Imagine walking into your kitchen, the sweet aroma of cinnamon swirling around you as the golden-brown pumpkin-shaped cinnamon rolls bake in the oven. These delightful treats not only look adorable but taste utterly scrumptious with rich layers of creamy cinnamon goodness, perfectly balanced with a light and fluffy dough. Made with simple ingredients, this recipe is just as ideal for busy weeknights as it is for cozy weekend brunches. Plus, it’s a healthy twist on a comfort classic, giving you that warm hug you crave without all the guilt.
Serving Versatility
These Pumpkins Shaped Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve them fresh out of the oven as a delightful breakfast, or pack them as a snack for school or work. They can be enjoyed solo for a sweet treat or paired with your favorite hot beverage. The options are truly endless!
Full Recipe Section
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 dl) warm milk
- 1 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 40 g butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (1/2 dl) granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 cups (5 dl) all-purpose flour
- 40 pieces of thick thread (15-20 cm long)
For the Filling:
- 90 g butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup (1 dl) brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon vanilla sugar or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 170 g cream cheese
- 75 g butter (room temperature)
- 1 3/4 cups (3.5 dl) powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Bloom the Yeast: Mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes until bubbly.
- Prepare the Dough: Add the egg, salt, and half the flour to the yeast mixture. Gradually add butter and the remaining flour. For a festive touch, add orange food coloring and knead until smooth. Cover the dough and let it rise for 1.5 hours.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Roll and Shape: Roll the dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the filling evenly, then roll the dough into a log and slice it into 10 rolls. Place rolls on strings and tie loosely to create a pumpkin shape.
- Final Rest and Bake: Let the rolls rest for 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Brush the rolls with an egg wash and bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
- Frost: While the rolls cool, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy. Once the rolls have cooled, frost them generously.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 10 cinnamon rolls
Calories: Approximately 240 calories per roll
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation means that deliciousness is just around the corner.
- Made with budget-friendly ingredients that you likely already have at home.
- Offers big, cozy flavors that wrap you in warmth.
- Provides nutritional value with pumpkin and cream cheese.
- Fully customizable; feel free to mix in your favorite spices or add nuts!
Cultural or Cooking Technique Note (Optional)
This recipe takes inspiration from traditional cinnamon rolls, commonly enjoyed in various cultures. The technique of rolling and shaping the dough gives it a playful twist, making it fun for both kids and adults alike.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a cup of coffee for a delightful breakfast treat.
- Pair with yogurt for a wholesome snack.
- Pack them in lunch boxes for an amazing school treat.
- Enjoy them as a sweet indulgence during family gatherings.
Pro Tips for Success
- Make sure your milk is warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast.
- Knead the dough until it’s pliable and smooth for the best texture.
- Don’t skip the egg wash before baking to get that beautiful golden color on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can freeze them too for up to a month! For reheating, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for a warm, cozy snack that tastes like fresh out of the oven.
Closing Paragraph
I can’t wait for you to try these adorable Pumpkin Shaped Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting! They are sure to bring some joy into your kitchen and warm up your home with delightful aromas. Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. If you try it, please share your thoughts or tips in the comments below!
🎀 Final Thoughts (Emma’s voice)
Thank you for joining me in my cozy little corner of the kitchen! I hope these rolls bring as much warmth and happiness to your home as they do to mine.
Follow me on Pinterest for more cozy, quick, and nostalgic recipes.
If you loved this recipe, don’t miss my Cheesy Chicken Pasta for another comforting favorite.
Pumpkin Shaped Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Rolling Pin
- Baking Tray
- Oven
- Stand mixer or whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Thread or kitchen string (for shaping)
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1 1/4 tsp instant yeast
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 40 g butter room temperature
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 40 pieces thick thread 15–20 cm long for shaping
For the Filling
- 90 g butter room temperature
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp vanilla sugar or vanilla extract
For the Frosting
- 170 g cream cheese
- 75 g butter room temperature
- 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Bloom the Yeast: In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until bubbly and activated.
- Prepare the Dough: Add the egg, salt, and half of the flour. Gradually mix in butter and the remaining flour. Optional: add orange food coloring for a pumpkin hue. Knead until smooth, then cover and let rise for 1.5 hours.
- Prepare the Filling: Mix butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until creamy.
- Roll and Shape: Roll dough into a rectangle. Spread the filling evenly, roll into a log, and slice into 10 rolls. Wrap strings around each roll loosely to create a pumpkin shape.
- Rest and Bake: Let rolls rest for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Brush with egg wash and bake for 30–40 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; mix until creamy.
- Frost and Serve: Once cooled, frost the rolls generously and enjoy warm!