Christmas Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

  

cc: thestayathomechef

This recipe for Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls is a delightful treat for the holiday season, combining the classic goodness of cinnamon rolls with the aromatic spices and rich pumpkin flavor. Baked to perfection, the aroma of pumpkin and spices fills the air, creating a sense of warmth. 

A creamy cream cheese frosting is spread over the warm rolls, enhancing the harmony between taste and texture. Perfect for a cozy Christmas breakfast or special holiday gatherings, these rolls bring a touch of seasonal joy.

INGREDIENTS

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 large eggs

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• pinch of salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

cc: thestayathomechef

RECIPE

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside. This is fine if using instant yeast. If using active dry yeast, it usually works best when dissolved in warm liquid (milk) first to proof.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter, and eggs until well combined.

3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.  Pumpkin adds moisture, so the dough may be slightly stickier than classic cinnamon rolls. Lightly flouring the surface when kneading will help. The kneading time of about 5 minutes is generally sufficient for a soft, enriched dough, though 7–8 minutes can yield a slightly smoother, more elastic dough. 

4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

5. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by combining the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a small bowl. Also add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness. Mix until well combined.

6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, about 12x18 inches in size.

7. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll up the dough into a log.

8. Cut the log into 12 equal-sized rolls and place them in a greased baking dish. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

9. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Because of the pumpkin, rolls may brown slightly faster; check at 20–25 minutes.

10. While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until well combined.

11. Once the cinnamon rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls.

Serve these Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls warm and enjoy the delightful combination of pumpkin, spices, and cream cheese frosting. They are perfect for Christmas morning breakfast or as a sweet treat during holiday gatherings.