The crisp autumn air, the scent of pumpkin spice, and the warmth of a freshly baked treat there's no better way to celebrate the season than with pumpkin-cinnamon buns topped with creamy cream cheese frosting.
These soft, fluffy, and utterly delicious buns bring together the best flavors of fall in one irresistible package. Whether you're planning a cozy brunch, an afternoon snack, or a treat to share with friends and family, these pumpkin-cinnamon buns are the perfect choice.
The rich pumpkin flavor in the dough, paired with a sweet cinnamon filling and a luscious cream cheese frosting, makes for a comforting, indulgent experience. Every bite is a little piece of fall, and once you make them, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite.
1. Why Pumpkin-Cinnamon Buns Are A Fall Favorite
When you think of fall, the first flavors that come to mind are often pumpkin and cinnamon. These pumpkin-cinnamon buns embody the season's cozy essence, offering both rich flavor and heartwarming texture.
The pumpkin puree in the dough not only gives these buns a beautiful orange hue but also keeps them soft and moist, unlike any regular cinnamon roll you’ve ever tasted.The spices cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves fill your kitchen with the scent of fall as they bake. And let’s not forget about the frosting.
The cream cheese frosting is the final touch that elevates these buns to another level, making them the perfect treat for any fall occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast or as a dessert after dinner, pumpkin-cinnamon buns are the ultimate way to celebrate the season.
2. The Best Ingredients For Pumpkin-Cinnamon Buns
To make these pumpkin-cinnamon buns a true success, it’s crucial to use the best ingredients. Each element in the recipe plays a key role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture.
Pumpkin Puree
Opt for 100% pure pumpkin pureerather than pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugar. The pure pumpkin pureeadds a rich flavor and moisture to the dough, making it soft and fluffy.
Flour & Yeast
For the best texture, we use all-purpose flour, which is perfect for the light, airy texture you want in your buns. Yeast is essential for the dough to rise properly, so ensure you’re using fresh, active dry yeastto get the perfect soft and fluffy texture.
Spices
A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clovesgives these buns the signature fall flavor. You can also use pumpkin pie spiceas a shortcut, but a combination of individual spices will give your buns a deeper, more complex flavor.
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Cream Cheese Frosting
To make the frosting, you'll need:
- Cream cheese(softened to room temperature)
- Butter(also softened)
- Powdered sugar(sifted for a smooth texture)
- Vanilla extractand half & half(for creaminess and smoothness).
3. Step-by-Step Guide To Making Pumpkin-Cinnamon Buns
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s dive into the fun part: making the pumpkin-cinnamon buns!
Step 1: Prepare The Dough
Start by proofing the yeast: Heat milkto about 110°F(warm to the touch, not hot), and stir in a pinch of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures the yeast is activated.
Next, mix the pumpkin puree, melted butter, and egginto the yeast mixture. In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until the dough starts to come together.
Step 2: Knead The Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and begin kneading it. Add more flour, ½ cup at a time, until the dough is no longer sticky but still soft and pliable. Knead for about 7-10 minutesuntil the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Once the dough is ready, place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for about 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 3: Make The Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon filling. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Set aside.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle, approximately 18x20 inches. Spread softened buttergenerously over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixtureevenly on top.
Step 4: Roll And Slice The Dough
Carefully roll the doughinto a log, starting from the shorter side. Pinch the seam to seal it, and then slice the dough into 12 even pieces. Place the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, ensuring they’re close together but not overcrowded.
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover the rolls with a clean cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This step allows the buns to become soft and airy.
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Step 6: Bake The Rolls
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for 17-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the centers are fully cooked through. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for 10-15 minutes before frosting.
Step 7: Prepare The Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheeseand butteruntil smooth. Gradually add powdered sugarand vanilla extract, beating until fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little half & halfto reach the desired consistency.
Step 8: Frost The Rolls
Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls, allowing it to melt slightly into the buns for extra creaminess.
4. Tips For Perfecting Your Pumpkin-Cinnamon Buns
Here are some expert tips to make sure your pumpkin-cinnamon buns turn out perfectly every time:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butterand cream cheeseare softened before using them in the dough and frosting. This will help everything mix more evenly.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Knead the dough gently to avoid tough buns. You want it to be soft and elastic, not dense.
- Roll Tightly: When rolling the dough, be sure to roll it tightly so the filling stays inside. This also ensures you’ll get nice, evenly-sized buns.
- Allow Adequate Rising Time: Let the dough rise fully before baking. If you don’t give it enough time, the buns might not be as soft and fluffy.
5. Health Benefits Of Pumpkin In Cinnamon Buns
While these pumpkin-cinnamon buns are undoubtedly a treat, the addition of pumpkin brings some surprising health benefits:
- Rich in Vitamins: Pumpkin is packed with essential vitamins like A, C, and E, which support immune healthand skin care.
- High in Fiber: Pumpkin is a great source of fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
- Low in Calories: Compared to other rich desserts, pumpkin is lower in calories, making this an indulgence you can feel good about.
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6. Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions
If you want to prepare your pumpkin-cinnamon buns in advance, here’s how you can do it:
Make-Ahead Instructions
After shaping the rolls, you can refrigerate them overnight for the second rise. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The next day, allow the rolls to come to room temperature before baking.
Freezing Instructions
- Unbaked Rolls: Prepare the rolls as instructed, but instead of baking, freeze them after the first rise. Once frozen, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, let them thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual.
- Baked Rolls: After baking and cooling, you can freeze the buns for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in the oven at 350°Ffor 10-15 minutesand frost them as desired.
FAQs About Pumpkin-Cinnamon Buns With Cream Cheese Frosting
Can I Use A Different Frosting Besides Cream Cheese?
Yes! You can opt for buttercreamor even a maple glazefor a different flavor.
How Do I Make These Buns Vegan-friendly?
To make the buns vegan, substitute the butterwith coconut oilor another dairy-free fat, and use a flaxseed eggsubstitute in place of the egg. For the frosting, use dairy-free cream cheese.
Can I Freeze These Buns?
Yes! You can freeze both unbaked and baked buns. Simply follow the freezing instructionsabove.
Conclusion
These pumpkin-cinnamon buns with cream cheese frosting are the perfect way to enjoy the best flavors of fall. With soft, spiced dough, rich pumpkin flavor, and decadent frosting, they’re sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you bake them ahead of time, freeze them for later, or enjoy them fresh out of the oven, these buns are a delicious way to celebrate the season.
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