Pumpkin Shaped Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Why You Should Make These Pumpkin Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
Fall isn’t just about pumpkin spice lattes and crunchy leaves; it’s also about delicious baked goodies, like Pumpkin Shaped Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting! Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy cinnamon roll that’s not only shaped like a cute little pumpkin but also packs the delicious flavors of autumn. Sounds dreamy, right?
These rolls are perfect for cozy mornings, gatherings with friends, or just when you need a pick-me-up. Plus, you’ll totally impress everyone when you tell them you made pumpkin-shaped snacks from scratch. 👩🍳
How to Make Pumpkin Shaped Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Creating these delightful treats is easier than you think! You don’t need to be a baking expert, just a bit of enthusiasm and a craving for cinnamon rolls. The process involves mixing, rolling, and shaping your dough before smothering it in luscious cream cheese frosting.
Here’s a little spoiler: They smell amazing while baking, and your family will come running as soon as the scent hits the air. 🍂
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for filling)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for filling)
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk (for frosting)
Directions:
Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and spices. In a separate bowl, mix warm milk, pumpkin puree, melted butter, and vanilla. Combine the wet and dry ingredients to form dough.
Knead: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
Let It Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Roll Out: Once it’s risen, roll the dough into a rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
Add Filling: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it over the dough. Roll it up tightly and pinch the seams to seal.
Cut and Shape: Cut the roll into slices (about 1 inch each). To make them pumpkin-shaped, flatten each roll slightly and use some kitchen scissors to cut slits at the top for the pumpkin "ribs."
Bake: Place the shaped rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them rise again for about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Make Frosting: Beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth.
Frost: Once the rolls are cool, drizzle the cream cheese frosting on top.
How to Serve Pumpkin Shaped Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet after-dinner treat. Serve them warm for the ultimate experience. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon on top of the frosting or add a handful of chopped nuts for some added crunch. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
How to Store Pumpkin Shaped Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
If you somehow have leftovers (Instagram stories will convince you to share, right?), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure to cover the frosting to keep it fresh!
Tips to Make Pumpkin Shaped Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Keep it Warm: When letting your dough rise, find a nice warm spot in your kitchen. Turn your oven to the lowest setting for a few minutes, then turn it off and place the dough inside.
Don’t Skip the Frosting: Seriously, the cream cheese frosting is non-negotiable. It’s the perfect creamy finish to the delightful rolls.
Go Easy on the Filling: You don’t want it spilling out everywhere when you roll it! A moderate amount works best.
Variations
If you want to mix things up, consider adding some white chocolate chunks or pecans into the filling for texture and flavor. You could also experiment with different spices like allspice or ginger for that personalized touch. 🙌
FAQs
1. Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls, place them in the fridge overnight, then bake them fresh in the morning. Just make sure to let them sit at room temperature for a bit before baking.
2. Can I freeze these rolls?
Yep! After baking, cool completely, wrap them tightly, and store them in the freezer. They’ll be good for up to 3 months. Just thaw and frost when you’re ready to enjoy!
3. What if I don’t have canned pumpkin?
You can use fresh pumpkin puree or even substitute with sweet potato puree if you’re feeling adventurous.
Now that you’re armed with this awesome recipe, it’s time to roll up those sleeves and get baking! Enjoy those delightful pumpkin-shaped goodies with friends and family. 🎃
Pumpkin Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and spices.
- In a separate bowl, mix warm milk, pumpkin puree, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients to form dough.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Once it’s risen, roll the dough into a rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it over the dough.
- Roll it up tightly and pinch the seams to seal.
- Cut the roll into slices (about 1 inch each).
- To make them pumpkin-shaped, flatten each roll slightly and use some kitchen scissors to cut slits at the top for the pumpkin 'ribs.'
- Place the shaped rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth.
- Once the rolls are cool, drizzle the cream cheese frosting on top.
