Almost One Hour Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, sweet treat that can be whipped up in no time, you absolutely must try this Almost One Hour Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Imagine soft, fluffy rolls infused with the warm spices of pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon, then generously topped with a luscious caramel cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. These rolls bring the comforting flavors of autumn into your kitchen quickly, making them perfect for a weekend brunch or a special holiday breakfast. Once you make them, they’ll become a go-to autumn delight you’ll want to share again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple pantry staples and fresh pumpkin to create that irresistible fall flavor and perfect texture. Each ingredient plays an essential role from tender dough to the rich, spiced filling and the dreamy caramel frosting.

• 3 tablespoons active dry yeast: Ensures the dough rises beautifully and becomes fluffy.
• 1/4 cup melted butter: Adds richness to the dough for a tender crumb.
• 1 cup warm water: Activates the yeast; make sure it’s warm, not hot!
• 3/4 cup warm buttermilk (cheat version is ok*): Gives the dough a slight tang and softness.
• 1/2 cup sugar: Provides just the right amount of sweetness to the dough.
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons salt: Balances the flavors perfectly.
• 1 egg: Helps bind the dough and adds richness.
• 1/2 cup pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling): Adds moisture, flavor, and that iconic pumpkin color.
• 5 & 1/2 cups BREAD flour (or up to 6 cups): Gives structure and chew to your rolls.
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice: Brings those warm autumn spices front and center.
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a subtle, nutty aroma to the dough.
• 1/4 cup melted butter (for the filling): Creates a rich base for the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed, dark preferred): Sweet and deep flavor for the filling.
• 2 & 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon: Classic cinnamon punch for that unmistakable flavor.
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (for filling): Lifts the filling’s spice profile.
• 1/4 cup salted butter (half stick) for frosting: Adds creaminess and depth.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed, dark used): Rich caramel-like sweetness in the frosting.
• 2 tablespoons milk: Helps smooth the frosting to a perfect drizzle.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla: Enhances all the flavors with its warm aroma.
• 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (in frosting): Adds a hint of seasonal spice.
• 1 dash salt: Balances sweetness in the frosting.
• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened): Gives the frosting a tangy, velvety texture.
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.

How to Make Almost One Hour Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Warm and Prep Your Oven

Start by setting your oven to the warm setting, around 170 degrees Fahrenheit. This gentle warmth is just perfect to create a cozy environment for the yeast to bloom and get lively, which is truly the secret to those pillow-soft rolls.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast Mixture

In a large bowl or your stand mixer, combine the yeast with melted butter, warm water, warm buttermilk, sugar, and salt. Be careful that these liquids aren’t too hot or they will kill the yeast — it’s best to check they’re comfortable to the touch before mixing. Pop the bowl into the warm oven and wait 12 minutes for the yeast to do its magic and puff up like a little cloud of life.

Step 3: Grease Pan and Preheat Oven Fully

While your yeast is activating, grease a 9×13 inch pan or a large baking sheet if you prefer your rolls with a bit of breathing room between them. After 12 minutes, remove the yeast mixture from the oven and crank your oven heat up to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking.

Step 4: Mix in Pumpkin and Egg

In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin with the egg, then add this mixture to the activated yeast base. The yeast should now be bubbly and puffed; if it’s not, there might have been an issue with your yeast so restarting might be necessary. This combination makes your dough wonderfully moist and tender with that unmistakable pumpkin essence.

Step 5: Add Flour and Spices

Now add the bread flour bit by bit, mixing in a tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice and a sprinkle of nutmeg in between each cup. This layering of flavors with the flour ensures every bite of dough is perfectly spiced and balanced.

Step 6: Knead the Dough

Knead your dough for about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic — whether by hand or with a stand mixer, this step is key to develop the gluten and create that beautiful chewy texture. Try not to overdo the flour additions so the dough stays soft and yields the best rolls.

Step 7: Prepare the Filling

While the dough rests for just a few minutes, melt a quarter cup of butter and combine it with brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. This mixture is your aromatic, gooey filling that will bring these rolls to life.

Step 8: Roll and Spread the Dough

Roll out your dough into roughly a 12×16 inch rectangle and spread the filling evenly across the surface. The dough rises quickly, so speed is your friend here — coating every inch with this spiced mixture makes each bite a little moment of joy.

Step 9: Roll Up and Slice

Tightly roll the dough from the long edge and seal the seam with your fingers (wetting them slightly helps). Using a sharp knife, slice your roll into 12 even cinnamon rolls, the perfect size for sharing or indulging.

Step 10: Bake Until Golden

Arrange your rolls snugly in the greased pan and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 to 25 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out dry and the tops have a lovely golden brown glow. The whole house will smell like fall happiness during this time!

Step 11: Make the Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls bake, melt butter in a small saucepan, add brown sugar and milk, then bring to a boil for one minute to create a caramel base. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and salt before mixing in softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until it’s irresistibly creamy and smooth.

Step 12: Frost and Serve Warm

Once out of the oven, generously drizzle or spread this luscious caramel cream cheese frosting over your warm pumpkin cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately to enjoy every ooey-gooey bite at its absolute best.

How to Serve Almost One Hour Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate presentation and add texture, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting just before serving. A dusting of cinnamon or a few pumpkin seeds can also add a lovely visual and crunchy contrast to the soft rolls.

Side Dishes

Pair these pumpkin cinnamon rolls with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea for a delightfully warming breakfast or snack. A simple fruit salad with oranges and pomegranate seeds complements the sweet, spicy rolls with a bright, fresh touch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun brunch centerpiece, arrange the rolls in a circular pan for a flower-like presentation that’s both inviting and practical. You can also serve an individual roll in a small ramekin, topped with frosting and a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for that extra wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover rolls covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and delicious without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked rolls after slicing by placing them on a tray lined with parchment, then transferring them to a freezer bag or container once frozen. Alternatively, freeze fully baked and frosted rolls by wrapping each individually. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To enjoy the rolls fresh again, warm them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, covered with foil to keep moisture in. A quick reheat brings back that fresh-baked softness and melty frosting.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin?

It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling because the filling contains added sugars and spices that can throw off the dough’s texture and flavor balance.

Is it necessary to use bread flour?

Bread flour gives a chewier texture and better structure to the rolls, but if you don’t have it, all-purpose flour can work in a pinch, just expect a slightly softer roll.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Gluten-free flours behave differently and may not yield the same rise or texture. If you want to try, use a gluten-free baking mix formulated for yeast bread and adjust liquids as necessary, but expect a different outcome.

How spicy are these rolls?

The pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon give a warm, cozy spice without being overpowering—perfectly balanced for fall and approachable for all palates.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Yes! After kneading, cover the dough and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out and proceeding with the filling and baking steps.

Final Thoughts

These Almost One Hour Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe are an absolute treasure for anyone craving fall flavors without spending all day in the kitchen. They’re comforting, packed with spice, and topped with a frosting that feels like a little slice of heaven. I encourage you to gather your ingredients and treat yourself and loved ones to this quick yet indulgent baking adventure—you won’t regret it!

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