Ingredients
Scale
- 1/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- For the filling: 1/2 cup softened butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- For the frosting: 4 oz cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter, 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, a tablespoon of the sugar, and the yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly.
- Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients: Add the remaining sugar, pumpkin puree, melted butter, egg, salt, and pumpkin pie spice to the yeast mixture. Whisk until everything is smooth and well combined.
- Step 3: Knead the Dough: Gradually add the flour one cup at a time. Use a dough hook or your hands to knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but should pull away from the sides of the bowl. Avoid adding too much flour, or the rolls will be tough.
- Step 4: First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 60 to 90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- Step 5: Roll and Fill: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Spread the softened butter all over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and spices evenly over the top.
- Step 6: Shape the Rolls: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 even slices. Place the slices in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Step 7: Second Rise and Bake: Cover the pan and let the rolls rise for another 30 to 45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 22-25 minutes until they are lightly golden brown on top.
- Step 8: Frost and Serve: While the rolls bake, beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla together until smooth. Spread the frosting over the warm rolls immediately after taking them out of the oven so it melts into the centers.
- Cook Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian