Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting: A Cozy Fall Treat

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate autumn indulgence, packed with the warm flavors of cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and topped with a rich, decadent brown butter cream cheese frosting. The dough is soft, fluffy, and infused with pumpkin puree, giving each bite a delightful texture and flavor. The cinnamon-sugar filling melts into the rolls as they bake, creating a gooey, sweet center. Perfect for chilly mornings, weekend brunches, or any fall gathering, these cinnamon rolls bring comfort and coziness to the table. The brown butter cream cheese frosting adds an extra layer of nutty richness, making every bite simply irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

You’ll love these pumpkin cinnamon rolls for their fluffy texture, pumpkin-infused dough, and the warm, spiced filling. The brown butter in the frosting gives it a unique, deep flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the rolls. This recipe is easy to follow and results in bakery-style cinnamon rolls that are perfect for sharing. Whether you’re baking for a family breakfast, a fall-themed party, or simply treating yourself, these cinnamon rolls will hit the spot.

Perfect Occasion:

These cinnamon rolls are perfect for fall brunches, cozy weekend mornings, or as a dessert for Thanksgiving or Halloween gatherings. Their warm, spiced flavor and gooey texture make them an ideal comfort food, perfect for enjoying with a hot cup of coffee or tea. They’re also a wonderful treat to serve guests during the holiday season, or to bake for a family weekend breakfast.

Decoration Tips:

To give your pumpkin cinnamon rolls an extra special touch, sprinkle some cinnamon or pumpkin spice on top of the frosting after drizzling it on the rolls. You can also add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch. For a festive autumn look, garnish the rolls with a few candied pumpkin seeds or a light dusting of powdered sugar. If you want to go all out, drizzle a little caramel sauce over the top for an even more decadent treat.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk
• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg

For the Filling:

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tablespoon pumpkin spice
• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened

For the Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup brown butter, chilled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
   In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
2. Make the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture with the sugar, melted butter, salt, pumpkin puree, and egg. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough:
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Roll Out the Dough:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
5. Prepare the Filling:
   Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice together. Sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
6. Roll and Slice the Dough:
   Starting from the long side of the dough, roll it tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
7. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls:
   Bake the cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
8. Prepare the Frosting:
   While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, brown butter, vanilla bean paste, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
9. Finish and Serve:
   Once the cinnamon rolls are done baking, allow them to cool slightly before drizzling the brown butter cream cheese frosting generously over the top while still warm.

Enjoy these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls—a perfect treat to celebrate fall’s cozy vibes!