Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls: The Coziest Fall Breakfast Recipe Ever

When the mornings get crisp, and your slippers become non-negotiable, there’s nothing more comforting than pulling a tray of warm Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls from the oven. These aren’t your average cinnamon rolls. They’re infused with pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie spice, then rolled up with a buttery brown sugar filling and slathered with cream cheese frosting. Yes, it’s fall breakfast perfection in every gooey bite.

This recipe is the sweet, spiced hug your kitchen needs right now. Whether you’re making them for a lazy Sunday brunch, a holiday morning, or just because, these pumpkin spice rolls deliver everything you love about fall—all before your second cup of coffee.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

  • Soft, pillowy dough with real pumpkin
  • Warm spices in every swirl
  • A cream cheese frosting that melts like a dream
  • The ultimate fall breakfast recipe to wow your loved ones

Ingredients

For the dough:

  • 2¼ tsp instant dry yeast (1 packet)
  • ¾ cup warm water (about 115°F)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp browned butter
  • 1 large egg, room temp
  • 1 tbsp dry milk powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ⅔ cup pumpkin purée
  • 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 3¼ to 3¾ cups all-purpose flour

For the filling:

  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 6 tbsp browned butter

For the frosting:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup browned butter, softened
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1½ cups confectioners sugar

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Rolls

  1. First, brown 15 tbsp of butter total. You’ll use some for the dough, some for the filling, and the rest for the frosting. Chill any leftover browned butter.
  2. In a large bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit until foamy.
  3. Mix in browned butter, egg, dry milk powder, salt, pumpkin purée, and pumpkin pie spice.
  4. Gradually add flour until the dough pulls away from the sides. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Cover and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  6. Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread with browned butter and sprinkle evenly with brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.
  7. Roll the dough into a tight log and slice into 12 rolls. Place in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise again until puffy (45–60 minutes).
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 22–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. Beat cream cheese and browned butter until smooth.
  2. Add vanilla, heavy cream, and powdered sugar. Beat until creamy and spreadable.
  3. Frost the rolls while they’re still warm so it melts into all the cinnamon swirls.

Tips for Soft, Gooey Cinnamon Rolls

  • Use fresh yeast and warm (not hot) water to get the best rise.
  • Browned butter adds a nutty, caramel-like richness you’ll love.
  • Let the dough rise somewhere warm and draft-free. I like the oven (turned off!) with the light on.
  • Don’t overbake! Slightly underbaked is better than dry rolls.

A Fall Morning Favorite

The first time I made these pumpkin cinnamon rolls, it was a rainy October Saturday and I needed something cozy to lift everyone’s mood. The smell alone had my kids racing to the kitchen. One bite in and we were hooked. Now, it’s tradition: pumpkin rolls on the first cold morning of the season. And sometimes the second, third, and… well, you get it.

They’re tender, buttery, and absolutely bursting with fall flavor. The cream cheese frosting melts into every crevice, creating that heavenly combo of warm roll and cool icing.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rol

What to Serve With Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

  • Hot coffee or a maple latte for the ultimate breakfast
  • A side of crisp bacon or sausage to balance the sweetness
  • Sliced apples or a fresh fruit salad for a lighter touch
  • A mimosa, because brunch is a celebration

These are perfect for holidays, weekend brunches, or any time you want to start the day with a little extra love.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

  • Room Temp: Cover and store for up to 2 days.
  • Refrigerate: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual rolls and freeze unfrosted. Thaw overnight, warm in the oven, and frost fresh.
  • Reheat: Microwave a roll for 20 seconds or warm in a low oven until gooey again.

FAQs About Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! After slicing the rolls, cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them rise at room temp in the morning before baking.

Can I use canned pumpkin pie mix?

Nope—stick with pure pumpkin purée to control the sweetness and spice.

Can I use regular butter instead of browned butter?

Sure, but you’ll miss out on that deep, nutty flavour that makes these rolls next level.

Cozy Up with Pumpkin Spice Goodness

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a fall breakfast recipe—they’re an experience. From the soft pumpkin-spiced dough to the luscious cream cheese frosting, every bite is pure comfort. Make them once, and they’ll become part of your autumn ritual. Just don’t be surprised if they disappear before you get seconds!

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Pumpkin Cinnamon Ro

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls: The Coziest Fall Breakfast Recipe Ever


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  • Author: Amanda Thompson
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (includes rise time)
  • Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are a cozy fall breakfast treat made with soft pumpkin-infused dough, swirls of brown sugar and spice, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. These warm, gooey rolls are the perfect way to start a crisp autumn morning with comfort and flavor in every bite.


Ingredients

Scale

For the dough:

  • 2¼ tsp instant dry yeast (1 packet)

  • ¾ cup warm water (about 115°F)

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • 2 tbsp browned butter

  • 1 large egg, room temperature

  • 1 tbsp dry milk powder

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ⅔ cup pumpkin purée

  • 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice

  • to cups all-purpose flour

For the filling:

  • ¾ cup brown sugar

  • 1½ tsp ground cinnamon

  • 1½ tsp pumpkin pie spice

  • 6 tbsp browned butter

For the frosting:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened

  • ¼ cup browned butter, softened

  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract

  • 2 tbsp heavy cream

  • 1½ cups confectioners’ sugar


Instructions

  • Brown 15 tbsp of butter and divide it for dough, filling, and frosting.

  • In a large bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it bloom until foamy.

  • Stir in browned butter, egg, dry milk powder, salt, pumpkin purée, and pumpkin pie spice.

  • Add flour gradually until the dough pulls away from the sides. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth.

  • Cover and let rise in a warm spot until doubled (1 to 1.5 hours).

  • Roll dough into a rectangle, spread with browned butter, and sprinkle with brown sugar and spices.

  • Roll into a log, slice into 12 rolls, place in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise again until puffy (45–60 minutes).

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 22–25 minutes until golden.

  • Make the frosting by beating cream cheese and browned butter until smooth. Add vanilla, cream, and confectioners’ sugar; beat until creamy.

  • Frost the warm rolls and serve.

Notes

Use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie mix.

Browned butter adds depth and a nutty richness.

Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area (like an oven with the light on).

Rolls can be made ahead and baked the next morning after rising.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast / Brunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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