Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls (with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting)

You guys, pumpkin season is here and I’m all about it! I’ve made these rolls 5 times in the past month (not all for myself! I’ve been making them and handing them out like halloween candy)!  I’ve been going through cans of pumpkin like no one is watching, and I’ve got no intention of slowing down. There’s something just so irresistible about the combination of cinnamon and warm spices like nutmeg, cardamom, and ginger.  Oh Fall, how I love thee <3

(Recipe adapted from Smitten Kitchen <<< you know you can’t go wrong with that!)

 

 

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

With Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Yield: 12 – 18 Rolls

Ingredients:

For Rolls:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup whole milk, slightly warmed
• 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, optional
• ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ²/₃ cup pumpkin puree, canned or homemade
• 1 egg

For Filling:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For Frosting:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons milk

Directions:

Make Dough:

Brown the butter by cooking it over medium heat in a stainless-steel saucepan. Whisk so that the butter melts evenly. As it cooks, the butter will begin to foam, so be sure to whisk frequently to check underneath the bubbly surface. Soon little browned bits will form at the bottom. As soon as they begin to form, remove from heat and pour the melted butter (with the bits) into a glass or metal container and allow it to cool slightly.

Combine milk and yeast in a small bowl and set aside for 5 minutes.

In the bowl of a mixer, combine all-purpose flour, brown sugar, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and ginger. Mix on low speed until combined. Add browned butter, milk and yeast mixture, pumpkin puree, and egg. Mix on medium-low speed until combined. Reduce speed to low and mix for 5 minutes. Transfer dough to a large oiled bowl, cover, and set aside until doubled, approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Make Filling:

Brown the butter by cooking it over medium heat in a stainless-steel saucepan. Whisk so that the butter melts evenly. As it cooks, the butter will begin to foam, so be sure to whisk frequently to check underneath the bubbly surface. Soon little browned bits will form at the bottom. As soon as they begin to form, remove from heat and pour the melted butter (with the bits) into a glass or metal container.

In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

Assemble Rolls:

Lightly grease 2 9-inch pans, or one 9”x13” pan. Set aside.

After the dough has doubled, punch it down. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and divide into 2 portions. Working with 1 portion at a time, roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about 9”x13”. Spread the browned butter evenly over the surface, followed by the sugar mixture.

Starting with the longer side, gently roll into a log. Lightly pinch the seams together. Using a knife, gently cut the rolls into 6 to 9 even sections. Place them cut-side up in prepared pans. Cover and allow them to rise for an additional 45 to 60 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Bake until puffed and golden, about 25 minutes.

Make Frosting:

In a large bowl, combine butter and cream cheese. Mix on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar, and mix on low speed until completely combined. Add maple syrup and milk, and mix on medium speed until smooth and combined. Add additional milk if the consistency isn’t thin enough.

Pour or spread on rolls once they are done baking.

 

Note: Unbaked rolls can be prepared in advance. After being cut and placed in baking pans, cover and refrigerate. Remove a few hours before baking to allow them to finish rising.