The smell of cinnamon, warm dough, and pumpkin spice… it instantly transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. Every fall, she’d be baking something incredible, filling the house with a comforting aroma that felt like a hug. This year, I wanted to capture that feeling and elevate it. The result? These unbelievably delicious Pumpkin Butter Cinnamon Rolls. They’re soft, gooey, bursting with autumnal flavours, and seriously easy to make. Get ready to impress your family and friends!
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Butter Cinnamon Rolls
Let’s be honest, a good cinnamon roll is hard to beat. But these aren’t just good cinnamon rolls. These are special. Here’s why:
- That Pumpkin Butter Swirl: The star of the show! Homemade or store-bought pumpkin butter adds a depth of flavor that classic cinnamon rolls just lack. It’s sweet, spiced, and perfectly complements the cinnamon.
- Soft & Gooey Texture: We’re aiming for melt-in-your-mouth perfection. This recipe prioritizes a super soft and airy dough.
- Easy-to-Follow Instructions: I’ve broken down each step to ensure even beginner bakers can succeed. No complicated techniques here!
- The Cream Cheese Glaze: Because every cinnamon roll deserves a generous helping of creamy, tangy glaze.
- Ultimate Fall Vibes: Seriously, these rolls scream autumn. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert.
The Ingredient List: Your Baking Essentials
Let’s gather everything we need. Don’t be intimidated – it’s all pretty standard baking fare!
For the Dough:
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet/4.5g) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 3 ¼ – 3 ½ cups (406-432g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
For the Pumpkin Butter Filling:
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (120g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin butter (homemade or store-bought – Libby’s is a great option)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ – 2 cups (180-240g) powdered sugar, sifted – start with 1 ½ and add more as needed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk, or as needed for desired consistency
Let’s Bake! Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to get baking? Follow these steps for perfectly risen and delicious Pumpkin Butter Cinnamon Rolls.
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), combine the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This shows the yeast is active and ready to go!
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add the salt, egg, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine. Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. It should be slightly tacky, but not overly sticky. Alternatively, knead with a stand mixer for 4-5 minutes.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, make the filling. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the pumpkin butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Step 5: Assemble the Rolls
Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Evenly spread the pumpkin butter filling over the entire surface.
Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss (my secret!), cut the log into 12 even rolls.
Step 6: Second Rise
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the cinnamon rolls in the dish, cut-side up. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
Step 7: Bake Time!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. If the tops are browning too quickly, tent them with foil.
Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 9: Glaze and Enjoy!
Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly in the baking dish for about 10 minutes. Generously drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips, Variations & Serving Suggestions
Let’s personalize these beauties:
- Homemade Pumpkin Butter: Elevate the flavour even further by making your own! It’s surprisingly easy – just roast pumpkins or squash, then simmer with sugar, spice and a little lemon juice.
- Nuts for Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
- Spice it Up: Experiment with other warming spices like ginger, cloves, or allspice.
- Orange Zest: Add the zest of one orange to the dough for a bright, citrusy note.
- Toasted Pecan Glaze: Substitute ½ cup of toasted, chopped pecans for some of the powdered sugar in the glaze.
- Serving Ideas: Serve warm with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. These are also fantastic for a holiday breakfast or brunch!
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Serving Size: 1 Cinnamon Roll
- Calories: 450-550
- Fat: 20-25g
- Saturated Fat: 12-18g
- Cholesterol: 60-80mg
- Sodium: 300-400mg
- Carbohydrates: 65-75g
- Sugar: 40-50g
- Protein: 5-7g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Your Fall Baking Adventure Awaits!
These Pumpkin Butter Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. They’re about creating memories, sharing warmth, and indulging in the simple pleasures of baking. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the most delightful autumn fragrance. Don’t be afraid to get your hands messy – and most importantly, enjoy the process! Happy baking!
