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There’s something magical about waking up on a crisp fall morning, the kind where the air carries the faint smell of leaves and woodsmoke. For me, it often begins with the sound of the oven preheating and the anticipation of warm cinnamon rolls filling the kitchen. Over the years, I’ve turned this ritual into a seasonal tradition by making a homemade Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll Recipe—a cozy twist on the classic pastry that never fails to bring smiles at the breakfast table.

Pumpkin spice has become more than just a flavor—it’s a symbol of fall itself in many U.S. households. From pumpkin spice lattes to pumpkin bread, there’s no denying that these warming spices have found their place in seasonal baking. Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, and cloves come together like a chai-inspired blend that evokes comfort and nostalgia. When swirled inside soft, pillowy dough, this aromatic spice mix not only makes your home smell incredible but also transforms simple cinnamon rolls into an irresistibly autumnal treat.
And that’s the beauty of this recipe—it bridges tradition with seasonal charm. The humble cinnamon roll takes on a festive personality, and suddenly, an ordinary weekend breakfast feels like a small celebration. Whether you’re hosting relatives, making a batch before heading to the farmer’s market, or simply treating yourself, these rolls become a reminder that food connects us to the seasons and to each other.
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Easy Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Description
Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls infused with pumpkin puree and warm chai-inspired spices, topped with creamy cream cheese frosting—perfect for cozy fall mornings.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast; let stand 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, melted butter, and egg.
3. Add flour and salt to the pumpkin mixture, then pour in the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
4. Knead dough on a floured surface or in a stand mixer until smooth and elastic, about 5–7 minutes.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 60–90 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, mix brown sugar, softened butter, and pumpkin pie spice to create the filling.
7. Punch down risen dough and roll into a 12×9-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
8. Spread the spiced filling evenly over the dough.
9. Roll dough tightly from the long side and cut into 12 equal rolls using a knife or floss.
10. Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan, cover, and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
11. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake rolls for 22–25 minutes until golden brown.
12. While rolls bake, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
13. Spread frosting over warm rolls and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 53
- Protein: 5
Why This Recipe Feels Like Fall in Every Bite
Every flavor in these Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls speaks to the heart of fall. Imagine sitting down with a mug of hot cider after visiting a pumpkin patch, or enjoying a warm roll fresh from the oven before heading out to watch a football game. The spiced filling paired with the slightly earthy sweetness of pumpkin puree reminds us of cozy sweaters, colorful leaves, and all the nostalgic fall traditions we hold dear.
Of course, no cinnamon roll is complete without frosting. In this recipe, a luscious cream cheese frosting melts gently over the swirls, sliding into every crevice to create a gooey, decadent finish. This extra step elevates the rolls from good to unforgettable—making them just as perfect for a casual morning as they are for Thanksgiving brunch.
Best of all? This Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll Recipe is approachable for beginners and rewarding for seasoned bakers. The dough is soft and forgiving, the filling is simple to prepare, and the result is far greater than the effort required. It’s proof that homemade baking doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be made with warmth and intention.
Ingredients & Tools for This Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll Recipe so special isn’t just the swirl of cinnamon sugar—it’s the autumn twist that comes from pumpkin puree and a fragrant chai-inspired spice blend. To make sure your rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with seasonal flavor, here’s a breakdown of essentials:
- For the Yeast Dough: All-purpose flour, instant or active yeast, whole milk, unsalted butter, eggs, pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling), sugar, salt.
- For the Filling: Brown sugar, softened butter, pumpkin pie spice mix (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, and cloves), optional extra cinnamon.
- For the Frosting: Cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, milk or cream.
The use of pumpkin puree with the Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Roll spice blend is what sets this recipe apart from a traditional cinnamon roll. The earthy flavor of pumpkin combines beautifully with warming spices, making each bite taste like fall wrapped in dough.
Tools to Make Baking Easy
Don’t worry—you don’t need a professional bakery setup. Most tools are already in your kitchen, and I’ll share easy swaps too:
- Mixing bowls
- Stand mixer (optional, but speeds up kneading)
- Rolling pin (or a clean wine bottle)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking dish (9×13 or round pans)
- Serrated knife or floss for cutting
Ingredient/Tool | Why It’s Important |
---|---|
Pumpkin puree | Adds moisture & signature fall flavor |
Pumpkin spice blend | Infuses rolls with warm chai-like aroma |
Stand mixer | Speeds up kneading, ensures smooth dough |
Rolling pin | Helps roll dough evenly |
Baking dish | Keeps rolls close together for soft texture |
Cream cheese | Balances sweetness in frosting with tang |
Step-by-Step Method for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls
Making the Dough & Filling
- Activate the yeast: Warm the milk to 100–110°F, stir in sugar, add yeast, and let it foam for 5–10 minutes.
- Mix wet ingredients: Combine pumpkin puree, melted butter, and eggs until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: Flour, salt, pumpkin spice; then add wet and yeast mixtures.
- Knead: Knead with a mixer or by hand until elastic, adding flour if too sticky.
- First rise: Let dough rise in a greased bowl for 60–90 minutes until doubled.
Meanwhile prepare filling: softened butter mixed with brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice. This spiced mixture is the soul of these Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls.
Pro Tip: For morning baking, let the dough rise overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.
Rolling, Baking & Frosting
- Roll risen dough to a rectangle ¼ inch thick.
- Spread filling to the edges.
- Roll tightly into a log and cut evenly with knife or floss.
- Arrange in a greased dish. Let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22–28 minutes until golden brown.
Frosting: Mix cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk until smooth. Spread over warm rolls so it melts into the swirls.
Serving tip: Present these Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls on a rustic platter with hot cider or coffee for a seasonal feel.
FAQs + Conclusion
FAQs
Can I make Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
Yes. Shape them, refrigerate overnight, then let them rest at room temp before baking in the morning.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container for 2 days at room temp or 4 days in the fridge. Microwave briefly for softness.
Can I make the rolls without a stand mixer?
Yes. Just knead by hand 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Can I substitute gluten-free flour?
Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend. The texture may differ slightly but works fine.
Canned or fresh pumpkin?
Both work. Canned is consistent; fresh has lighter flavor. Drain fresh puree well to avoid excess moisture.
Conclusion
There’s a reason these rolls are a seasonal favorite. By blending the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls with the warmth of pumpkin and chai-like spices, every bite feels like autumn itself. From kneading the dough to spreading cream cheese frosting, this Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll Recipe is approachable and rewarding.
Whether at a holiday brunch, a weekend breakfast, or shared with friends over coffee, these rolls will fill your home with the scent and comfort of fall. Try them once, and they’ll quickly become part of your seasonal traditions—the best Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll Recipe for Fall.
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