pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls

Published on September 29, 2025
4.8 (245 reviews)

Imagine waking up to the aroma of pumpkin, cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg drifting through the kitchen. These rolls turn an ordinary weekend brunch into a festive celebration, perfect for family gathe

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pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
25 min
Servings
12 rolls

Why You'll Love This Recipe

✓ Cozy Autumn Flavor: The pumpkin‑spice blend pairs perfectly with sweet cinnamon, creating a warm, comforting bite that feels like a hug on a crisp morning.
✓ Fluffy Yet Moist: A yeasted dough gives lift, while the pumpkin purée keeps each roll tender and slightly moist without being gummy.
✓ Easy to Customize: Swap maple glaze for cream cheese, add toasted pecans, or make a vegan version—your creativity is the only limit.

Imagine waking up to the aroma of pumpkin, cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg drifting through the kitchen. These rolls turn an ordinary weekend brunch into a festive celebration, perfect for family gatherings or a quiet morning treat.

The recipe balances classic cinnamon‑roll techniques with the seasonal richness of pumpkin purée, delivering a soft crumb that holds its shape while staying delightfully moist. A silky glaze finishes each roll, adding a glossy sweetness that never overpowers.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, the steps are straightforward, and the results look and taste like they belong in a bakery. Serve warm, and watch them disappear in minutes.

1 ½ tsp instant yeast Active dry works too; proof in warm water first.
½ cup pumpkin purée Use canned, unsweetened; adds moisture and flavor.
¼ cup granulated sugar Splits between dough and filling.
¼ cup brown sugar Adds caramel depth to the filling.
2 tsp pumpkin spice Blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened Divided between dough and filling.
½ cup warm milk Helps activate yeast; can use almond milk.
1 large egg Provides structure and a golden crust.
For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 Tbsp milk + ½ tsp vanilla Adjust thickness with extra milk if needed.

Instructions

pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls
1

Activate Yeast

Combine warm milk, 1 Tbsp sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Stir gently and let sit 5‑7 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is alive and ready.

Pro Tip: If the mixture doesn’t foam, the yeast may be dead; start again with fresh yeast.
2

Mix Dough

In a stand‑mixer's bowl, whisk flour, remaining sugar, salt, and pumpkin spice. Add yeast mixture, pumpkin purée, softened butter, egg, and the rest of the warm milk. Knead on medium speed 6‑8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Pro Tip: If dough feels sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time; avoid over‑flouring.
3

First Rise

Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot 1‑1½ hours, or until doubled in size. This develops flavor and gluten structure.

Pro Tip: A pre‑heated oven (turned off) works great for a consistent rise.
4

Shape Rolls

Punch down dough, roll into a 12‑inch rectangle. Spread softened butter, then sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice evenly. Roll tightly, slice into 12 equal pieces, and place on a parchment‑lined baking sheet.

Pro Tip: Use a sharp, unfluted knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts.
5

Second Rise & Bake

Cover rolls loosely with foil and let rise 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake 18‑20 minutes until golden. While hot, drizzle glaze over each roll; the glaze will melt into a glossy coating.

Pro Tip: If edges brown too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking.

Expert Tips

Tip #1: Chill the Dough

After the first rise, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes. Cold dough is easier to roll thin and results in flakier layers.

Tip #2: Use Real Pumpkin

Fresh roasted pumpkin purée adds a richer, earthier flavor than canned varieties and reduces added sugars.

Tip #3: Serve Warm

Reheat leftovers briefly in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. Warm rolls regain their soft interior and glossy glaze.

Nutrition

Per serving (1 roll)

Calories
320 kcal
Carbs
45 g
Protein
6 g
Fat
12 g
Sugar
18 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Substitute the all‑purpose flour with a 1‑to‑1 gluten‑free blend and add 1 Tbsp xanthan gum. The texture stays tender, though the rise may be slightly slower.

Keep rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a zip‑top bag; reheat directly from frozen for best texture.

Replace with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce or mashed sweet potato. Adjust sugar slightly if the substitute is sweeter than pure pumpkin.

Recipe Summary

Prep
30 min
Cook
30 min
Total
60 min
Servings
4
Category: Breakfast and Brunch
Cuisine: International
Difficulty: Easy
Course: Main
Quick Tips
  • Make ahead friendly
  • Freezer safe 3 months
  • Easily doubled
  • Customizable

Ingredients

  • 3 ¼ cups all‑purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp instant yeast
  • ½ cup pumpkin purée
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tsp pumpkin spice
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup warm milk
  • 1 large egg
  • For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 Tbsp milk + ½ tsp vanilla

Instructions

1
Activate Yeast

Combine warm milk, 1 Tbsp sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Stir gently and let sit 5‑7 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is alive and ready....

2
Mix Dough

In a stand‑mixer's bowl, whisk flour, remaining sugar, salt, and pumpkin spice. Add yeast mixture, pumpkin purée, softened butter, egg, and the rest of the warm milk. Knead on medium speed 6‑8 minutes...

3
First Rise

Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot 1‑1½ hours, or until doubled in size. This develops flavor and gluten structure....

4
Shape Rolls

Punch down dough, roll into a 12‑inch rectangle. Spread softened butter, then sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice evenly. Roll tightly, slice into 12 equal pieces, and place on a parchme...

5
Second Rise & Bake

Cover rolls loosely with foil and let rise 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake 18‑20 minutes until golden. While hot, drizzle glaze over each roll; the glaze will melt into a glossy coatin...

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