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There’s something magical about the first crisp morning of fall. The air carries that cool, earthy bite, and suddenly you find yourself reaching for a warm sweater, lighting a candle, and craving something sweet and comforting. For me, the memory of pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls is tied to one of those early autumn mornings when the windows fogged up from the oven’s cozy warmth and the house filled with the enchanting aroma of pumpkin, chai spice, and cinnamon sugar.
I still remember pulling apart the first roll, steam rising as the fluffy spirals revealed their golden-orange hue. The filling—all sticky, sweet, and spiced with nutmeg and cardamom—melted into the dough in the most delightful way. A drizzle of cream cheese glaze cascaded down the sides, and with the very first bite, it felt like autumn had officially arrived. It was more than just a seasonal treat; it was a ritual of slowing down and savoring the season.
Pumpkin spice has a way of wrapping you up in nostalgia, reminding you of pumpkin patches, hay rides, and cozy family gatherings. That one bite of soft, spiced sweetness instantly turned a chilly morning into something wonderfully memorable.
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Soft and Fluffy Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Description
Bakery-style pumpkin chai cinnamon rolls with a tender, pillowy crumb, warm spices, and a silky cream cheese glaze—perfect for cozy fall mornings.
Ingredients
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
1/2 tsp fine salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp cardamom
1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pie mix)
1/2 cup whole milk, warm (about 110°F)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
Filling: 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
Filling: 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Filling: 1 tsp chai spice blend (optional)
Filling: 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Filling: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Glaze: 4 oz cream cheese, softened
Glaze: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar
Glaze: 1 tsp vanilla extract
Glaze: 2–3 tbsp milk, as needed
Instructions
1. Whisk 2 cups flour, granulated sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and cardamom in a large bowl.
2. In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla; pour into dry ingredients and stir.
3. Gradually add remaining flour until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms; knead 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, 60–90 minutes.
5. Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and chai spice; roll dough to a 16×12-inch rectangle, spread softened butter, sprinkle sugar mixture, add nuts if using.
6. Roll up from the long side into a tight log; slice into 12 rolls and place in a greased 9×13-inch pan.
7. Cover and let rise until puffy, 30–45 minutes; meanwhile preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and cooked through; cool 10 minutes.
9. Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla; thin with milk to desired consistency and spread over warm rolls.
10. Serve warm; store leftovers covered at room temp 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days, rewarming gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Why This Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll Recipe Feels Special
So, what makes these soft and fluffy pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls so different from regular cinnamon rolls? It’s the perfect balance between texture and flavor. The pumpkin puree itself adds moisture, ensuring that the dough stays ultra-soft and pillowy even after baking. Combined with chai-inspired spices—think cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and cardamom—you end up with layers of warmth in every bite.
The rolls are light, airy, and decadent but still feel wholesome thanks to the natural richness of the pumpkin. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls that often rely only on sugar for flavor, these rolls carry a depth that instantly transports you to crisp evenings, golden leaves, and cozy mugs of tea or coffee.
This recipe isn’t just about making cinnamon rolls—it’s about creating a fall tradition. Once you’ve tried these pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls, you’ll keep coming back to them every season, because nothing else feels quite as festive, indulgent, and comforting.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls
To create bakery-style soft and fluffy pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls at home, you’ll need a balance of dry, wet, and filling ingredients. The pumpkin puree contributes natural moisture, while the warm spices bring that cozy fall aroma. Below is an organized table of everything you’ll need, from the dough to the finishing glaze.
| Category | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Dry Ingredients | 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour (divided); ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet); ½ tsp salt; 1 tsp cinnamon; ½ tsp nutmeg; ¼ tsp cloves; ¼ tsp ginger; ¼ tsp cardamom |
| Wet Ingredients | 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pie mix); ½ cup warm whole milk (110°F); ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 egg (room temp); 1 tsp vanilla extract |
| Filling | ½ cup brown sugar (packed); 2 tsp cinnamon; 1 tsp chai spice blend (optional); ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened); ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) |
| Glaze / Frosting | 4 oz cream cheese (softened); 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2–3 tbsp milk |
Step-by-Step Method for Fluffy Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls
- Prepare the Dough: Mix 2 cups flour with sugar, yeast, salt, and spices. Stir pumpkin puree, warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Combine wet with dry, then gradually mix in remaining flour until dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Knead 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Dough should feel tacky, not sticky.
- First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl covered with a towel. Let rise 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size in a warm place.
- Prepare the Filling: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and chai spice. Roll dough into 16×12 rectangle, spread butter, sprinkle filling, and add nuts.
- Shape & Second Rise: Roll into a log, slice into 12 rolls. Arrange in a greased 9×13 pan, cover, and rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden.
- Make the Glaze: Beat cream cheese, butter, sugar, and vanilla with enough milk for spreadable consistency.
- Serve: Spread glaze over warm rolls and enjoy immediately.
Tips for Success: Measure flour accurately, use warm (not hot) milk for yeast, and opt for ceramic baking pans for better heat distribution.
Tips to Get the Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll Recipe Every Time
- Dough too dense? Use less flour and give ample rise time.
- Dough not rising? Check yeast freshness, ensure warm liquids, and keep dough in a draft-free spot.
- Perfect fluffiness: Don’t skip or shorten the second rise.
- Storing/Reheating: Cover at room temp for 2 days or chill up to 5 days; reheat briefly to refresh texture.
- Make-ahead tip: Refrigerate shaped rolls overnight; allow to rise before baking in the morning.
Creative Variations of Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls
- Glaze Options: Add maple syrup to glaze, use simple vanilla icing, or mix pumpkin puree into frosting.
- Add-ins: Include nuts, caramel drizzle, or chai spice mixes. Try chocolate chips for a dessert-like variation.
- Serving Ideas: Pair with apple cider, chai lattes, or coffee. Perfect for brunches, Thanksgiving mornings, or cozy weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls ahead of time? Yes, shape and refrigerate overnight, then rise at room temp before baking.
How do I store homemade cinnamon rolls? Airtight at room temp for 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days.
Can I freeze baked pumpkin rolls? Yes, wrap and freeze up to 2 months, thaw overnight, and reheat before glazing.
What makes these rolls extra fluffy? Proper proofing and avoiding excess flour keep the dough light and airy.
Can I use canned pumpkin puree? Yes, canned is recommended for consistency and moisture control.
Conclusion
These soft and fluffy pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls capture everything we love about fall—warm spices, pumpkin richness, and the aroma of cozy baking. Each bite combines tender dough with spiced filling and a luscious glaze, making them perfect for breakfasts, brunches, or seasonal gatherings.
Add this recipe to your fall baking collection and enjoy a tradition that brings warmth, comfort, and festive joy to your table each year.
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