Light Fluffy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Light and fluffy pumpkin butter cinnamon rolls are my go-to treat whenever the air gets crisp and pumpkins fill the market stands. These rolls are pillowy soft and packed with cozy spice, making them perfect for lazy weekend mornings or whenever you crave something sweet and seasonal.

I first whipped up these cinnamon rolls after a chilly autumn hike and they quickly became an annual family tradition. The aroma alone signals comfort and celebration in our home.

Ingredients

• Warm milk: Makes the dough rise beautifully use whole milk for richness
• Active dry yeast: Ensures a fluffy rise look for fresh active granules
• Granulated sugar: Activates the yeast also lends gentle sweetness
• Pumpkin puree: Gives a tender crumb and autumn flavor choose pure pumpkin not pie filling
• Melted butter: Adds richness opt for highquality unsalted butter
• Large egg: Helps bind the dough and provides structure go for fresh room temp eggs
• Salt: Balances sweetness select fine sea salt to mix in easily
• All-purpose flour: The backbone for fluffy rolls measure with care for lightness
• Pumpkin butter: Brings concentrated pumpkin spice flavor a good jar makes a difference
• Brown sugar: Sweetens the filling and frosting choose dark brown sugar for depth
• Cinnamon: Classic warmth stick with Ceylon for best baking results
• Softened butter: Makes spreading easy quality butter means better taste
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the frosting aim for pure not imitation
• Milk: Creates a smooth dough and frosting whole milk preferred
• Powdered sugar: Ensures a creamy glaze sift for lumpfree consistency

Instructions

Bloom the Yeast:

Pour warm milk into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle yeast and sugar over it Let it sit for about ten minutes until the surface is foamy and the yeast smells fragrant

Mix the Wet Ingredients:

Add pumpkin puree melted butter egg and salt to the foamy yeast mixture Whisk or stir until everything is combined and smooth

Make the Dough:

Add flour about a half cup at a time stirring between additions until a shaggy dough forms Once incorporated turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about six minutes The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky but not sticky to the touch This step is key for pillowy rolls

First Rise:

Place the dough in a greased bowl turning it to coat Cover with a cloth or plastic wrap and set in a warm place for one hour or until the dough has doubled in size If your kitchen is chilly set the bowl in the oven with just the light on for gentle warmth

Prepare and Fill the Dough:

Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle roughly ten by fourteen inches Gently spread softened butter evenly then layer with pumpkin butter all the way to the edges Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon over the pumpkin butter for a swirl of sweet spice

Shape and Slice:

Tightly roll the dough up from the long side Once rolled use a serrated knife or string to slice into nine to twelve even rolls For the neatest swirls use a gentle sawing motion if using a knife

Second Rise:

Arrange the slices in a greased baking dish with a bit of space between each one Cover again and let rise for about thirty to forty five minutes until noticeably puffy This ensures the rolls bake up light

Bake:

Heat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Bake the rolls for twenty to twenty five minutes Watch for the tops to look golden and set Overbaking makes them dry so check early

Make Brown Sugar Frosting:

While the rolls bake melt brown sugar butter and milk together in a small saucepan Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture bubbles Take off the heat add vanilla then whisk in powdered sugar until completely smooth The frosting should be pourable not stiff

Frost and Serve:

While the rolls are still warm slather generously with the brown sugar frosting Let it melt into every nook and enjoy warm

Pin it

I always keep a jar on hand once fall hits and love seeing my kids swipe their fingers through the leftover frosting after breakfast My favorite mornings start with these rolls on the table and coffee brewing

Storage Tips

Let the rolls cool completely before storing Cover tightly and keep at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to five days For longer storage wrap individually and freeze They reheat perfectly in the microwave or oven covered with foil

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap pumpkin butter for apple butter in a pinch though the pumpkin version gives unmatched warmth Dairy free alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter work well and flax egg can replace the egg if needed

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with hot coffee or spiced chai Milk amplifies the creamy frosting Top with chopped pecans for extra crunch These rolls look lovely as the centerpiece for brunch buffets or holiday breakfasts

Cultural Context

Cinnamon rolls have roots in Scandinavian baking traditions while the addition of pumpkin makes this a truly American autumn classic Adding brown sugar frosting instead of cream cheese brings a caramel note that pairs uniquely with the pumpkin flavors

Seasonal Adaptations

Swap pumpkin puree and butter for sweet potato in winter Add cardamom or nutmeg for more complex spice Use homemade pumpkin butter if you have fresh pumpkins

Success Stories

I have made batches of these for bake sales holiday brunches and chilly weekends at the cabin Every time people ask for the recipe and marvel at the softness Some friends even say these cinnamon rolls changed their minds on pumpkin

Freezer Meal Conversion

Prepare and shape the rolls but do not bake Place in a greased dish cover tightly with two layers of wrap and freeze When ready to enjoy thaw overnight in the fridge let rise until puffy then bake as directed They will taste bakery fresh

Pin it

Soft pumpkin butter cinnamon rolls are more than just a seasonal indulgence they are a celebration of comfort and togetherness every bite wrapped in cinnamonkissed memories

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I make the rolls extra fluffy?

Knead the dough thoroughly until smooth and elastic, and allow adequate rising time for a light texture.

→ Can I use homemade pumpkin butter?

Yes, homemade pumpkin butter enhances freshness and flavor. Just be sure it's thick and well-spiced.

→ What’s the best way to spread the filling?

Soften the butter, then gently spread it over the rolled dough before adding pumpkin butter, sugar, and cinnamon.

→ How do I achieve even baking?

Place rolls close together in the baking dish to rise evenly and bake until golden for consistent texture.

→ Is the frosting best applied while warm?

Yes, spreading frosting on warm rolls ensures it melts slightly and seeps into every swirl.

→ Can these rolls be prepared ahead?

Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh the next day.