Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Frosting

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Warm up your Thanksgiving celebration with these delightful Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls! Soft, fluffy, and infused with aromatic pumpkin and warm spices, each roll is a cozy treat that’s perfect for holiday mornings. Topped with rich brown butter frosting, these indulgent cinnamon rolls are a must-have on your festive breakfast table, combining the flavors of pumpkin pie and cinnamon in every irresistible bite.

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-10-27T08:14:26.256Z

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are designated to bring warmth and comfort to your holiday season. With every bite, enjoy the perfect blend of pumpkin and spices, topped with an indulgent brown butter frosting that elevates this treat. It's a recipe that not only satisfies sweet cravings but also delights the senses, making it an irresistible addition to your Thanksgiving breakfast table.

The Perfect Holiday Treat

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are not just a breakfast option; they are the perfect way to kick off your Thanksgiving morning. Their soft, fluffy texture combined with the warm, spiced flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon evokes the essence of the holiday season. Each bite takes you on a flavor journey, reminiscent of cozy family gatherings and festive celebrations. When family and friends gather, these rolls create a heartwarming atmosphere that fills the house with delightful aromas.

To make these rolls even more special for your holiday table, consider serving them alongside a warm cup of spiced cider or coffee. Their unique flavor profile not only complements traditional Thanksgiving dishes but also stands out as a remarkable centerpiece on your breakfast spread. Sharing these rolls with loved ones brings a sense of community and togetherness that is integral to the holiday spirit.

Baking with Pumpkin: A Seasonal Favorite

Pumpkin is often associated with autumn and the warmer, comforting flavors of the season. It not only adds moisture and richness to baked goods, but it also packs a nutritional punch, being low in calories and high in vitamins. By integrating pumpkin into your cinnamon rolls, you add a unique twist that not only enhances flavor but also contributes to a healthier treat that everyone can enjoy guilt-free.

Using pumpkin puree in baking is a fantastic way to elevate traditional recipes. Its natural sweetness, combined with the spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, creates a harmonious balance that appeals to both the young and young at heart. It’s a delightful reminder of the bountiful harvest and the joys of fall cooking. This recipe allows you to create a memorable dish that captures the essence of the season in each roll.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls

For perfectly soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls, it's essential to knead the dough thoroughly. This helps develop the gluten structure, resulting in a light and airy texture. Additionally, be patient during the rising phases; allowing the dough to double in size will ensure your rolls are pillowy and tender. Warm environments are ideal for rising, so consider placing your dough in a sunny spot or near a warm oven.

When it comes to rolling out your dough, aim for a rectangular shape for even baking. A slight sprinkle of flour on your work surface will prevent sticking without altering the texture. Don’t rush the measuring of your ingredients—accurate measurements lead to consistent results. Lastly, remember to let the rolls cool slightly before frosting, ensuring the decadent brown butter frosting doesn’t melt into the rolls and instead creates a beautiful glaze.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for your Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls:

Dough Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm milk
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Filling Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Brown Butter Frosting Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to measure carefully for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls:

Prepare the Dough

In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, melted butter, egg, and spices. Gradually add the flour and yeast mixture, kneading until a smooth dough forms.

Let the Dough Rise

Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Make the Filling

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread softened butter, and sprinkle the cinnamon mixture.

Roll and Cut

Roll the dough tightly and slice into 12 rolls. Place in a greased baking dish and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake the Rolls

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Prepare the Frosting

In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown. Mix in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

Frost the Rolls

Once the rolls are cool, drizzle the brown butter frosting over them and serve warm.

Enjoy your freshly baked Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls!

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, you’re in luck! Properly storing them can keep them fresh for up to three days at room temperature in an airtight container. For longer storage, consider wrapping individual rolls in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag, which can survive up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the oven for a few minutes for that fresh-baked feel.

To revive the flavor and texture, a quick microwave reheat for about 15-20 seconds can do wonders. You can also drizzle a little more frosting on top to enhance the flavor, making leftover rolls feel just as delicious as when they first came out of the oven.

Hosting Tips for Thanksgiving

When it comes to hosting Thanksgiving, planning is key. Incorporating these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls into your breakfast menu can be a showstopper. To keep your morning stress-free, you can prepare the rolls the night before. After rolling and cutting them, put them in the fridge rather than letting them rise. Just before baking, allow them to come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes.

Creating a cozy atmosphere with warm drinks and festive decorations can heighten the enjoyment of your cinnamon rolls. Consider setting up a self-serve coffee and tea bar to accompany the rolls, complete with cinnamon sticks, whipped cream, and seasonal flavors. This not only saves you time but also allows your guests to customize their breakfast experience.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and keep it in the refrigerator overnight before shaping and baking.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Frosting

Warm up your Thanksgiving celebration with these delightful Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls! Soft, fluffy, and infused with aromatic pumpkin and warm spices, each roll is a cozy treat that’s perfect for holiday mornings. Topped with rich brown butter frosting, these indulgent cinnamon rolls are a must-have on your festive breakfast table, combining the flavors of pumpkin pie and cinnamon in every irresistible bite.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 rolls

What You'll Need

Dough Ingredients

  1. 4 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  3. 1/2 cup warm milk
  4. 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  5. 1/3 cup sugar
  6. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  7. 1 egg
  8. 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  9. 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  10. 1/2 teaspoon salt

Filling Ingredients

  1. 1/2 cup brown sugar
  2. 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  3. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Brown Butter Frosting Ingredients

  1. 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  2. 1 cup powdered sugar
  3. 1 tablespoon milk
  4. 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, melted butter, egg, and spices. Gradually add the flour and yeast mixture, kneading until a smooth dough forms.

Step 02

Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 03

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread softened butter, and sprinkle the cinnamon mixture.

Step 04

Roll the dough tightly and slice into 12 rolls. Place in a greased baking dish and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 05

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 06

In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown. Mix in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 07

Once the rolls are cool, drizzle the brown butter frosting over them and serve warm.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 250
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Protein: 4g