These warm pumpkin cinnamon rolls bring cozy vibes to any breakfast! Soft and fluffy, they are spiced just right with cinnamon, making them a tasty treat.
The real star? The coffee maple frosting! It adds a sweet kick that makes every bite extra special. I can’t resist having one (or two!) with my morning coffee. ☕️
Making these rolls is fun and easy! Just mix, roll, and bake. They’re perfect for chilly mornings or when you want to impress friends. You’ll love how good your kitchen smells, too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling, to maintain the right flavor. If you don’t have it, mashed sweet potatoes or winter squash can work in a pinch!
Active Dry Yeast: This brings the dough to life! If you’re out of it, try instant yeast instead. Just remember, you won’t need to proof it in warm milk before mixing.
Spices: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves creates a cozy flavor. Don’t have all of them? Just cinnamon works too, or mix in some pumpkin pie spice for a quick alternative.
Strong Brewed Coffee: The coffee in the frosting adds depth. If you want a caffeine-free option, swap in strong brewed tea or even extra milk for a sweeter touch.
How Do I Knead the Dough Properly?
Kneading is crucial for developing the dough’s gluten, which gives the rolls their fluffy texture. Here’s an easy way to do it:
- Flour your work surface lightly to prevent sticking.
- Push the dough away with the heel of your hand, then fold it over itself.
- Turn the dough a quarter turn and repeat for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
If you’re using a stand mixer, let it knead on medium speed for about 6-8 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it springs back when poked!
What’s the Best Way to Assemble the Rolls?
Assembling can be messy, but it’s essential for nice, even rolls. Here are simple steps:
- After rolling out the dough, spread your softened butter evenly. It helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick.
- When rolling up the dough, keep it tight to avoid gaps. This makes for a prettier roll and better rise.
- Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the rolls. Floss works great for clean cuts without squishing the dough!
Getting this part right helps ensure your rolls come out looking—and tasting—amazing!
Delicious Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Coffee Maple Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Coffee Maple Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 2 to 2.5 hours total, including rising and baking time. Plan for about 20-25 minutes of baking, plus a little time for making and cooling the frosting.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, warm the milk to about 110°F (warm to the touch, not hot). Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, melted butter, and egg. Combine all these mixtures and stir until the dough begins to come together. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If you prefer, you can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6-8 minutes. Once ready, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size!
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together until combined. Set it aside. Make sure to keep your softened butter ready for spreading onto the dough!
3. Assemble the Rolls:
After the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle approximately 15×9 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 9 equal pieces (about 1.5 inches thick each) and prepare for the next rise!
4. Second Rise:
Arrange the rolls into a greased 9-inch square baking pan. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap or a towel and allow to rise for another 30-45 minutes until they are puffy.
5. Bake the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for about 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked.
6. Make the Coffee Maple Frosting:
While your rolls are baking, mix the powdered sugar and softened butter in a bowl. Gradually add the brewed coffee, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth and creamy. You can always adjust the consistency with a bit more coffee or sugar if you prefer it thicker or thinner!
7. Frost and Serve:
Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven and have cooled slightly (but are still warm), drizzle or spread the coffee maple frosting over the top. Serve warm and enjoy every delightful bite!
These pumpkin cinnamon rolls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser with their spicy pumpkin twist and delicious frosting. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Simply roast your pumpkin until tender, scoop out the flesh, and then puree it until smooth. You’ll need about the same quantity as canned pumpkin.
How Do I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
Can I Freeze Cinnamon Rolls?
Absolutely! You can freeze the rolls before baking them. Just place the cut rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and allow them to rise before baking as directed.
What If I Don’t Have Coffee for the Frosting?
No problem! You can replace the coffee with strong brewed tea or even extra milk for a sweeter frosting. For a flavor boost, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract instead!
