Pumpkin Shaped Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Perfect Fall Recipe
Pumpkin Shaped Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting bring the magic of fall straight into your kitchen. The first time I made these, the scent of cinnamon, butter, and sugar filled the air, making the whole house smell like a cozy bakery. Watching each roll rise and transform into a perfect little pumpkin was such a joyful moment. Whether you want Cinnamon Rolls Pumpkin Shape, Recipes To Bake With Friends, or Easy Bake Recipes Kids will love helping with, this recipe turns baking into a fun and delicious autumn tradition.
These rolls are soft, golden, and topped with creamy frosting that melts perfectly over every swirl. Ideal for Halloween Sweet Ideas, Autumn Party Snacks, or Cute Thanksgiving Recipes, they’re as beautiful as they are tasty.
Table of Contents
Pumpkin Shaped Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk with 1 tablespoon sugar and yeast. Stir and let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and nutmeg. In another bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, melted butter, remaining sugar, and egg. Combine wet and dry, knead 8–10 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 to 1½ hours until doubled in size.
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a paste.
- Punch down dough, roll into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly over dough.
- Roll dough tightly from long edge, slice into 12 rolls using floss or sharp knife.
- Place 2 strings in a crisscross under each roll and gently tie to form pumpkin shape.
- Place rolls on parchment-lined tray, cover, and rise 30–40 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush rolls with melted butter. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden. Cool slightly and remove strings.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mix until creamy. Add milk if needed.
- Frost warm rolls. Top with pretzel stick or pecan in center to resemble pumpkin stem. Sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pumpkin Shaped Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are everything you want in a fall dessert. They combine creativity, cozy flavors, and a presentation that looks straight out of a bakery.
You’ll love this recipe because:
- The Cinnamon Rolls Pumpkin Shape is adorable and festive.
- It’s an ideal project for Recipes To Bake With Friends or family weekends.
- The rolls are soft, warm, and full of cinnamon flavor.
- The Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls frosting adds a creamy, tangy balance.
- Perfect for Cute Fall Food Ideas or seasonal gatherings.
Every bite is soft, buttery, and full of autumn sweetness.
Essential Ingredients for Pumpkin Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
| All-purpose flour | 3 ½ cups | Base for the soft dough |
| Instant yeast | 2 ¼ tsp | Helps the dough rise |
| Warm milk | ¾ cup | Activates the yeast |
| Pumpkin puree | ⅓ cup | Adds moisture and color |
| Egg | 1 | Binds the dough |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tbsp | Adds flavor and richness |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup | Sweetens the filling |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 tbsp | Warm spice for the filling |
| Ground nutmeg | ½ tsp | Adds a touch of depth |
| Cream cheese | 4 oz | Base for frosting |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup | Sweetens frosting |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Flavor boost |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Balances flavor |
| Pretzel sticks or pecans | 12 | Decorative pumpkin stems |
These simple ingredients create the perfect blend of soft dough, sweet filling, and creamy topping that make these rolls unforgettable.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pumpkin Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm milk with 1 tablespoon of sugar and the yeast. Stir and let it rest for about 10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures your yeast is active and ready to make the dough rise.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and nutmeg. In another bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, melted butter, the remaining sugar, and the egg. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough becomes soft and elastic. If it’s sticky, add a bit more flour.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and place it in a warm area for about 1 to 1½ hours until it doubles in size.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a smooth paste. This mixture gives your rolls their signature sweet swirl.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Punch down the dough to release air. On a lightly floured surface, roll it into a rectangle about 12×16 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly to the edges.
Step 6: Roll and Slice
Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Slice into 12 equal rolls using unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife to keep clean layers.
Step 7: Shape the Pumpkins
Cut four short strings for each roll. Place two strings in a crisscross pattern under each roll and tie them gently around it to create eight pumpkin-like sections. Don’t pull too tight, as the dough will expand while baking.
Step 8: Second Rise
Place the shaped rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a towel, and let them rise for 30 to 40 minutes until slightly puffy.
Step 9: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Brush each roll with melted butter for a glossy finish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Let cool for a few minutes, then carefully remove the strings.
Step 10: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. If needed, add 1 tablespoon of milk for a lighter texture.
Step 11: Frost and Decorate
Spread frosting over the warm rolls so it melts slightly into the swirls. Add a pretzel stick or pecan half in the center of each roll to resemble a pumpkin stem. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive finish.
Your rolls will look like tiny pumpkins, perfect for any Halloween Sweet Ideas or Cute Fall Food Ideas display.
Customizing Your Spice Level and Flavor Profile
Make these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls your own by experimenting with flavors:
- Add ginger or allspice for a stronger fall spice flavor.
- Use maple extract in the frosting for a cozy twist.
- Add crushed nuts or mini chocolate chips for texture.
- Tint the frosting orange for a fun Halloween version.
- Replace the filling with Nutella or apple butter for a creative variation.
Each option keeps your rolls seasonal and crowd-pleasing.
Professional Tips for Restaurant-Quality Presentation
- Tie the strings loosely so the rolls can expand evenly.
- Brush the tops with melted butter before baking for shine.
- Frost while warm for a melting effect or after cooling for a clean look.
- Use pretzel sticks or pecans for the perfect pumpkin stem detail.
- Arrange on a platter with cinnamon sticks and mini pumpkins for decoration.
These tips make your rolls Pinterest-ready and picture-perfect.
Storage, Reheating, and Meal Prep Strategies for Pumpkin Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
| Storage Method | Duration | Best Practice |
| Room Temperature | 2 days | Keep unfrosted in an airtight container |
| Refrigerator | 4 days | Store frosted rolls covered tightly |
| Freezer | 1 month | Freeze unfrosted rolls and thaw before use |
To reheat, place rolls in a 325°F oven for 8 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds. They’ll taste fresh and soft again.
Troubleshooting Common Cooking Challenges
- Rolls not rising: Yeast might be expired or liquid too hot.
- Filling leaks out: Don’t overfill; spread evenly.
- Shape collapses: Strings may be too tight or under-proofed.
- Dry texture: Avoid overbaking; check rolls at 20 minutes.
- Frosting too thick: Add a teaspoon of milk until creamy.
With these fixes, your Pumpkin Bread Rolls will turn out perfectly every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, shape and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning.
Can I skip the string method?
Yes, but the string gives the rolls their defined pumpkin shape.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, you can use pre-made cinnamon roll dough for a faster version.
Are these good for kids to make?
Definitely. This is one of the best Easy Bake Recipes Kids can enjoy.
Can I use another frosting?
Yes, maple glaze, caramel icing, or vanilla drizzle all work beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Shaped Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate fall treat. They combine the comfort of classic cinnamon rolls with the creativity of seasonal baking. Soft, sweet, and full of cozy flavor, these rolls are perfect for Recipes To Bake With Friends, Cute Thanksgiving Recipes, or weekend brunch.
Save this recipe to enjoy during the fall season and share it with loved ones who adore Cute Fall Food Ideas and homemade baked goods that taste like happiness.
