Soft Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you are ready to warm up your kitchen and heart with a truly delightful treat, this Soft Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is your go-to. Imagine tender, pumpkin-infused dough swirled with warm cinnamon spices and topped with a luscious maple cream cheese frosting. It’s a perfect blend of cozy fall flavors and fluffy sweetness that will have everyone asking for seconds, whether it’s a chilly morning breakfast or a comforting afternoon indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each carefully chosen to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your pumpkin cinnamon rolls. They come together beautifully to make this recipe both simple and irresistible.

• Warm milk (110°F): Activates the yeast to give your rolls that perfect fluffy rise.
• Active dry yeast: The magical leavening agent that makes the dough soft and airy.
• Granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness that feeds the yeast and flavors the dough.
• Pumpkin puree: Gives a moist, tender crumb and that signature warm orange hue.
• Large egg: Binds ingredients and enriches the dough texture.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Infuses the dough with richness and moisture.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure, the foundation of these soft rolls.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
• Cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic warm spices that make pumpkin rolls unforgettable.
• Brown sugar: For the filling, it adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
• Pumpkin pie spice: Adds that nostalgic hint of fall’s favorite flavors in the filling.
• Cream cheese: Creates the creamy tang in the frosting, balancing sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: Elevates the frosting with a lovely fragrant note.
• Pure maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and a hint of autumn charm in the frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect spreadable consistency.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by combining warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar in a small bowl. Letting this rest for about 5 minutes creates a foamy mixture that signals your yeast is alive and eager to help your rolls rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, egg, and melted butter until you have a smooth, inviting mixture. This foundation ensures your dough is moist and flavorful.

Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Add the flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and your yeast mixture gradually to the pumpkin mixture. Stir everything until the dough begins to come together, promising a tender yet structured roll.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This kneading builds gluten, which is the secret behind soft but sturdy rolls.

Step 5: First Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size — about one hour. Watching it grow is half the fun and ensures fluffiness throughout!

Step 6: Prepare the Filling

Mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice in a small bowl. This spiced butter mixture is the heart of what makes these rolls fall-inspired and irresistible.

Step 7: Roll Out the Dough

Roll your dough on a floured surface into a 16 by 12 inch rectangle. Even thickness will help your rolls bake consistently with all that delicious filling inside.

Step 8: Spread the Filling

Evenly spread the buttery, spiced filling over the dough, leaving a small border uncovered along one long edge to make rolling easier.

Step 9: Roll and Seal

Carefully roll the dough from the long edge, keeping it tight to form neat rolls. Pinch the seam to seal and keep your filling from leaking out during baking.

Step 10: Cut and Arrange

Slice the dough log into 12 even pieces and place them cut side up into a greased 9×13 baking dish, setting the stage for even baking and beautiful presentation.

Step 11: Second Rise

Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This final rest ensures the rolls are extra soft and will bake up fluffy and light.

Step 12: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until their tops are a lovely golden brown. That smell alone is worth the wait!

Step 13: Prepare the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls bake, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Then add vanilla extract, maple syrup, and powdered sugar, mixing to a smooth, luscious frosting ready to enhance your rolls perfectly.

Step 14: Frost and Serve

Allow rolls to cool slightly for 5 to 10 minutes after baking, then generously spread the maple cream cheese frosting on top. Serve warm, and savor every decadent, tender bite.

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of charm and texture, sprinkle your finished rolls with chopped pecans, a dash of cinnamon, or even some toasted pumpkin seeds. These simple garnishes add crunch and visual appeal that elevate your treat to special occasion status.

Side Dishes

These soft pumpkin cinnamon rolls pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of chai tea or spiced coffee. For a heartier breakfast, serve alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit to balance sweetness and create a delightful spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, arrange your rolls on a rustic wooden board and garnish with cinnamon sticks and a few maple leaves for an autumnal vibe. You can also serve them in individual ramekins or muffin tins for cute, portion-controlled treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their softness. If you live in a warmer climate, refrigerate to avoid spoilage, though let them come to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked cinnamon rolls after shaping by wrapping the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before allowing the second rise and baking as usual.

Reheating

Reheat leftover rolls by microwaving for 20 to 30 seconds or warming in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. Add a little extra frosting afterward if desired to restore that fresh-from-the-oven decadence.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin or do I need fresh pumpkin puree?

Canned pumpkin puree works beautifully in this recipe and is the easiest option. Just make sure it’s plain pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugars.

Is it possible to make these rolls dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute dairy milk with a plant-based milk and use dairy-free margarine or coconut oil in place of butter. For the frosting, try a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to keep the flavor rich and creamy.

How spicy are these rolls?

The spice level is warm but mild, with cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice providing cozy autumn flavors without overpowering heat. You can always adjust the spices to your taste preference.

Can I prepare the dough in a stand mixer?

Absolutely. Use the dough hook attachment to combine and knead the dough, which makes the process quicker and less messy while producing the same wonderfully soft texture.

What if I don’t have maple syrup for the frosting?

If you don’t have maple syrup, you can substitute with honey or pure vanilla extract for flavor variation. However, maple syrup adds a uniquely rich, sweet depth that complements the pumpkin perfectly.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Soft Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe enough for anyone craving a warm, comforting treat that fills your kitchen with the scent of fall. It’s one of those recipes that brings people together and feels like a cozy hug on a plate. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones — you’ll be so glad you did!

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