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Close-up image of three pumpkin cinnamon rolls on a plate.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Shruthi
These easy pumpkin cinnamon rolls are fluffy, spiced, and topped with creamy frosting—perfect for cozy mornings or gatherings.
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rise Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 18 small rolls

Ingredients
  

Dough

  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 stick unsalted butter melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups self-rising flour

Filling

  • ½ cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Frosting

  • 4 ounces cream cheese (half pack of 8oz Philadelphia cheese)
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions
 

  • Warm the milk until lukewarm. Do not overheat it. Pour the milk into a large bowl and stir in the active dry yeast and granulated sugar until dissolved. Let the mixture sit in a warm place until foamy, about 10 minutes.
  • Add the melted butter and eggs to the yeast mixture. Whisk gently until smooth and combined.
  • Gradually add the self-rising flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
  • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 2–3 minutes, until smooth and slightly tacky.
  • Place the dough back into the bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for at least 30 minutes, or until slightly puffed.
  • Preheat the oven to 320°F and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  • Roll the dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the pumpkin puree evenly over the dough.
  • In a small bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the pumpkin layer.
  • Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 18 small, 1-inch-thick rolls.
  • Arrange the rolls evenly in the prepared baking pan. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through

To make frosting

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, pumpkin puree, and milk until smooth and creamy.
  • Spread or drizzle the frosting evenly over the warm cinnamon rolls. Let the frosting set for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • If the frosting is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of milk until the desired consistency is reached.
  • Store leftover pumpkin cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving.