Description of this recipe
These Soft Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful autumn treat. Imagine waking up on a crisp fall morning to the aroma of warm, spiced pumpkin filling and sweet maple cream cheese frosting. These rolls are incredibly soft, moist, and packed with the flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg, perfectly balanced by the tangy-sweet frosting. They are a show-stopping dessert that will impress your family and friends, whether for a special occasion or just a cozy weekend brunch.
Why you will love this recipe
You will absolutely adore this recipe for several reasons. First, the combination of pumpkin and cinnamon is a classic fall pairing that is always a crowd-pleaser. The addition of maple to the cream cheese frosting elevates the flavor profile, providing a unique and delicious twist. These cinnamon rolls are not only incredibly tasty but also visually appealing, with their swirls of pumpkin-spiced filling and generous layer of creamy frosting. Moreover, the recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it accessible for both beginner and experienced bakers. The end result is a batch of soft, pillowy cinnamon rolls that are guaranteed to bring joy to everyone who tries them. These rolls are perfect for sharing, making them a wonderful centerpiece for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to spread a little warmth and happiness.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
For the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Preparation:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (110°F) and active dry yeast. Add a pinch of granulated sugar to help feed the yeast. Gently stir the mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes. The yeast mixture should become foamy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to use. If the yeast doesn’t foam, it might be expired, and you’ll need to use fresh yeast to ensure your rolls rise properly.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, egg, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Ensure that the melted butter is not too hot, as it could cook the egg. The pumpkin puree should be smooth and free of any lumps to ensure an even texture in the dough.
Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the wet ingredients in the mixing bowl. Start by adding about half of the flour, and then pour in the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough starts to come together. Continue adding the remaining flour gradually, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it is manageable. Proper kneading is essential for developing the gluten in the flour, which will give the rolls their soft and chewy texture.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. The warm environment helps the yeast to ferment and the dough to rise properly.
Step 6: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined. The butter should be softened but not melted to ensure it spreads evenly over the dough.
Step 7: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a 16×12 inch rectangle. Try to maintain an even thickness throughout the rectangle for uniform rolls.
Step 8: Spread the Filling
Spread the butter mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border uncovered on one long edge. This border will help seal the rolls together when you roll them up. Ensure the filling is spread in a thin, even layer to ensure each roll has the perfect amount of flavor.
Step 9: Roll Up the Dough
Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough, pinching the seam to seal. This will create a log of dough filled with the delicious pumpkin-spiced filling.
Step 10: Cut the Rolls
Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 even pieces. This will give you consistent and uniform cinnamon rolls.
Step 11: Second Rise
Place the cut rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover the dish with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for an additional 30 minutes. This second rise allows the rolls to become even more soft and fluffy.
Step 12: Bake the Rolls
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on the rolls to prevent them from burning.
Step 13: Prepare the Frosting
While the rolls are baking, prepare the maple cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Ensure that both the cream cheese and butter are softened to prevent lumps in the frosting.
Step 14: Add Flavorings
Add the vanilla extract, pure maple syrup, and powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture. Mix until smooth and well combined. Adjust the amount of powdered sugar to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 15: Frost the Rolls
Allow the rolls to cool for 5-10 minutes before spreading the frosting on top. This prevents the frosting from melting completely. Generously spread the maple cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls.
Step 16: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the soft pumpkin cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy! These rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for a few days.
COOKING Rating:
- Difficulty: Medium
- Taste: Exceptional
- Texture: Soft and pillowy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm as a breakfast treat or dessert.
- Pair with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a drizzle of extra maple syrup for added flair.
- Enjoy as a special treat for holidays, gatherings, or weekend brunches.
Tips:
- Make sure your yeast is fresh and active to ensure the dough rises properly.
- Do not overheat the milk, as it can kill the yeast.
- Knead the dough thoroughly to develop the gluten for a soft and chewy texture.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place to speed up the rising process.
- Use softened but not melted butter for the filling and frosting to ensure proper consistency.
- Adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting to achieve your desired sweetness and thickness.
- Allow the rolls to cool slightly before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting completely.
- For best results, serve the rolls warm and fresh.
Prep Time:
30 minutes
Cook Time:
25 minutes
Total Time:
2 hours (including rise time)
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Calories:
Approximately 350-400 calories per roll
Protein:
Approximately 5-7 grams per roll
Sodium:
Approximately 200-250 milligrams per roll
Conclusion
These Soft Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite. The combination of warm spices, soft dough, and creamy frosting makes them irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to indulge in a delicious homemade treat, this recipe is sure to impress. The detailed instructions and helpful tips make it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a batch of these heavenly cinnamon rolls that will fill your home with warmth and delicious aromas. Enjoy the process and savor the delightful flavors of autumn with every bite!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe
Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight?
A: Yes, you can definitely make the dough ahead of time. After the first rise, punch down the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight. The next morning, remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour before rolling it out and proceeding with the recipe. This can save you time and allow you to enjoy freshly baked cinnamon rolls with minimal effort in the morning.
Q2: What can I use if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
A: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can make your own blend by combining cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. A good ratio is typically 4 parts cinnamon, 2 parts ginger, 1 part nutmeg, and 1 part allspice. So, for 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ginger, 1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/8 teaspoon of allspice.
Q3: Can I freeze the baked cinnamon rolls?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked cinnamon rolls. Allow the rolls to cool completely after baking, but before frosting. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the rolls overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Frost them after reheating for the best taste and texture.
Q4: What if I don’t have pure maple syrup for the frosting?
A: If you don’t have pure maple syrup, you can substitute it with maple-flavored syrup or even honey. However, keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different. Pure maple syrup adds a distinct and rich flavor to the frosting that is hard to replicate, but maple-flavored syrup can be a decent substitute in a pinch. Honey will add a different kind of sweetness, so use it sparingly and adjust the amount of powdered sugar accordingly.
Q5: How can I prevent the bottom of the cinnamon rolls from burning?
A: To prevent the bottom of the cinnamon rolls from burning, you can try a few things. First, make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center of the oven. Second, you can place a baking sheet underneath the baking dish to help insulate the bottom. Another trick is to bake the rolls at a slightly lower temperature (325°F or 160°C) for a longer period, which will help them cook more evenly.
