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Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Icing

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Icing
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Soft, spicy pumpkin cinnamon rolls with luscious maple cream cheese icing combine the rich flavors of pumpkin and warm autumn spices with a sweet, creamy glaze. Perfect for cozy mornings, festive fall gatherings, or a comforting weekend treat, these rolls feature tender, fluffy dough and a decadent swirl of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, finished with a velvety maple cream cheese frosting that melts beautifully over warm rolls.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking blend for GF option)
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Filling

  • 1/2 cup softened butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Maple Cream Cheese Icing

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk and dissolve the yeast with a pinch of sugar to activate it. In a large bowl, combine the flour, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and mix well until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  2. Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, mix softened butter with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to create a spiced, buttery filling with a rich aroma. Set aside.
  3. Roll and Fill the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Spread the spiced butter filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small margin around the edges. Roll the dough tightly from one long edge to the other, then cut into 12 equal slices. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, spacing them slightly apart.
  4. Final Rise and Bake: Cover the rolls with a towel and allow them to rise for another 30 to 40 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, with caramelized filling bubbling at the edges.
  5. Make the Maple Cream Cheese Icing: While the rolls bake, beat softened cream cheese with butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and maple syrup, adjusting sweetness and consistency until luscious and spreadable.
  6. Ice and Serve: After baking, let the rolls cool for 10 minutes, then generously spread the maple cream cheese icing over the warm rolls. Serve immediately for the best slightly melted, gooey experience.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to help the dough blend smoothly and rise evenly for optimal fluffiness.
  • Don’t skimp on the filling to achieve a gooey, flavorful core in each roll.
  • Check your oven temperature for even baking, avoiding burned edges.
  • Allow both proofing rises fully for the lightest texture.
  • Adjust the sweetness of the icing by tasting and tweaking maple syrup or powdered sugar as preferred.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin cinnamon rolls, maple cream cheese icing, fall baking, pumpkin spice, gluten-free cinnamon rolls, festive breakfast

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/pumpkin-cinnamon-rolls-with-maple-cream-cheese-icing/