Easy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

These cinnamon rolls are soft, gooey, and filled with sweet pumpkin spice flavor in every swirl. The smell of cinnamon and pumpkin baking together makes the whole house feel cozy. I made them one lazy Sunday morning, and they were gone before they even cooled.

I love how the pumpkin puree keeps the dough so moist and tender. The spiced filling melts perfectly into each layer, and the creamy glaze on top makes them extra special. They taste like fall mornings and comfort all rolled into one.

If you’re looking for a simple seasonal treat that feels homemade and warm, these Easy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are it. Let’s bake them together—you’ll love how fluffy, sweet, and full of pumpkin spice they are.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and Fluffy: The pumpkin puree keeps these rolls incredibly moist and tender.
• Full of Fall Flavor: Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger create the perfect seasonal taste.
• Not Too Sweet: Balanced sweetness lets the pumpkin and spice flavors shine.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
• Crowd Pleaser: Everyone loves homemade cinnamon rolls, especially with a fall twist.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Bake Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: About 2 hours 25 minutes

Servings: This recipe makes 12 large pumpkin cinnamon rolls, perfect for feeding a family or sharing with friends.

Difficulty: Moderate. Working with yeast dough requires some patience, but the steps are straightforward and beginner-friendly.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium saucepan
• Rolling pin
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Sharp knife or dental floss for cutting rolls
• Clean kitchen towel
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk

Ingredients

These pumpkin cinnamon rolls come together with pantry staples and real pumpkin puree. The dough stays soft thanks to milk and butter, while the filling delivers that classic cinnamon roll experience with a pumpkin spice boost.

For the Dough:

• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 2 and 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
• 3 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 and 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar

Variations for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Add Pecans: Sprinkle chopped pecans over the filling before rolling for extra crunch.
• Use Different Frosting: Try a simple vanilla glaze or brown butter frosting instead of cream cheese.
• Make Mini Rolls: Cut the dough into 18-20 smaller pieces for bite-sized treats.
• Add Raisins: Mix raisins into the filling for a traditional touch.
• Pumpkin Spice Boost: Add an extra teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the dough for stronger flavor.

How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

Heat the milk and butter in a saucepan until the butter melts. Remove from heat and stir in pumpkin puree, sugar, nutmeg, and salt. Let the mixture cool until warm but not hot. Whisk in the egg and yeast until combined.

2. Mix and Knead

Pour the wet ingredients into a large bowl with the flour. Stir until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should feel slightly sticky but manageable.

3. First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour until doubled in size.

4. Make the Filling

While the dough rises, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, ginger, and cloves in a small bowl. Set aside.

5. Roll Out the Dough

Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a large rectangle, about 14×10 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface, leaving a small border on one long edge. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the butter.

6. Shape the Rolls

Starting from the long edge with filling, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal pieces.

7. Second Rise

Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch pan, leaving space between each one. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes until puffy.

8. Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 25 minutes until golden brown on top. The rolls should spring back when gently pressed.

9. Make the Frosting

While the rolls bake, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add maple syrup and mix well. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and beat until creamy.

10. Frost and Serve

Let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes, then spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls.

Serving and Decoration

Serve these pumpkin cinnamon rolls warm with the cream cheese frosting melted into all the swirls. For special occasions, drizzle extra maple syrup on top or dust with a pinch of cinnamon. They pair beautifully with hot coffee, spiced tea, or cold milk. Arrange them on a rustic wooden board for a cozy presentation.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

These versatile rolls work for many occasions:

• Breakfast Treat: Serve warm with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Display on a platter alongside fresh fruit and yogurt.
• Holiday Morning: Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas breakfast.
• Dessert Option: Warm them up and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Afternoon Snack: Pair with hot apple cider or pumpkin spice latte.

Storing Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Room Temperature: Keep frosted rolls covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Warm briefly in the microwave before serving.
• Freezer: Wrap unfrosted rolls individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and frost before serving.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare rolls through step 7, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Check Your Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh and the liquid is warm, not hot, to activate it properly.
• Don’t Add Too Much Flour: The dough should be slightly sticky. Adding too much flour makes dry rolls.
• Even Rolling: Roll the dough evenly so all rolls are the same size and bake uniformly.
• Use Dental Floss: For clean cuts without squishing the rolls, slide unflavored dental floss under the log, cross the ends, and pull through.
• Warm Rising Spot: Place the dough near a warm oven or in a slightly warmed oven (turned off) for better rising.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and cream cheese blend more smoothly for the frosting.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Per Roll
Calories	320
Total Fat	11g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	45mg
Sodium	180mg
Total Carbohydrates	52g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	24g
Protein	5g

Nutrition values are approximate and based on one roll with frosting.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree? Yes, use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling which has added spices and sugar.

Why didn’t my dough rise? Your yeast may be expired, or the liquid was too hot and killed the yeast. The liquid should feel warm to the touch, not hot.

Can I make these without a stand mixer? Absolutely. Mix the dough with a wooden spoon and knead by hand. It takes a bit more effort but works perfectly.

How do I know when the rolls are done? The tops should be golden brown and the rolls should feel firm when gently pressed. An internal temperature of 190°F means they are fully baked.

Can I freeze the unbaked rolls? Yes. After shaping, place rolls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerated pan overnight, let rise 30 minutes, then bake.

Conclusion

These easy pumpkin cinnamon rolls bring together everything you love about fall baking in one delicious package. The soft, spiced dough paired with sweet cinnamon filling and creamy maple frosting creates a breakfast treat worth waking up early for. Whether you make them for a special occasion or just because, these rolls fill your kitchen with warmth and your table with smiles.