Pretty Pumpkin Cinnamon Buns

Pumpkin cinnamon rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, bringing fall’s warm and comforting flavors to your breakfast table. Perfect for a cozy morning or a special occasion, these rolls are soft and fluffy and filled with a delicious cinnamon-sugar mixture, all topped with a sweet cinnamon glaze. Follow this recipe to enjoy freshly baked pumpkin cinnamon rolls at home, making your mornings extra special.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Active dry yeast: Active dry yeast helps the dough rise and become fluffy. If you don’t have active dry yeast, instant yeast can be used, though the rise time might vary slightly.
• Warm water: The warm water activates the yeast, starting fermentation. Ensure the water is between 110° and 115° for yeast activation. Water is also used 
• Large eggs: Room-temperature eggs add richness and structure to the dough. For an egg-free version, substitute a flaxseed or chia seed mixture.
• Shortening: Shortening provides tenderness to the rolls, making them soft and moist.  
• Canned pumpkin: Canned pumpkin infuses the dough with pumpkin flavor and moisture, perfect for an autumn twist. If you don’t have canned pumpkin, you can use cooked and pureed butternut squash.
• Warm whole milk: Warm whole milk adds richness and helps activate the yeast. For a dairy-free option, use almond or soy milk.
• Sugar: Sugar sweetens the dough.
• Instant vanilla and butterscotch pudding mixes: These pudding mixes enhance the flavor and texture of the rolls. 
• All-purpose flour: All-purpose flour provides the structure for the dough. You can use bread flour for a chewier texture.
• Packed brown sugar: Packed brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor to the filling.
• Butter, melted: Butter in the filling adds richness and helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick to the dough. Margarine or a plant-based butter can be used as an alternative.
• Ground cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is the key spice for the classic cinnamon roll flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount to your taste or add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Confectioners’ sugar combines with water and softened butter to make a smooth, sweet glaze.
• Softened butter: Softened butter is used in the glaze to add richness.
• Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract adds a warm, sweet flavor to the glaze.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the dough

In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Add the eggs, shortening, pumpkin, milk, sugars, pudding mixes, salt and 6 cups of flour. Beat until smooth. Then stir in enough additional flour to form a soft dough (the dough will be sticky).

Step 2: Knead and rise

Turn the dough onto a floured work surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about six to eight minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, which should take about one hour.

Step 3: Shape the rolls

Punch down the dough and divide it in half. Roll each portion into a 12×8-inch rectangle and brush with melted butter. Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the dough to within 1/2 inch of the edges.

Step 4: Roll and slice

Roll up the dough jelly-roll style, starting with a long side, and pinch the seams to seal. Cut each roll into 12 slices. Place the slices cut side down in two greased 13×9-inch baking pans. Cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls until they are golden brown, about 22 to 28 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare the glaze

In a small bowl, combine the water, softened butter and ground cinnamon. Add confectioners’ sugar and vanilla and beat until smooth. Spread the glaze over the warm buns before serving.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Variations

• Add nuts: Sprinkle pecans or your favorite nuts over the filling before rolling up the dough for added crunch.
• Top with cream cheese frosting: Replace the cinnamon glaze with tangy cream cheese frosting for a different flavor profile.
• Add some seasonal spice: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the dough for an extra burst of autumn flavor.

How to Store Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can you freeze pumpkin cinnamon rolls?

Yes. You can freeze the rolls. Place them in an freezer safe container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can you make pumpkin cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls and let them rise in the refrigerator overnight. Bake them the next morning for fresh rolls.

How do you reheat pumpkin cinnamon rolls?

Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a 350° oven for about 10 minutes until warm.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Recipe Tips

What is the difference between a cinnamon bun and a cinnamon roll?

The main difference between cinnamon buns and cinnamon rolls are in their preparation and toppings. Cinnamon buns are often baked with a sticky, caramelized topping made from butter and brown sugar, sometimes with nuts and are typically inverted after baking so the gooey topping is on top. Cinnamon rolls, on the other hand, are usually topped with icing or glaze after baking and are not flipped.

Why are my cinnamon rolls not fluffy?

Your cinnamon rolls might not be fluffy due to insufficient rising time, inactive yeast or not enough kneading. Ensure your yeast is fresh and the dough is allowed to rise in a warm spot until it has doubled in size. Kneading the dough sufficiently helps develop gluten, which gives the rolls their structure and fluffiness.

How to make cinnamon rolls soft again?

To make the cinnamon rolls soft again reheat them by placing them in a microwave with a damp paper towel for 20 to 30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350° for about 10 minutes, covered with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Adding a bit of extra glaze or butter before reheating can also help restore their softness.

Why did my cinnamon rolls turn out dense?

Dense cinnamon rolls can result from overworking the dough, not allowing it to rise properly or using too much flour. Make sure to knead the dough just until smooth and elastic and allow sufficient rising time in a warm environment. Use the flour sparingly, adding just enough to keep the dough from being sticky.