Best Homemade Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze

Name: Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze
Prep time: 90 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 110 min
Ingredients: 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons instant yeast; ½ cup whole milk; ½ cup canned pumpkin purée; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened); 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; ½ cup unsalted butter (melted); ¾ cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 8 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls bring all the best flavors of fall into one soft, gooey, perfectly spiced treat. Made with real pumpkin purée and warm cinnamon sugar filling, these rolls bake up light and fluffy, then get finished with a rich maple cream cheese glaze.

Pan of baked pumpkin cinnamon rolls covered in maple cream cheese glaze, with ingredients and linen napkin.

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This recipe is the ultimate cozy fall treat, perfect for a holiday brunch, Thanksgiving morning, or whenever you crave that warm pumpkin flavor. Think cinnamon rolls, but upgraded with real pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie spice for that unmistakable autumn magic.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Perfect for Fall Baking: Soft, homemade rolls filled with warm cinnamon sugar and pumpkin spice bring all the cozy flavors of autumn to your kitchen.
Real Pumpkin in Every Bite: Pumpkin purée in the dough adds moisture, subtle color, and true seasonal character without being overpowering.
Rich Maple Cream Cheese Glaze: A smooth, maple-sweetened cream cheese frosting that melts beautifully over warm rolls for the ultimate finishing touch.
Ready for Any Holiday Morning: Perfect for serving at Thanksgiving breakfast, Christmas brunch, or any cozy weekend gathering.

Close-up of a single glazed pumpkin cinnamon roll on a spoon lifted from the pan, showing creamy maple frosting detail.

Step-by-step Instructions

Close-up of warm milk and yeast mixture in a small saucepan with a spoon, showing foamy texture after blooming.

Step 1: In a small saucepan, warm the milk until just warm, not boiling. Stir in the sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. This ensures a strong rise for fluffy pumpkin cinnamon rolls.

Ball of pumpkin-enriched dough resting on a floured wooden board, surrounded by butter and flour for kneading.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Add pumpkin purée, softened butter, egg, and the foamy yeast mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Rolled-out dough topped evenly with melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice filling.

Step 3: Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice with melted butter. Punch down the dough to release air. Roll into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the spice mixture evenly over the surface.

Close-up of cut pumpkin cinnamon roll slices on a floured surface, showing rich cinnamon sugar filling.

Step 4: Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Slice into 9 or 12 equal rolls.

This aromatic blend defines Pumpkin Spice and turns these rolls into a Fall Cinnamon Rolls Recipe you’ll crave year-round.

Unbaked pumpkin cinnamon rolls arranged in a greased square pan, ready for second rise before baking.

Step 5: Arrange in a greased baking pan, leaving a bit of space between each. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Freshly baked pumpkin cinnamon rolls in a square pan, golden brown with distinct spiral layers.

Step 6: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Maple cream cheese glaze being mixed in a bowl with a whisk, showing smooth creamy texture.

Step 7: While the rolls bake, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk until silky and spreadable.

Baked pumpkin cinnamon rolls in pan generously topped with maple cream cheese glaze.

Step 8: Spread the maple cream cheese glaze generously over warm rolls so it melts slightly into every swirl. Serve immediately.

Variations and Substitutions

These holiday cinnamon rolls become even more special with these creative spins.

Overnight Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls: Shape, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let rise before baking.
Vegan Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls: Substitute non-dairy milk, vegan butter, and vegan cream cheese.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Note that the rise times may vary.
Cinnamon Rolls Variations: Add chopped nuts, swirl in caramel, or try a spiced apple filling.
Holiday Cinnamon Rolls become even more special with these creative spins.

Serving Suggestions

Pumpkin cinnamon rolls are ideal for fall brunch, holiday breakfasts, or any time you want that warm pumpkin spice comfort at home. Serve them fresh from the oven with the maple cream cheese glaze melting into every swirl.

Pair them with hot coffee, spiced chai, or your favorite homemade take on Starbucks fall drinks to complete the experience. These rolls also work well alongside savory brunch classics like scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or fresh fruit for a balanced table.

Perfect for cozy mornings or impressing guests during the holidays, this is the pumpkin dessert you’ll come back to all season. If you’re planning a seasonal menu or just want more cozy options to start the day, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in this full collection of Fall Breakfast Ideas, everything from baked goods to savory skillet recipes.

FAQs about Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin purée?

No. Pumpkin pie filling is pre-sweetened and spiced, which will throw off the recipe’s balance. Always use 100% pure pumpkin purée for best results.

How can I make these ahead for a holiday breakfast?

After cutting the rolls, place them in the pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking in the morning.

Can I freeze unbaked pumpkin cinnamon rolls?

Yes. Shape them, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. When ready to bake, thaw, let them rise fully, and bake as per this recipe.

Two stacked pumpkin cinnamon rolls on a white plate, drizzled with maple cream cheese glaze and sprinkled with cinnamon.

More Fall Baking Ideas

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins are soft, moist, and packed with warm spice and melty chocolate chips. They’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or sharing with friends. A must-bake for any pumpkin lover.
These apple oatmeal raisin cookies are soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced, making them a timeless favorite. With their cozy flavor and just the right amount of sweetness, they’re the kind of cookie you’ll want to bake again and again.
Pumpkin Spice Donuts are soft, baked, and filled with warm fall spices. They’re easy to make and perfect for a cozy morning treat. Bring the best fall baking flavors right to your kitchen.
Pumpkin French Toast Bake with Streusel Topping is the make-ahead breakfast you’ll come back to all season. Soft pumpkin custard-soaked bread, a buttery cinnamon crunch on top, and zero morning stress, just bake and serve.
This chocolate pumpkin patch brownie cake is fudgy, festive, and almost too pretty to cut into. The candy-coated strawberry pumpkins make it a perfect centerpiece for fall parties and holiday tables.

Fall Recipes

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