Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls
- Cook Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1 packet (2.25 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the filling: 1/2 cup softened butter, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- For the frosting: 4 oz cream cheese (softened), 1/4 cup butter (softened), 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Activate the Yeast – In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, one tablespoon of the sugar, and the yeast. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This indicates the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Step 2: Mix the Dough – Add the remaining sugar, pumpkin puree, melted butter, egg, pumpkin pie spice, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined. Gradually add 3 cups of flour, mixing with a dough hook or wooden spoon. Continue adding flour 1/4 cup at a time until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Step 3: Knead the Dough – Knead the dough for about 5 to 7 minutes by hand or using a stand mixer until it is smooth and slightly tacky but not sticky. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Step 4: Prepare the Filling – In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Have your softened butter ready to spread. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- Step 5: Roll and Shape – Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly across the dough, then sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the top. Roll the dough up tightly from the long side to form a log.
- Step 6: Cut and Second Rise – Cut the log into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss. Place the rolls into the prepared baking pan. Cover and let them rise again for about 30 to 45 minutes until they look puffy and are touching each other.
- Step 7: Bake the Rolls – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 22 to 27 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown on top. Do not overbake, or they will lose their softness.
- Step 8: Make the Frosting and Apply – While the rolls bake, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy. Spread the frosting over the rolls while they are still warm so it melts into the layers slightly.