Easy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Add Preferred SourcePumpkin cinnamon rolls are the perfect blend of comforting flavors that bring a cozy twist to a classic treat. If you’re looking to add a little extra warmth to your kitchen, these rolls are an easy way to make any day feel special. With just a handful of steps, you’ll have soft, pumpkin-spiced rolls topped with a creamy layer of frosting that’s hard to resist.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, if you purchase through those links, I earn a small commission. Thank you!
I love making these pumpkin cinnamon rolls for fall gatherings; they’re easy, warm, and universally appealing. They’re the kind of treat that brings everyone together, perfect for sharing on cozy mornings or around the table. It’s simple baking with big rewards, and there’s something special about the smell of pumpkin and cinnamon that makes everyone feel at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
Follow my easy steps, and you’ll have warm, homemade pumpkin cinnamon rolls to enjoy in no time!
Combine the Yeast and Milk
In a small bowl, mix the yeast and warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s nice and frothy – that’s how you know it’s ready.
Mix the Dough Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, stir together ¼ cup of the brown sugar, melted butter, salt, pumpkin puree, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Add the yeast mixture and give it a good stir.
Add the Flour and Knead the Dough
Add the flour gradually, one cup at a time. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes until it’s soft and smooth.
SERIOUSLY GOOD
DESSERTS!
Dessert First is a collection of 61 RECIPES to show you that you can make beautiful, impressive desserts right in your own kitchen, no matter your skill level.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Lemon Pound Cake
∙ Starbucks Cake Pops
∙ Boston Cream Pie
∙ Chocolate Mousse
∙ Matcha Tiramisu
...and much more!
If it’s sticking, add a couple of tablespoons of cold water or grease your hands – it’ll make handling way easier.
Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour. The dough should double in size.
Roll Out the Dough and Add the Filling
After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle with the remaining brown sugar and cinnamon.
Roll and Slice the Dough
Roll up the dough nice and tight, then slice it into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for 30 minutes.
Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and filling the kitchen with that amazing smell.
Prepare and Add the Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.
Spread the frosting over the warm rolls so it melts a little into each one. Pure heaven!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Here are a few tips to make these rolls even more delicious and hassle-free.
- Use Softened Butter: Soft butter is easier to spread and gives an even layer, so you get the perfect buttery bite in each roll.
- Adjust the Dough as Needed: If the dough is sticky, a little cold water or greasing your hands can make kneading a breeze.
- Give It Time to Rise: The dough needs a full hour to rise. This makes your rolls fluffier and more tender.
- Frost While Warm: Spread the frosting on the rolls while they’re still warm. It melts slightly, making each bite extra gooey and flavorful.
- Slice with a Serrated Knife: A serrated knife helps you get even slices without squashing your rolls.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smooth, creamy frosting that spreads easily.
How to Store Leftover Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Keep your leftover pumpkin cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
If you want to freeze them, leave off the frosting and wrap each roll individually. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to eat, thaw and add frosting for that fresh-baked taste.
More Easy Pumpkin Recipes for You to Try at Home
I’ve got a few more go-to pumpkin recipes that you’ll love making again and again.
- Easy Pumpkin Pancakes
- Homemade Pumpkin Soup
- Pumpkin Bread Pudding
- Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies
- Pumpkin Cheesecake
Ingredients
- 1 packet active dry yeast 2 teaspoons
- ½ cup warm milk
- 1 cup brown sugar ¼ cup goes to dough
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon and more for sprinkling
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the yeast with warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.1 packet active dry yeast, ½ cup warm milk
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup of the brown sugar, melted butter, salt, pumpkin puree, and a hint of cinnamon (about ¼ teaspoon). Add the frothy yeast mixture and stir to combine everything well.1 cup brown sugar, ⅓ cup unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ cup canned pumpkin puree, 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes. If it’s too sticky, add a bit of cold water, or grease your hands to help manage the dough.3 cups all-purpose flour
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour. After the dough has risen, punch it down, then roll it out into a rectangle. Spread the softened butter over the rolled dough and sprinkle with the remaining brown sugar and cinnamon.¼ cup unsalted butter
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it into 12 equal pieces. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and fully cooked through.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread the frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving. Enjoy!1 cup powdered sugar, ½ cup cream cheese, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Notes
- Use Softened Butter: Soft butter is easier to spread and gives an even layer, so you get the perfect buttery bite in each roll.
- Adjust the Dough as Needed: If the dough is sticky, a little cold water or greasing your hands can make kneading a breeze.
- Give It Time to Rise: The dough needs a full hour to rise. This makes your rolls fluffier and more tender.
- Frost While Warm: Spread the frosting on the rolls while they’re still warm. It melts slightly, making each bite extra gooey and flavorful.
- Slice with a Serrated Knife: A serrated knife helps you get even slices without squashing your rolls.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smooth, creamy frosting that spreads easily.
Nutrition
SERIOUSLY GOOD
DESSERTS!
Dessert First is a collection of 61 RECIPES to show you that you can make beautiful, impressive desserts right in your own kitchen, no matter your skill level.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Lemon Pound Cake
∙ Starbucks Cake Pops
∙ Boston Cream Pie
∙ Chocolate Mousse
∙ Matcha Tiramisu
...and much more!
About the Author
Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
