Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls: 9 Cozy Reasons This Is the Best Fall Recipe Ever

When crisp leaves start to fall and the scent of pumpkin spice fills the air, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with warm, gooey pumpkin cinnamon rolls. These soft and fluffy rolls are the perfect blend of sweet cinnamon swirls and rich pumpkin flavor, all topped with a silky cream cheese glaze. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this pumpkin cinnamon roll recipe will quickly become one of your favorite fall sweet recipes.

Ideal for weekend breakfasts, holiday brunches, or a cozy dessert, these rolls are the essence of baking fall recipes. With step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and delicious variations, this post will guide you through making the best pumpkin cinnamon rolls from scratch.

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Why You’ll Love These Homemade Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

There are plenty of reasons why these rolls are a must-bake:

They’re incredibly soft, tender, and rich in fall spices
The dough is easy to work with—even for beginners
They’re perfect for making ahead during the holidays
You can customize the frosting to your taste
They make your whole house smell like a bakery

If you enjoy seasonal bakes like this, check out Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake, another cozy fall treat that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

To make these homemade pumpkin cinnamon rolls, you’ll need pantry-friendly ingredients for both the dough and the filling.

For the dough:
¾ cup whole milk, warmed
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
¼ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 egg
3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground ginger

For the filling:
⅓ cup softened butter
¾ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the glaze (classic cream cheese):
4 oz cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed for consistency

You can also experiment with maple or vanilla glazes—more on that below.

Tools You’ll Need to Bake the Perfect Pumpkin Spice Rolls

Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing bowls
Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but helpful)
Rolling pin
Pastry brush
9×13 baking pan
Plastic wrap or clean towel
Oven and timer
Wire cooling rack

Pro tip: a stand mixer can save your hands from kneading, but manual kneading works just as well for this dough.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Warm the milk to about 110°F (not too hot). Stir in the yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl or stand mixer, mix the pumpkin puree, melted butter, egg, sugar, and spices. Add the foamy yeast mixture and stir to combine. Gradually add flour and salt until a dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Let It Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Roll and Fill
Roll the dough into a 10×16-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface. Mix brown sugar with cinnamon and nutmeg, then sprinkle it generously over the buttered dough.

Step 5: Roll and Cut
Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the long side. Cut into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.

Step 6: Second Rise
Place the rolls into a greased 9×13 pan. Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.

Step 7: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and set in the center.

Step 8: Make the Glaze
Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Spread over the warm rolls.

Your kitchen will smell like fall heaven.

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Tips for Baking the Best Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Recipe

Use pumpkin puree, not pie filling—it’s unsweetened and more versatile
Don’t overheat your milk—it can kill the yeast
Use fresh yeast for best rise
Cut rolls evenly for consistent baking
Let them cool slightly before glazing to avoid melting

Want to make things even more delicious? Try serving them with Butter Swim Biscuits as a savory contrast.

Pumpkin Spice Rolls vs. Classic Cinnamon Rolls: What’s the Difference?

While classic cinnamon rolls focus on buttery cinnamon sugar, pumpkin spice rolls bring a rich, earthy warmth from pumpkin puree and extra autumnal spices like nutmeg and ginger. The dough tends to be moister and more tender, and the aroma while baking is irresistible.

This seasonal spin is ideal for October brunches, Thanksgiving mornings, or any time you crave dessert recipes pumpkin lovers can’t resist.

Make-Ahead Instructions for Holiday Baking

You can absolutely prep these rolls the night before:

Follow the recipe through cutting the rolls
Place in the pan, cover with plastic wrap
Refrigerate overnight
Remove and let sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes
Then bake as directed

Perfect for holidays, special mornings, or brunch gatherings.

Creative Frosting Options (Cream Cheese, Maple, Vanilla Glaze)

Classic cream cheese is always a hit, but don’t stop there:

Maple Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tablespoons maple syrup + 1–2 tsp milk
Vanilla Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 1 tsp vanilla + 1–2 tbsp milk
Brown Butter Frosting: Swap the butter for browned butter for a nutty twist

Or go bold with a light dusting of cinnamon sugar for a bakery-style finish.

How to Store and Reheat Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Storage is easy:

At room temp: Store in an airtight container for 2 days
Refrigerator: Keep for 4–5 days
Freezer: Freeze individually or as a tray, wrapped well

To reheat, microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes. Add extra glaze to bring them back to life.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Fall Sweet Recipes

Over-kneading the dough—it becomes tough
Skipping the second rise—rolls won’t be fluffy
Too much flour—yields dry dough
Using cold ingredients—it slows yeast activation
Frosting rolls that are too hot—causes glaze to melt and run

With practice, you’ll bake like a pro in no time.

Serving Suggestions for Dessert Recipes Pumpkin Lovers Will Adore

Serve warm with:

A pumpkin spice latte or hot cider
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Fresh fruit or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar
A side of Cherry Cobbler Muffins for a brunch spread

You can also pair it with savory dishes from Lyndy’s Dinner collection for a complete fall meal.

Healthier Swaps: Lighten Up These Good Fall Recipes

Try these tweaks for a lighter version:

Use whole wheat flour for half the flour
Sub Greek yogurt for some of the butter or cream cheese
Reduce sugar in the dough and glaze
Skip the glaze and dust with cinnamon sugar

Or serve with fruit and tea for a balanced autumn snack.

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FAQs About Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling?
No, it’s too sweet and already spiced—stick to pure pumpkin puree.

Can I freeze the unbaked rolls?
Yes, freeze after cutting. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Can I make these vegan?
Substitute non-dairy milk, vegan butter, and egg replacer. Use a vegan cream cheese for the glaze.

Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix and adjust liquid as needed.

How long will they stay fresh?
About 3–5 days in the fridge, or up to 2 months in the freezer.

More Pumpkin Spice Baking Recipes to Try Next

Can’t get enough pumpkin spice? Here are more ideas:

Pumpkin Sorbet – swap peach with pumpkin purée and spices
Oatmeal Bars – add pumpkin puree and cinnamon
Apple Cider Donut Loaf – perfect pairing with cinnamon rolls

These easy twists keep pumpkin season exciting and delicious.

Conclusion: The Best Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls for Fall and Beyond

These pumpkin cinnamon rolls aren’t just a recipe—they’re an experience. From the tender pumpkin dough to the rich, spiced filling and dreamy glaze, every bite is a reminder of why we love fall baking so much. Whether you’re serving these for brunch, dessert, or a sweet snack, they’re bound to impress.

Don’t forget to explore more Baking Fall Recipes and share this post with fellow pumpkin lovers. Subscribe for more cozy seasonal recipes that feel like home.

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