Ultimate Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Ultimate pumpkin cinnamon rolls recipe with brown butter frosting. Easy pumpkin pie cinnamon rolls perfect for fall baking.

Hi, I’m Linda, and welcome to Tasty at Home—where bold flavors meet everyday kitchens. Last October, I discovered something magical while experimenting in my Minnesota kitchen.

The aroma of brown butter mixed with pumpkin spice drifted through my house like autumn itself had moved in.

I’ll be honest—my first attempt was a disaster. However, after burning three batches and wrestling with sticky dough, I finally cracked the code. These pumpkin cinnamon rolls became my family’s obsession overnight.

What makes these different? Moreover, the brown butter elevates everything. Furthermore, the pumpkin keeps them incredibly moist for days. Most importantly, they taste like fall wrapped in a warm hug.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your pumpkin spice journey, this recipe delivers every time. Additionally, I’ve tested it twelve different ways so you don’t have to suffer through my mistakes.

Why This Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Recipe Works

These aren’t your ordinary cinnamon rolls. Instead, they combine the best of pumpkin pie and classic pastry techniques. The secret lies in three key elements that set them apart.

First, brown butter adds a nutty depth that complements pumpkin beautifully. Second, the overnight rise develops incredible flavor while fitting busy schedules. Third, the cream cheese frosting with brown butter creates the perfect tangy-sweet finish.

What Makes These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Special

Professional bakers know that pumpkin can make dough heavy. However, this recipe uses the perfect flour-to-pumpkin ratio for light, fluffy rolls. Additionally, the pumpkin pie spice blend creates layers of warm flavor without overwhelming the delicate yeast.

The technique also matters tremendously. Furthermore, browning the butter first concentrates the flavor while adding complexity. Most importantly, the overnight rise allows enzymes to break down proteins, creating incredibly tender results.

Essential Ingredients Guide

Quality ingredients make the difference between good and extraordinary rolls. Therefore, let’s break down what you need and why each component matters.

Shopping Tips for Best Results

Visit your local grocery store’s baking aisle first. Look for Libby’s pumpkin puree—it’s consistently the best quality. Additionally, avoid pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

For flour, King Arthur or Gold Medal work perfectly. Furthermore, check your yeast’s expiration date since old yeast kills the rise. Most importantly, buy European-style butter for the richest brown butter flavor.

Smart Substitutions

Can’t find pumpkin pie spice? Simply mix 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ginger, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ⅛ teaspoon cloves. Additionally, buttermilk powder can replace dry milk powder in equal amounts.

For dairy-free versions, use plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives. However, the brown butter flavor will be different. Therefore, consider adding an extra ½ teaspoon vanilla extract to compensate.

Essential Equipment and Setup

Success starts with proper tools and preparation. Fortunately, you probably own most of what you need already—just like you would for trying out a new Pumpkin Roll Recipe.

Must-Have Equipment

A stand mixer makes everything easier, but you can knead by hand. Additionally, you’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish for perfect spacing. Furthermore, a kitchen scale ensures consistent results every time.

Don’t have a scale? No problem. However, measure flour by spooning it into cups and leveling off. Most importantly, avoid packing flour, which creates dense rolls—something you definitely want to avoid when making Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls.

The Brown Butter Game-Changer

Here’s where many recipes fall short—they skip the brown butter step. However, this technique transforms ordinary butter into liquid gold. Moreover, the nutty aroma alone will make your kitchen smell incredible.

Plan to brown 15 tablespoons total butter since some evaporates during cooking. Additionally, you’ll use some immediately and chill the rest overnight. Therefore, start this process first to save time later.

Pro tip from Julia Child: Brown butter should smell like toasted hazelnuts, not burned coffee. Furthermore, the color should be golden amber, not dark brown.

Step-by-Step Mastery Guide

Let’s walk through each stage with precision timing and visual cues. Additionally, I’ll share the mistakes I made so you can avoid them entirely.

Stage 1: Perfect Brown Butter Foundation

Heat butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Swirl constantly as it melts and begins to foam. Furthermore, the foam will subside, revealing golden liquid underneath.

Keep swirling until you smell toasted nuts and see golden-brown bits on the bottom. This takes about 5-7 minutes total. Additionally, strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any dark bits.

My biggest mistake: I walked away for two minutes and returned to burned, bitter butter. Therefore, stay focused during this crucial step.

Stage 2: Building the Perfect Dough

In your mixer bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water (115°F feels like a warm bath on your wrist). Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Additionally, no foam means dead yeast—start over with fresh yeast.

Add sugar, 2 tablespoons brown butter, egg, milk powder, salt, and pumpkin puree. Mix until completely smooth with no egg streaks visible. Furthermore, this prevents uneven texture in the finished rolls.

Gradually add 3¼ cups flour and pumpkin pie spice. Mix until shaggy, then switch to the dough hook. Additionally, knead on medium speed for 8 minutes, scraping sides occasionally.

The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky but not sticky. However, if it clings to the bowl, add flour ¼ cup at a time. Most importantly, resist adding too much flour, which creates tough rolls.

Stage 3: The Crucial First Rise

Preheat your oven to 200°F, then immediately turn it off. This creates the perfect proofing environment. Additionally, spray a large bowl with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Place dough in the bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover with a damp towel and place in the warm oven. Furthermore, set a timer for 45 minutes to check progress.

The dough should double in size and feel light when gently poked. However, don’t let it over-proof, which weakens the structure. Therefore, check every 15 minutes after the initial 45 minutes.

Stage 4: Rolling and Filling Perfection

Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a 16×14-inch rectangle. Additionally, use gentle, even pressure to maintain uniform thickness.

Brush the entire surface with melted brown butter, leaving a ½-inch border on one long edge. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice in a small bowl. Furthermore, sprinkle evenly over the buttered surface.

Starting from the long edge opposite the clean border, roll tightly. Additionally, pinch the seam closed and position seam-side down. Most importantly, maintain even tension to prevent gaps.

Stage 5: Cutting and Final Rise

Score the log into 12 equal pieces before cutting. Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp serrated knife with a sawing motion. Additionally, avoid pressing down, which squashes the delicate rolls.

Arrange in your greased 9×13-inch pan with slight space between each roll. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. However, for same-day baking, let rise 30 minutes until doubled.

Stage 6: Baking to Golden Perfection

Remove from refrigerator and let sit 45 minutes to come to room temperature. Preheat oven to 350°F during the last 15 minutes. Additionally, remove plastic wrap carefully to avoid deflating.

Bake 22-27 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190°F. Furthermore, the tops should spring back when lightly touched. Most importantly, don’t overbake, which creates dry rolls.

Stage 7: The Ultimate Brown Butter Frosting

While rolls bake, beat softened cream cheese and brown butter for 2 minutes until fluffy. Add vanilla, heavy cream, and powdered sugar. Additionally, beat on low speed first to prevent sugar clouds.

Increase to high speed and beat 4 minutes until silky smooth. The frosting should spread easily but hold its shape. Furthermore, adjust consistency with cream or powdered sugar as needed.

Spread frosting on warm rolls so it melts slightly into each crevice. Additionally, this creates the perfect balance of creamy topping and absorbed sweetness—just like you’d want with rich, gooey Pumpkin Pie Cinnamon Rolls.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Expert Tips for Bakery-Quality Results

After perfecting this recipe through countless trials, these tips separate good from extraordinary results.

Temperature Control Secrets

Room temperature ingredients blend more easily and create better texture. Therefore, remove eggs and cream cheese 2 hours before baking. Additionally, slightly warm pumpkin puree helps activate flavors.

Water temperature matters crucially for yeast activation. However, too hot kills yeast while too cool prevents proper activation. Furthermore, invest in an instant-read thermometer for consistent results.

Texture Perfection Techniques

The key to tender rolls lies in proper gluten development without overworking. Additionally, the 8-minute knead time creates the perfect balance. Furthermore, resist the urge to add excess flour, which toughens the dough.

Pumpkin contains natural enzymes that can weaken gluten over time. Therefore, the overnight rise works perfectly, but don’t extend beyond 24 hours. Most importantly, cold fermentation develops incredible flavor complexity.

Storage and Make-Ahead Magic

These rolls stay incredibly moist for 3 days in an airtight container. Additionally, the pumpkin acts as a natural moisturizer. Furthermore, they freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.

For make-ahead convenience, freeze unbaked rolls after cutting. However, add 10-15 minutes to the rising time when ready to bake. Therefore, you can enjoy fresh rolls anytime with minimal effort.

Creative Variations to Try

Once you master the basic recipe, these variations add exciting twists for different occasions and dietary needs—especially when you’re experimenting with a cozy Pumpkin Roll Recipe.

Regional American Twists

New England Maple Variation: Replace brown sugar with pure maple syrup and add chopped toasted walnuts. Additionally, drizzle extra maple syrup over the finished frosting for authentic Vermont flavor.

Southern Pecan Praline Style: Fold chopped toasted pecans into the filling and add 2 tablespoons bourbon to the frosting. Furthermore, this creates a sophisticated adult version perfect for holidays.

California Health-Conscious: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with white whole wheat flour. Additionally, reduce sugar by ¼ cup and add extra pumpkin pie spice to maintain flavor intensity.

Dietary Adaptations

Gluten-Free Success: Use Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 baking flour plus 1 teaspoon xanthan gum. However, the texture will be slightly different but still delicious. Additionally, increase liquid by 2-3 tablespoons if needed.

Dairy-Free Delight: Replace butter with vegan butter and use cashew cream cheese for frosting. Furthermore, coconut cream creates an incredibly rich alternative to heavy cream.

Holiday Seasonal Variations

Transform these rolls for different celebrations throughout fall and winter. Additionally, each variation maintains the core recipe’s reliability while adding festive flair—perfect for showcasing Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls at any holiday gathering.

Thanksgiving Cranberry Orange: Add dried cranberries and orange zest to the filling. Furthermore, replace vanilla in frosting with orange extract for bright, festive flavor.

Christmas Morning Eggnog: Replace heavy cream in frosting with eggnog and add a pinch of nutmeg. Additionally, this creates the perfect holiday breakfast centerpiece.

Storage and Serving Mastery

Proper storage maintains the rolls’ incredible texture and flavor for maximum enjoyment.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These pumpkin cinnamon rolls shine brightest alongside complementary fall flavors. Additionally, consider these perfect pairings for different occasions.

Serve warm with freshly brewed coffee or spiced chai tea. Furthermore, the brown butter notes pair beautifully with nutty coffee flavors. For special occasions, try them with creamy broccoli cheddar soup for a cozy autumn lunch.

Breakfast Spread Ideas: Create a fall brunch spread with these rolls, crispy bacon, and fresh apple slices. Additionally, serve alongside healthy pumpkin oat cookies for varied textures and flavors.

Dessert Presentation: Warm rolls slightly and serve with vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert. Furthermore, drizzle with caramel sauce and chopped toasted pecans for restaurant-quality presentation.

Consider pairing with other fall favorites like pumpkin bread with chocolate chips for a complete autumn baking spread. Additionally, healthy Greek yogurt pumpkin muffins offer a lighter option for health-conscious guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Perfect Fall Morning Awaits

There’s something magical about pulling a pan of golden pumpkin cinnamon rolls from your oven on a crisp autumn morning. Additionally, the aroma alone creates memories that last long after the last crumb disappears.

These rolls represent everything wonderful about fall baking—warmth, comfort, and the satisfaction of creating something extraordinary from simple ingredients. Furthermore, they prove that the best recipes often come from patient experimentation and learning from mistakes.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving brunch or simply treating your family to weekend luxury, these pumpkin cinnamon rolls deliver every time. Additionally, they freeze beautifully, so you can capture fall’s essence and enjoy it throughout the winter months.

Try pairing them with creamy pumpkin pasta for a complete pumpkin-themed dinner, or serve alongside chocolate chip pumpkin bars for the ultimate fall dessert spread.

Share your results on social media and tag us—we love seeing your beautiful creations! Additionally, let us know which variation becomes your family’s new favorite.

Remember, every roll tells a story, and this one might just become yours. After all, the best memories are made in kitchens filled with love, laughter, and the irresistible aroma of homemade Pumpkin Pie Cinnamon Rolls.

Ultimate Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

These incredible pumpkin cinnamon rolls feature brown butter, pumpkin puree, and warm spices for the ultimate fall comfort food. Soft, fluffy, and topped with brown butter cream cheese frosting.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Rising Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 rolls

Equipment

• Stand mixer
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Rolling Pin
• Large mixing bowl
• Saucepan
• Kitchen towel

Ingredients

  

Dough

• 2¼ teaspoons instant dry yeast 1 standard American package
• ¾ cup warm water 115°F/46°C
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter browned
• 1 large egg room temperature
• 1 tablespoon dry milk powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ⅔ cup pure pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 3¼-3¾ cups all-purpose flour

Filling

• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 6 tablespoons butter browned

Frosting

• 4 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
• ¼ cup browned butter softened to room temperature
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1½ cups confectioners sugar

Instructions

 

• Brown 15 tablespoons of butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat, swirling constantly until golden amber and nutty-smelling, about 5-7 minutes. Strain and set aside to cool.
• In stand mixer bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add sugar, 2 tablespoons browned butter, egg, milk powder, salt, and pumpkin puree. Mix until evenly combined.
• Add 3¼ cups flour and pumpkin pie spice. Mix until mostly combined, then attach dough hook and knead on medium speed for 8 minutes. Add more flour if too sticky, up to ¼ cup more.
• Preheat oven to 200°F then turn off. Place dough in oiled bowl, cover with towel, and let rise in warm oven for 45-60 minutes until doubled.
• Punch down dough and roll into 16×14 inch rectangle on floured surface. Brush with melted browned butter. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice; sprinkle over dough.
• Roll dough tightly, score into 12 pieces, and cut with dental floss or serrated knife. Place in greased 9×13 inch pan, cover, and refrigerate overnight or let rise 30 minutes.
• Remove from fridge 45 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake 22-27 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190°F.
• For frosting, beat cream cheese and softened browned butter for 2 minutes until fluffy. Add vanilla, heavy cream, and powdered sugar. Beat on high for 4 minutes until smooth. Spread on warm rolls.

Notes

Store leftover rolls in airtight container for up to 3 days. For make-ahead convenience, freeze unbaked rolls after cutting and add 10-15 minutes to rising time when ready to bake. The key to success is not adding too much flour and ensuring proper brown butter color.

Keyword brown butter, cinnamon rolls, fall baking, overnight, pumpkin