Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls (Cream Cheese Frosting)

There’s nothing more comforting than a tray of warm pumpkin cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven. These rolls bake up tall, soft, and fluffy, swirled with spiced pumpkin butter and topped with cream cheese frosting that melts right into the layers.

What makes my version different? I use buttermilk instead of milk in the dough. It adds a gentle tang and makes the crumb softer and more tender. I also sweeten the dough with honey, add butter after kneading begins for elasticity, and pour warm heavy cream over the rolls just before baking. These little tricks guarantee pillowy rolls with gooey swirls every single time.

---

When I first started making cinnamon rolls, I rolled them thin, cut them small, and baked them like neat little spirals. They tasted good, but they never looked as impressive as the giant, fluffy rolls you see on bakery trays and social media. Over time, I learned that bigger is better — thick swirls, soft dough, and plenty of gooey filling.

This version is my fall favorite: pumpkin cinnamon rolls. They’re not just sweet bread with a little pumpkin flavor — I worked pumpkin purée into the dough and the filling. I swapped sugar for honey in the dough for a more tender texture, added the butter mid-knead for better elasticity, and poured warm heavy cream over the rolls before baking. These little changes make all the difference.

Now my family expects them every fall weekend — and honestly, I don’t mind. There’s nothing like the smell of pumpkin, cinnamon, and butter filling the kitchen on a chilly morning.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bakery-style tall rolls: Thick swirls bake up fluffy and golden, just like the ones you see online.
• Pumpkin inside and out: Pumpkin purée goes into both the dough and the filling, giving flavor and a natural orange hue.
• The heavy cream trick: Pouring warm cream over the rolls before baking keeps the centers soft and gooey.

---

Ingredients & Substitutes

• Flour – All-purpose flour works best for light and fluffy rolls. You can swap with bread flour for extra chew, though the rolls may bake a little denser.
• Yeast – I use instant yeast, but active dry yeast works too; just proof it in warm milk before mixing.
• Buttermilk – I use buttermilk instead of milk because it adds a gentle tang and makes the rolls softer and more tender. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk or make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
• Honey – Honey adds moisture and flavor, but you can replace it with granulated sugar if preferred. Brown sugar will also work, but it will darken the dough slightly.
• Pumpkin purée – Use plain canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. Fresh homemade purée works too, just make sure to strain excess liquid.
• Butter – I add softened butter after kneading begins for elasticity and a better rise. Margarine or plant-based butter substitutes also work if needed.
• Eggs – Provide richness and help the dough rise. Flaxseed or chia eggs can be used for a vegan-friendly option, though the rolls will be less fluffy.
• Spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice give the rolls their cozy fall flavor. Adjust to taste or use your own favorite blend.
• Brown sugar – Used in the filling for that caramel flavor. Coconut sugar or maple sugar can be used as an alternative.
• Heavy cream – Poured over the rolls before baking to keep them soft and gooey. Evaporated milk also works well.
• Cream cheese – For the frosting. You can use mascarpone for a milder flavor, or omit it for a simple vanilla glaze.

---

Step-by-Step: Buttermilk Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Make the pumpkin dough

• In a large bowl, mix warm buttermilk, yeast, honey, eggs, pumpkin purée, and spices. Mix to combine. Add the flour and salt, then knead for 4 minutes.
• Add the softened butter, a little at a time, and knead 6–8 minutes more until smooth and elastic. Add extra flour only if the dough is very sticky.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 60-90 minutes.

The Pumpkin cinnamon butter filling

Mix butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and pumpkin purée into a smooth paste.

Roll dough into a rectangle, about 14×18 inches and ½–¾ inch thick. Spread filling evenly, leaving a small border.

Roll into a log and cut into 12 rolls (about 1 ½–2 inches thick). Place in a greased 9×13 pan, cover, and let rise until puffy, 45–60 minutes.

Bake the pumpkin cinnamon rolls

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Warm the heavy cream and pour evenly over the rolls.

Bake 25–30 minutes, until golden, (the centers reach 190–195°F). Cover loosely with foil if the tops brown too quickly.

The Cream Cheese Frosting

• Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, then thin with cream if needed.
• While the cinnamon rolls are still slightly warm, spread the cream cheese frosting so some of it will melt into the rolls, keeping them moist.
• You can add more if you prefer later. I love more frosting 🤪 🤪

---

Tips for Success

• Roll the dough no thinner than ½ inch to get tall, bakery-style rolls.
• Squeeze excess liquid out of the pumpkin purée in the filling to avoid soggy centers.
• Use warm cream, not cold, so it doesn’t slow down baking.
• For make-ahead prep, refrigerate shaped rolls overnight, then let rise in the morning before baking.
• Check doneness with a thermometer — aim for 190–195°F in the center.

---

Troubleshooting Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Problem	Why it Happens	Fix
Rolls are doughy in the middle	Underbaked or cut too thick	Bake until 190–195°F; tent with foil if tops brown too fast
Filling leaks out	Too much filling or a loose seam	Spread evenly, avoid overstuffing, pinch seam closed
Rolls didn’t rise	Weak yeast or cold dough	Use fresh yeast, let the dough rise in a warm spot
Rolls are dry	Overbaked or too little fat	Don’t bake past 200°F; use the heavy cream pour
Rolls are flat	Rolled too thin	Keep the dough at least ½ inch thick before rolling

---

Frequently asked questions

Did you LIKE this recipe? Save it for later on Pinterest.
Follow on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok
Subscribe to receive new recipes right to your inbox.