Cozy Brown Butter Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for Fall Mornings

Warm, gooey brown butter pumpkin cinnamon rolls dance with autumnal spices that promise pure comfort.

Crisp mornings call for something special straight from the kitchen.

Soft dough swirls with rich, nutty brown butter and sweet pumpkin essence.

Cozy weekend baking becomes an adventure of delightful aromas and tender textures.

Each roll whispers seasonal magic, inviting you to slow down and savor.

Baking these treats connects you to cherished memories and fresh possibilities.

You’ll want to gather everyone close and share these irresistible rolls.

FAQs

• What makes brown butter special in this recipe?

Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cinnamon rolls, creating a deeper, more complex sweetness compared to regular melted butter.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. After kneading, let it rise, then refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let it come to room temperature before rolling and filling.

• Is pumpkin pie spice necessary for this recipe?

While not absolutely essential, pumpkin pie spice adds signature autumn flavor. If you don’t have it, you can make your own by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.

Brown Butter Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls for Cozy Days

• Bake with Seasonal Charm: Dive into the cozy autumn vibes with these pumpkin-packed cinnamon rolls that capture the essence of fall in every delightful bite.
• Master Complex Techniques Easily: Despite looking intricate, this recipe breaks down each step into manageable chunks, making it approachable for bakers of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: These rolls transform a classic breakfast treat into a spectacular dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds, perfect for family gatherings or weekend brunches.
• Customize with Confidence: The recipe offers flexibility to adjust spices and ingredients, allowing home bakers to put their personal spin on this delectable pastry.

Must-Haves for Brown Butter Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Main Ingredients:

• Flour: The foundational ingredient that provides structure to the cinnamon rolls.
• Warm Milk: Creates a soft, tender texture in the dough.
• Yeast: Helps the dough rise and develop a light, fluffy consistency.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness to the dough.
• Brown Butter: Adds a deep, nutty flavor to the roll's base.
• Pumpkin: Introduces moisture and a seasonal autumn flavor.

• Brown Sugar: Provides a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the filling.
• Cinnamon: Delivers a warm, classic spice that defines the cinnamon roll.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Enhances the autumnal flavor profile with a blend of warm spices.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a smooth, creamy base for the icing.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the icing.
• Vanilla: Adds depth and complexity to the icing's flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Provides moisture and richness to the rolls before baking.

Let’s Bake Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Together

Step 1: Brown The Butter

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Watch carefully as it transforms from pale yellow to a rich, golden-brown color with delightful nutty aromas.

Remove from heat and let it cool completely.

Step 2: Activate The Yeast

Combine warm milk with a portion of sugar and yeast in a large mixing bowl.

Wait until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is alive and ready.

Add remaining sugar, cooled brown butter, pumpkin puree, eggs, flour, and salt.

Knead the dough thoroughly for 5-6 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Cover and let the dough rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Filling

• Brown sugar
• Pumpkin puree
• Ground cinnamon
• Pumpkin pie spice

Blend until the mixture becomes a smooth, fragrant paste.

Step 4: Shape The Rolls

Roll out the risen dough into a large rectangle approximately 20 by 10 inches.

Spread softened butter across the surface, then evenly distribute the prepared filling.

Roll the dough tightly from the long side, creating a compact log.

Slice the log into 12 equal portions.

Step 5: Prepare For Baking

Place the rolled cinnamon rolls in a 9×13 inch baking pan.

Allow them to rise again while preheating the oven to 350°F.

Just before baking, drizzle heavy cream over the rolls to ensure maximum moisture and richness.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes.

The rolls should turn golden brown and fill your kitchen with an incredible autumn fragrance.

Step 7: Craft Decadent Cream Cheese Icing

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Pumpkin pie spice

Whisk until the icing reaches a luxurious, spreadable consistency.

Step 8: Final Touch And Serve

Once the rolls have cooled slightly, generously spread the cream cheese icing over the top.

Serve warm and enjoy the incredible blend of seasonal spices and buttery goodness!

Expert Moves for Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Perfection

• Watch carefully while browning butter to achieve a golden color without burning, which adds a rich, nutty flavor to the rolls.
• Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to help yeast activate properly, creating a soft, fluffy dough texture.
• Place dough in a warm, draft-free area to help it rise evenly, using a kitchen towel to cover and retain moisture.
• Use dental floss or a sharp serrated knife to cut rolls uniformly, preventing squishing and maintaining their delicate shape.
• Check rolls at 25 minutes to avoid drying out, looking for a golden-brown top and soft, tender interior.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, Unique and Customizable

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Rolls: Replace wheat flour with a blend of almond and rice flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains soft, tender texture.
• Vegan Autumn Rolls: Swap eggs and dairy with coconut milk, flax eggs, and plant-based butter to create a compassionate plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Spice Rolls: Use monk fruit sweetener and reduce sugar content while maintaining rich pumpkin and cinnamon flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use almond milk instead of regular milk for those with dairy restrictions.

Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Warm and Fresh

• Cozy Brunch Companion: Serve these warm rolls alongside crispy bacon or scrambled eggs for a delightful morning feast.
• Autumn Party Centerpiece: Display these pumpkin cinnamon rolls on a rustic wooden board during fall gatherings, creating an inviting centerpiece that draws everyone together.
• Dessert Transformation: Drizzle extra cream cheese frosting and sprinkle toasted pecans on top to elevate these rolls into an elegant dessert perfect for evening entertaining.
• Coffee Shop Experience: Pair these rolls with a steaming mug of spiced chai or pumpkin spice latte to recreate a gourmet café moment right at home.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls: Storing for Later Bliss

• Store cooled cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
• Seal completely cooled rolls in freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Wrap each roll separately to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality.
• Warm in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive drying and preserve softness.
• Transfer frozen rolls to refrigerator overnight. Warm in oven at 300°F for 10-12 minutes, ensuring they return to their original soft and gooey texture.

Brown Butter Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent brown butter pumpkin cinnamon rolls blend autumn’s warmth with comforting spices in a delightful pastry. Sweet swirls of cinnamon and rich pumpkin create a sensational breakfast treat you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4.75 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (browned)
• 1 large egg
• 1 egg yolk

Liquid and Sweeteners:

• 1 cup warm whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Spices and Flavoring:

• 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 2 teaspoons vanilla essence
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)

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Instructions

1. Caramelize butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Set aside to cool completely.
2. Activate yeast by combining it with warm milk and a portion of sugar. Wait until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbling. Blend in remaining sugar, cooled brown butter, pumpkin puree, eggs, flour, and salt. Knead the dough for 6-7 minutes until elastic and smooth. Transfer to a greased bowl and let rise in a warm environment for 1-1.5 hours until volume doubles.
3. Create filling by whisking brown sugar, pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice into a cohesive, spreadable mixture.
4. Gently roll proofed dough into a rectangular shape approximately 20×10 inches. Spread softened butter evenly across surface, then distribute filling uniformly. Tightly roll the dough from the long edge, creating a compact log.
5. Slice the rolled dough into 12 equal segments. Position rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, allowing slight spacing between each roll. Cover and let rise for additional 30 minutes.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F. Drizzle heavy cream over rolls just before baking. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and center rolls are cooked through.
7. Prepare cream cheese frosting by whipping cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice until reaching desired consistency.
8. Once rolls are slightly cooled, generously spread cream cheese frosting over warm surface. Serve immediately and enjoy the seasonal indulgence.

Notes

• Butter Browning Mastery Brown butter adds a nutty, caramel-like depth that elevates the entire roll’s flavor profile, transforming ordinary into extraordinary.
• Yeast Activation Secrets Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to prevent killing yeast, creating a perfectly risen, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation Swap wheat flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to maintain the rolls’ soft, tender structure.
• Make-Ahead Magic Prepare rolls the night before, refrigerate overnight, then let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking for maximum convenience and flavor development.

• Prep Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 314 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 170 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg