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Brown Butter Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Brown Butter Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe


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4.6 from 23 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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)

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