Nothing says cozy fall mornings quite like a warm batch of pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls. This pumpkin spice cinnamon roll recipe is more than just a treat—it’s the ultimate comfort food for crisp autumn days, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and pumpkin. As the leaves change and we all crave a little extra warmth, these rolls offer the perfect blend of soft, fluffy dough and sweet pumpkin spice filling. In this post, I’ll share the heartwarming story behind the recipe, the ingredients you’ll need, step-by-step directions, plus my best tips for baking success.
Family Traditions with Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls
For me, pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls aren’t just about the flavor—they’re about the memories wrapped up in every swirl of dough. I still remember waking up during the holidays to the heavenly scent of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. The house felt warmer, the day felt brighter, and everyone gathered in the kitchen, eager for that first bite.
Over time, I wanted to put my own spin on this tradition. That’s when the pumpkin spice cinnamon roll recipe was born in my home. Adding pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to a classic recipe elevated it into something unforgettable. Suddenly, those cherished weekend breakfasts became even more special, tied to the seasonal magic of fall.
Now, each year when the air turns crisp, I know it’s pumpkin spice cinnamon roll season. Baking them for family brunches, holiday mornings, or even just a cozy Sunday in pajamas is a tradition that brings comfort and joy. The combination of soft dough, sweet spice, and creamy glaze feels like an edible hug. It’s a recipe that turns ordinary mornings into treasured memories, all with a generous swirl of pumpkin spice.
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Cozy Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Glaze
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Description
Soft, bakery-style pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls swirled with pumpkin filling and finished with a creamy vanilla glaze—perfect for crisp fall mornings.
Ingredients
1 cup warm whole milk (105–110°F)
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 tsp fine salt
4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp milk or cream
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
Pinch pumpkin pie spice (for glaze)
Instructions
1. Activate yeast: Whisk warm milk and 1 tbsp sugar; sprinkle yeast on top and let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix dough: In a large bowl combine remaining sugar, egg, softened butter, salt, and the yeast mixture.
3. Add flour: Stir in flour gradually until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms.
4. Knead: Knead 8–10 minutes by hand (or 5–6 minutes in a mixer with a dough hook) until smooth and elastic.
5. First rise: Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, 60–75 minutes.
6. Make filling: Stir pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
7. Roll out: Punch down dough and roll into a 12×18-inch rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
8. Fill and roll: Spread filling to edges; roll up tightly from the long side to form a log.
9. Slice: Cut into 12 even rolls; arrange cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch pan.
10. Second rise: Cover and rise 30–40 minutes until puffy (or refrigerate overnight; bring to room temp 30 minutes before baking).
11. Bake: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C); bake 25–30 minutes until lightly golden and set in the center.
12. Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of pumpkin spice; drizzle over warm rolls and serve.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Why Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls Are a Fall Favorite
Pumpkin spice has a way of instantly capturing the essence of autumn. From pumpkin lattes and pies to these delightful rolls, the warming spices remind us of cozy afternoons, seasonal gatherings, and festive traditions. That’s why this pumpkin spice cinnamon roll recipe has quickly become a fall favorite among family and friends.
The subtle pumpkin adds richness, while the blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves layers on comforting flavor. Pair them with a hot latte or chai tea, and you have all the makings of the perfect seasonal breakfast. In fact, these rolls could be called homemade pumpkin chai cinnamon rolls because they pair so beautifully with a spiced tea.
It’s no surprise that fall cinnamon roll recipes are some of the most searched this time of year. They bring people together, make mornings more festive, and transform a regular recipe into something worth celebrating. Whether you’re baking for a holiday brunch or simply indulging in a cozy morning at home, pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls always deliver that unmistakable autumn joy.
Ingredients and Simple Tools You’ll Need
Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll Ingredients
One of the best things about this pumpkin spice cinnamon roll recipe is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients—but together, they create bakery-style rolls with that perfect fall flavor. To keep things organized, the list is divided into dough, filling, and glaze.
| Component | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| For the Dough | 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast, 1 cup warm milk, ¼ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened), 1 egg, ½ tsp salt |
| For the Filling | ½ cup pumpkin puree, ½ cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp pumpkin pie spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves), 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted) |
| For the Glaze | 1 cup powdered sugar, 2–3 tbsp milk or cream, ½ tsp vanilla extract, pinch of pumpkin pie spice |
This mix of everyday ingredients transforms into soft dough, rich filling, and a creamy glaze that ties everything together. The pumpkin puree adds natural sweetness, while the warming spices infuse every bite, making these pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls the definition of cozy comfort food.
If you’d like a shortcut, you can use pre-made dough and still take advantage of the homemade pumpkin spice filling—it saves time without sacrificing that delicious fall flavor.
Kitchen Tools and Setup for Easy Baking
A few basic kitchen tools make this pumpkin spice cinnamon roll recipe simple to pull together:
- Mixing bowls for dough and filling
- Stand mixer or whisk
- Rolling pin for spreading
- Sharp knife or dough cutter
- 9×13 baking dish
- Cooling rack for setting and glazing
Tip: flour your counter and rolling pin before working the dough to prevent sticking. You can also shape the rolls the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning for an effortlessly festive breakfast.
Step-by-Step Method for Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls
How to Prepare the Dough and Filling
Begin with soft, pillowy dough. Warm your milk until it’s just above room temperature, sprinkle yeast and a spoonful of sugar on top, and let it foam for 5 minutes. This ensures a perfect rise.
In a large bowl, combine softened butter, egg, remaining sugar, and salt. Stir in the yeast mix, then gradually add flour. If using a mixer, knead until smooth and elastic; by hand, work the dough for about 8–10 minutes. Cover, and let it rise until doubled in size, about an hour.
While it rises, mix pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and melted butter into a smooth filling—this blend transforms a regular roll into what many call homemade pumpkin chai cinnamon rolls.
When dough is ready, roll it to a ¼-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly, roll tightly, and slice into 12 spirals. Arrange in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them puff up for another 30 minutes.
Baking, Glazing, and Serving Suggestions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls 25–30 minutes, until golden brown. The aroma alone embodies fall mornings.
Let slightly cool, then whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and pumpkin spice for glaze. Drizzle generously while warm. The glaze soaks into the swirls, uniting flavors beautifully.
Serve fresh with coffee, chai, or hot cider—the epitome of fall cinnamon roll recipes. For advance prep, bake a day early, then rewarm and glaze before serving for bakery-soft rolls anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes, shape them the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning for easy hosting.
2. What’s the difference between pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling?
Puree is plain pumpkin. Pie filling has added sugar and spices, which would upset the recipe’s flavor balance.
3. Can I freeze homemade pumpkin chai cinnamon rolls?
Yes, freeze shaped rolls before baking or freeze baked rolls for up to two months. Rewarm before glazing.
4. How can I adjust icing consistency?
Add powdered sugar to thicken, more milk to thin, until you achieve the perfect drizzle.
5. What pairs well with pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls?
Coffee, chai, hot cider, or a light fruit salad balance the sweetness beautifully.
Conclusion
Baking pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls is about more than creating a treat—it’s about savoring tradition and filling a home with comfort. With soft dough, rich spice, and a sweet glaze, this recipe delivers everything we love about autumn mornings.
Whether for a family brunch, a holiday spread, or a cozy weekend, this pumpkin spice cinnamon roll recipe turns simple ingredients into shared memories. Gather yours now, bake with love, and enjoy every swirl of spice and sweetness.
