Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, pillowy cinnamon roll that captures the essence of fall in every single bite. These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze are not just a recipe—they're a culinary experience that transforms your kitchen into a cozy autumn haven. Packed with warm spices, rich pumpkin flavor, and topped with a decadent maple cream cheese glaze, these rolls are guaranteed to become your new seasonal obsession.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 rolls
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 package cream cheese
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- In a small bowl, activate the yeast by combining it with warm milk (around 110°F) and let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy and bubbling.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, melted butter, sugar, and activated yeast mixture. Whisk until smooth and well incorporated.
- Gradually add flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Roll out the dough into a large rectangle approximately 12x16 inches. Spread softened butter across the surface and sprinkle with additional cinnamon and sugar.
- Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long side, creating a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Place rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan, leaving slight space between each roll. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and center is cooked through.
- For the glaze, beat cream cheese until smooth, then mix in maple syrup until creamy and well combined.
- Once rolls are slightly cooled, spread maple cream cheese glaze generously over the top of the warm rolls.
- Serve warm and enjoy the delicious pumpkin cinnamon rolls with their rich maple cream cheese glaze.
Tips
- Yeast Activation is Key: Ensure your milk is precisely 110°F to activate the yeast correctly. Too hot, and you'll kill the yeast; too cool, and it won't activate properly.
- Rise Time Matters: Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area. Cover with a damp cloth to prevent the surface from drying out.
- Rolling Technique: Use dental floss to cut rolls for clean, precise slices that don't squish the delicate dough.
- Temperature Control: Allow rolls to come to room temperature before baking for even rising and consistent texture.
- Glaze While Warm: Apply the maple cream cheese glaze when rolls are still slightly warm to help it melt and spread beautifully. Pro Tip: For extra indulgence, sprinkle some chopped pecans on top of the glaze for added crunch and autumn flair!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
