Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

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When the leaves start crunching underfoot and the air turns crisp in Bryson City, I know it’s time to dust off my favorite fall dessert recipes. And nothing ushers in the season like the smell of cinnamon, brown butter, and pumpkin baking away in the oven. These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls have become a family tradition in my kitchen—born out of a cool October morning years ago when my youngest begged for “something cozy and swirly.” We had leftover pumpkin puree, and I had a hunch. One bite later, and we never looked back.

Pumpkin cinnamon rolls topped with silky brown butter frosting.

Each year, I test new fall dessert recipes, but this one always makes the cut. The yeasted pumpkin dough is spiced just right, the brown sugar filling melts into gooey ribbons, and that brown butter cream cheese frosting? It sinks into every swirl like a warm hug. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or Thanksgiving morning, these rolls bring everyone to the kitchen early—mugs in hand, ready to swipe extra frosting from the bowl.

From my kitchen to yours, let’s bring this dish to life.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s just something magical about baking fall dessert recipes that fill your home with spice and sweetness. This one’s a showstopper.

It all starts with a fluffy, pumpkin-spiced dough that rises to golden, pillowy perfection. The aroma alone is enough to make neighbors wander over.

The brown sugar and cinnamon filling melts beautifully, creating gooey pockets in every roll. You’ll never look at basic cinnamon rolls the same again.

Brown butter in both the dough and frosting adds a nutty richness that screams autumn comfort.

The brown butter cream cheese frosting is a perfect pairing—sweet, tangy, and melt-in-your-mouth soft when spread over warm rolls.

Don’t be intimidated—this is a medium-difficulty recipe that’s fully make-ahead friendly. Let it rise overnight and bake fresh in the morning.

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are ready in just over 3 hours (most of that rise time), making them ideal for holiday mornings or fall weekend gatherings.

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Pumpkin cinnamon rolls with brown butter cream cheese frosting

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls


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5 from 1 review

  • Author: Molly Carswell Pilz
  • Total Time: 3 hours 12 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate treat in fall dessert recipes—featuring pumpkin-spiced dough, brown sugar cinnamon filling, and a rich brown butter cream cheese frosting. Cozy, fluffy, and full of fall magic, they’re perfect for holiday mornings, brunch, or dessert.


Ingredients

  • 2¼ teaspoons Instant Dry Yeast (1 standard American packet)
  • ¾ cup warm water (about 115°F)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons browned butter
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon dry milk powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ⅔ cup pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
  • cups all-purpose flour
  • Filling: ¾ cup brown sugar, 1½ tsp cinnamon, 1½ tsp pumpkin pie spice, 6 tbsp browned butter
  • Frosting: 4 oz cream cheese, ¼ cup browned butter, 1 tbsp vanilla extract, 2 tbsp heavy cream, 1½ cups powdered sugar


Instructions

  1. Brown the Butter: Brown 15 tablespoons of butter to use across dough, filling, and frosting. Cool completely.
  2. Make the Dough: Bloom yeast in warm water. Mix in sugar, browned butter, egg, milk powder, salt, pumpkin, and 3¼ cups flour. Knead 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm oven (turned off) for 1 hour until doubled.
  4. Prepare the Filling: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and spice. Roll dough into 16×14 inch rectangle. Brush with butter, sprinkle filling evenly.
  5. Shape the Rolls: Roll tightly, score and slice into 12 pieces. Arrange in greased 9×13 pan. Cover and refrigerate or rise again 30–45 minutes.
  6. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake 22–27 minutes until golden or 190°F inside. Let cool slightly.
  7. Make the Frosting: Beat cream cheese and browned butter until fluffy. Add vanilla, cream, and powdered sugar. Beat 4 minutes.
  8. Frost & Serve: Spread over warm rolls. Enjoy immediately or store airtight for up to 3 days.

Notes

Brown the butter in advance and chill for the frosting. Use floss for clean cuts. These rolls are perfect for make-ahead prep—just rise overnight in the fridge. A must-bake in your list of fall dessert recipes!

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 27 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredient Overview

Inside view of a fluffy pumpkin cinnamon roll with spiced swirl
A peek at the gooey interior of these pumpkin cinnamon rolls.

This recipe hits every note of fall flavor and texture. Let’s take a closer look at what makes it special among other fall dessert recipes.

  • Instant Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise into those soft, billowy layers.

  • Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin, not pie filling. It gives moisture, color, and autumn flavor.

  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: A must in all classic fall dessert recipes—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in one.

  • Brown Sugar: Adds a molasses depth to the filling and complements the pumpkin beautifully.

  • Brown Butter: Brings a nutty richness to the dough, filling, and frosting. Don’t skip it!

  • Cream Cheese: Softened for a lusciously smooth frosting.

  • Heavy Cream: Loosens the frosting slightly so it melts into the warm rolls.

  • All-Purpose Flour: Just enough structure to hold the swirls but still soft and tender.

  • Dry Milk Powder: Enhances flavor and texture, especially in enriched doughs.

Styling tip: Garnish the warm frosted rolls with a sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed pecans to elevate the rustic look.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Butter First

Start by browning 15 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently and watch for it to turn golden and smell nutty—this takes about 5–7 minutes. You’ll use this for the dough, filling, and frosting. Set some aside to cool in the fridge for later. Many fall dessert recipes rely on brown butter to deepen the seasonal flavors—it’s a trick worth mastering.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer, dissolve the yeast in warm water (around 115°F). Let it bloom for 5 minutes. Add sugar, browned butter, egg, dry milk powder, salt, and pumpkin puree. Mix until smooth. Now stir in pumpkin pie spice and 3¼ cups flour. Switch to a dough hook and knead for 8 minutes. Add more flour only if dough is overly sticky. The dough should feel soft and just slightly tacky.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Lightly oil a large bowl and transfer your dough into it. Cover with a clean towel and place in a warm (but turned-off) oven. Let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size. This slow rise brings out all the cozy fall notes you want in your best fall dessert recipes.

Step 4: Make the Filling

While the dough rises, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice in a bowl. Once the dough is ready, punch it down and roll it into a 16×14 inch rectangle on a floured surface. Brush generously with browned butter and sprinkle on the sugar mixture evenly.

Step 5: Roll and Slice

Roll the dough up tightly from the long side. Score into 12 pieces, then slice cleanly using unflavored dental floss or a serrated knife. Place rolls in a greased 9×13 baking dish. At this point, you can cover and refrigerate overnight or rise and bake the same day.

Step 6: Second Rise

If baking now, let the rolls rise at room temperature for about 30–40 minutes until puffed. If refrigerated overnight, let them sit at room temperature for 45–60 minutes before baking.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the rolls for 22–27 minutes. For perfect doneness, use a digital thermometer to check that the centers reach 190°F. Tip: Don’t overbake or they’ll lose their tender pull-apart texture.

Step 8: Whip the Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese and cooled browned butter together for 2 minutes until light. Add vanilla, heavy cream, and powdered sugar. Beat again for 4 minutes until fluffy and irresistible. This frosting is what makes these a standout among all fall dessert recipes.

Step 9: Frost While Warm

Spread frosting over the warm rolls fresh from the oven. Let it melt into each swirl. It creates that glossy, sticky top layer that no one can resist.

Now that your dish is coming together beautifully, let’s explore some pro tips and creative variations!

Pro Tips

Pumpkin cinnamon rolls served warm on a fall-themed breakfast tray
Perfect for sharing—pumpkin cinnamon rolls for autumn brunch.

Making fall dessert recipes from scratch can feel intimidating, but these tips will have you baking like a pro in no time.

  • Brown Your Butter First: This isn’t the step to rush. Brown butter adds depth to both the dough and frosting—a signature move in my favorite fall dessert recipes.

  • Don’t Skip the Dry Milk Powder: It enhances flavor and helps create a tender dough. If you don’t have any, powdered coffee creamer works in a pinch.

  • Use Dental Floss to Slice Rolls: For clean swirls that won’t flatten, skip the knife and grab plain dental floss. Slide underneath, cross the ends over the top, and pull tight—satisfying and neat!

  • Make the Night Before: Want to serve these warm for breakfast? Let the shaped rolls rise overnight in the fridge. In the morning, bring to room temp, bake, and bask in cinnamon-scented glory.

  • Use a Thermometer: For best results, aim for 190°F in the center of a baked roll.

If you’re just getting started with fall baking, try my Pumpkin Bread too—it’s simple, foolproof, and the perfect warm-up to other fall dessert recipes like this one.

Variations

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to fall dessert recipes, and these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are wonderfully adaptable.

  • Add Chopped Pecans: Stir into the filling for a nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with pumpkin spice.

  • Drizzle with Maple Glaze: Swap the cream cheese frosting for a maple glaze if you want something lighter and sweeter.

  • Make Mini Rolls: Divide dough into smaller portions for bite-sized rolls—great for brunch boards or potlucks.

  • Spice It Up: Add a dash of cardamom or allspice for a deeper, more complex spice profile.

And if you love warm, gooey desserts, don’t miss my Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler—another crowd-pleaser among cozy fall dessert recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble them the night before and store covered in the fridge. Let them rise in the morning at room temperature before baking.

Can I freeze the rolls after baking?

You sure can. Let them cool completely, then wrap tightly. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat and frost before serving.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

You can make your own with 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, ¼ tsp ginger, and a pinch of cloves.

Can I make this without cream cheese frosting?

Absolutely. A simple vanilla glaze or brown sugar icing works just as well—many fall dessert recipes are flexible like that.

Serving Suggestions

Frosted pumpkin cinnamon rolls with rich swirls of brown sugar
Warm pumpkin cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven.

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls aren’t just baked goods—they’re the heart of cozy mornings, family brunches, and late-night dessert runs in pajama pants. Among fall dessert recipes, they’re one of the most versatile you’ll ever make.

Serve them warm with:

  • A steaming mug of chai or fresh-brewed coffee

  • Vanilla bean ice cream for dessert-style decadence

  • Freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for Sunday brunch flair

If you’re planning a seasonal spread, pair these rolls with something cool and creamy from your table of Easy Fall Desserts—like no-bake pumpkin mousse or apple cider floats.

Make a full fall morning with soft jazz, thick socks, and the kind of warmth that only the best fall dessert recipes can bring.

Conclusion

When it comes to fall dessert recipes, these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls check every single box—comforting, spiced, decadent, and oh-so-shareable. Whether it’s a quiet Saturday or a bustling holiday morning, these rolls are the kind of dish that makes people linger at the table a little longer.

They’re more than just a treat. They’re a tradition waiting to happen, a memory in the making.

Want to keep that pumpkin magic going? Try my Pumpkin Muffins Recipe next. It’s another reader favorite that never lasts more than a day on the counter.

From my kitchen to yours — happy cooking, friends!

For more cozy inspo and fresh fall dessert recipes, tag us or say hi on Pinterest — we’d love to see what you’re baking!

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