into a tight log. Cut the log into 12 equal rolls, each about 1 1/2 inches thick, and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden brown. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before adding the frosting.
- Make the Frosting: In a small saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat until it turns a deep golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma. Be careful not to let it burn. Once browned, remove the butter from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the browned butter, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Beat the ingredients together with a hand mixer until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Frost the Rolls: Once the cinnamon rolls have cooled slightly, generously spread the brown butter cream cheese frosting over the top of each roll. Serve and enjoy!
Enjoy!
