These pumpkin cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with cozy pumpkin spice flavors. Topped with a coffee maple frosting, they’re a delightful treat for any morning or dessert!
Honestly, who can resist warm, gooey rolls fresh from the oven? I love enjoying them with a cup of coffee—perfect for a brunch or a sweet pick-me-up! ☕️😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the rolls. You can use bread flour for a chewier texture. If gluten is a concern, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead.
Pumpkin Puree: It’s key for the rolls’ flavor and moisture. Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not the spiced pie filling. You can substitute with applesauce for a different flavor and a bit less sweetness, or use mashed sweet potatoes.
Cinnamon & Spices: The warm spices really shine in this recipe! If you want to mix it up, try adding cardamom or using pumpkin pie spice as a substitute for some of the spices listed.
Coffee in Frosting: The coffee adds depth to the frosting. You can replace it with milk or even brewed espresso if you want a stronger coffee flavor. Decaf coffee works too for a caffeine-free option!
How Do You Properly Knead Dough for Cinnamon Rolls?
Kneading helps develop the gluten and gives your rolls their perfect texture. Follow these easy steps:
- Flour your surface lightly to prevent sticking. Take your dough and form it into a ball.
- Push down with the heel of your hand, then fold it over itself. Turn it 90 degrees and repeat.
- Knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should spring back when pressed.
- Don’t be afraid to add a little more flour if it’s too sticky, but try to keep it minimal to avoid a dry dough.
With these tips, your pumpkin cinnamon rolls will be deliciously fluffy and flavorful. Enjoy making them!
How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Coffee Maple Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup warm whole milk (around 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Coffee Maple Frosting:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp brewed coffee, cooled
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 2 1/2 to 3 hours in total, including about 1 to 1 1/2 hours for rising the dough and about 25-30 minutes for baking. Get your kitchen ready, and enjoy the warm, inviting smell that will fill your home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. These spices will give your rolls a warm flavor! In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, warm milk, melted butter, and egg until smooth. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough begins to form.
2. Knead the Dough:
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5-7 minutes. It’s like giving your dough a little workout!
3. Set the Dough to Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or some plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Make the Filling:
While the dough is rising, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a separate bowl until it’s well combined and spreadable. This filling is delicious!
5. Roll Out the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and roll it out onto a floured surface into a rectangle, approximately 12 by 16 inches. Spread the filling mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one of the longer edges.
6. Roll and Slice:
Using the long edge with the filling, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seams to seal it well, then cut the log into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or dental floss (it works like magic!).
7. Prepare for Baking:
Place the rolls into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spacing them evenly apart. Cover again and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they are slightly puffed
8. Bake the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
9. Make the Coffee Maple Frosting:
While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, brewed coffee, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
10. Frost and Serve:
Once the cinnamon rolls are done baking, let them cool for about 10 minutes. Generously spread the coffee maple frosting over the warm rolls and get ready for the tasty goodness!
Serve warm and enjoy these cozy pumpkin spice flavors with a delightful coffee maple glaze! They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert! 🍽️😊
Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Coffee Maple Frosting!
Can I Use Canned Pumpkin Instead of Fresh Pumpkin?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this recipe and saves a lot of time. Just make sure to choose pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugars.
How Can I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before storing!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance! After kneading, you can cover it and refrigerate it overnight. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature and allow it to rise before rolling it out and proceeding with the filling and baking.
What Can I Substitute for the Coffee in the Frosting?
If you’re not a coffee fan or want to avoid caffeine, feel free to replace the brewed coffee with milk or even a splash of vanilla extract. This will give you a deliciously sweet frosting without the coffee flavor!