Light Fluffy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls (Print Version)

Pillowy rolls swirled with pumpkin butter, cinnamon, and topped with creamy brown sugar frosting.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 3/4 cup warm whole milk
02 - 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
03 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
05 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
08 - 3 cups all-purpose flour

→ Filling

09 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
10 - 1/2 cup pumpkin butter
11 - 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
12 - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

→ Brown Sugar Frosting

13 - 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
14 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
15 - 2 tablespoons whole milk
16 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
17 - 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture turns foamy.
02 - Incorporate pumpkin puree, melted butter, egg, and salt into the yeast mixture. Blend until thoroughly combined.
03 - Gradually add all-purpose flour to the bowl, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
04 - Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a towel, and let rise for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
05 - Roll the proofed dough into a 10 by 14-inch rectangle. Evenly spread softened butter and pumpkin butter across the surface.
06 - Sprinkle the dough evenly with brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
07 - Roll up the dough tightly from the long side. Slice into 9 to 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
08 - Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and allow to rise for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
09 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers are cooked through.
10 - While the rolls bake, heat brown sugar, butter, and milk in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat, mix in vanilla extract, then gradually whisk in powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth.
11 - Spread the warm frosting generously over baked rolls. Serve immediately while still warm.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Uses staple ingredients you likely have on hand
  • Extra light texture with rich pumpkin flavor
  • Brown sugar frosting is luscious and caramel-like
  • Easy to make ahead for stress-free mornings
02 -
  • High in autumn flavor and aroma
  • Freezes well just defrost and rewarm gently
  • Kid friendly and always a crowd pleaser
  • Pumpkin butter really is the heart of this recipe
03 -
  • Let your dough rise long enough for full fluffiness
  • Use a gentle touch when rolling and slicing for neat spirals
  • For extra decadence double the frosting recipe for an over the top treat

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