Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Maple Frosting Recipe

If you’re anything like me, as soon as pumpkin season rolls around, there’s nothing better than filling the house with the warm, cozy smells of fall. That’s exactly why I absolutely love this Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Maple Frosting Recipe — it’s like autumn on a plate! The sweet pumpkin in the dough combined with the classic cinnamon-spiced filling offers a wonderful twist on the traditional cinnamon roll, making it perfect for holiday mornings, weekend brunches, or anytime you want a special treat.

What makes this Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Maple Frosting Recipe truly stand out is the creamy maple frosting on top. That subtle maple syrup sweetness paired with tangy cream cheese frosting takes these rolls from good to unforgettable. You’ll find that once you try these, they’ll become a fall favorite in your kitchen too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Maple Frosting Recipe happens because of the quality, seasonal ingredients working in harmony. For best results, I recommend using fresh pumpkin puree (you can even roast your own!) and real maple syrup in the frosting — it truly transforms the flavor.

• Cooking spray: Keeps your dough from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Milk: Warmed just right to activate the yeast, helping the dough rise beautifully.
• Active dry yeast: This little powerhouse makes the dough fluffy and tender.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough — using fresh flour is always better.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness for the dough without overpowering.
• Brown sugar: Used in both dough and filling, it brings a caramel-like depth.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness perfectly.
• Pumpkin puree: Adds moisture and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor — try to avoid pumpkin pie filling which has added spices.
• Large egg: Gives structure and richness to the dough.
• Butter: Both softened and melted butter play vital roles in dough and filling — choose unsalted for better control over saltiness.
• Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves: These spices bring warmth and depth to the filling.
• Chopped pecans: Adds delightful crunch and nuttiness that complements the soft rolls.
• Cream cheese: Softened to creamy perfection for the frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Smooths out the frosting for that perfect spreadable texture.
• Maple syrup: Real maple syrup shines in the frosting, giving it that signature sweet, earthy flavor.

Variations

I love that this Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Maple Frosting Recipe is easy to customize depending on what you enjoy or have on hand. Feel free to swap nuts or tweak the spices to suit your family’s tastes — the base is forgiving and delicious either way.

• Nut-Free Variation: I’ve made this without pecans by simply omitting them or replacing with sunflower seeds, and it still tastes amazing — great if you need to avoid nuts.
• Spice-It-Up Variation: Some friends prefer adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the filling for an extra layer of warmth.
• Gluten-Free Option: I’ve experimented with gluten-free all-purpose flour blends, just make sure to follow your brand’s substitution guidance for best texture.
• Maple-Free Frosting: If you don’t have maple syrup handy, a little vanilla extract works great to flavor the cream cheese frosting instead.

How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Maple Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast Like a Pro

First things first—sprinkle that yeast over the warm milk (about 110°F; not too hot or you’ll kill the yeast!) and give it about five minutes to get all frothy and bubbly. I remember the first time I rushed this step and my dough didn’t quite rise, so be patient here—it really pays off.

Step 2: Mix Up the Pumpkin Dough

In a large bowl or your stand mixer, whisk flour, sugars, and salt. Then add your yeast mixture, pumpkin puree, and egg. Using a dough hook, mix while slowly adding butter one tablespoon at a time until your dough turns smooth and stretchy—this takes about 10 minutes. It will still be sticky, but that’s normal and what you want! Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rest for an hour or so until it grows noticeably.

Step 3: Prepare That Dreamy Filling

While your dough rests, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and cloves in a bowl. This blend fills your rolls with that heavenly cinnamon-spice aroma. Toss in the chopped pecans for texture and nutty crunch—it’s the perfect contrast to the soft dough.

Step 4: Roll, Fill & Slice

Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13-inch pan. Flour your workspace generously, then roll the dough into a roughly 18×14-inch rectangle. Spread your cinnamon filling evenly, sprinkle pecans on top, and roll it up tight from one long side. Trim the ends to make your cinnamon rolls neat, then slice into 12 pieces about 1.5 inches wide. Lay them cut side up in your pan, cover, and let rise another 30 minutes—this part is key for soft, fluffy rolls.

Step 5: Bake & Cool Before Frosting

Bake your rolls for around 25 minutes until they turn golden brown and irresistible. Let them cool for about 20 minutes—this little waiting game prevents the frosting from melting off too quickly and keeps it beautifully creamy.

Step 6: Mix Up the Cream Cheese Maple Frosting

Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until silky smooth. Add powdered sugar and a pinch of salt, then fold in real maple syrup. I like to use an offset spatula to get the frosting evenly spread across the warm rolls—that way, it melts just enough and soaks into every swirl.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Maple Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a tiny dusting of cinnamon on top of the frosting. Sometimes, a little drizzle of extra maple syrup over the frosting adds an irresistible shine and sweetness. It’s those little touches that make the rolls look as good as they taste!

Side Dishes

These rolls are fabulous with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai. For a brunch spread, I often pair them with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or even a creamy yogurt parfait. The warm spices in the rolls complement simple sides beautifully without overwhelming.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange the rolls on a wooden platter lined with parchment paper and add edible flowers or cinnamon sticks for a festive look. Wrapping each roll individually in parchment with a pretty ribbon makes a charming gift or party favor too—guaranteed to wow friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days—just make sure they’re completely cooled before covering to avoid sogginess. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate them, but bring to room temperature before enjoying for the best texture.

Freezing

Freezing these rolls works wonderfully! I usually slice and freeze them before the final rise, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, let them rise covered at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake fresh. For already baked rolls, wrap well and freeze—thaw and warm gently in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, I place the roll on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 20-30 seconds—just enough to warm it up without drying out. Alternatively, a few minutes in a preheated 350°F oven wrapped in foil brings back that fresh-baked softness. Add a little fresh frosting or maple syrup drizzle after reheating for extra yum.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Maple Frosting Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines everything I love about fall flavors with the comforting indulgence of cinnamon rolls. Whether you’re serving these to guests or sneaking one in the quiet moments, they’re pure joy in every bite. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them each season—with maybe a few tweaks that make them yours. Go ahead, bake a batch, and see the smiles light up around your kitchen table!

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