Pumpkin Cinnamon Buns

Soft, gooey, and filled with warm fall flavors — these Pumpkin Cinnamon Buns are the coziest breakfast or dessert you can make this season. Imagine tender rolls infused with pumpkin puree, layered with buttery cinnamon-sugar filling, and topped with a creamy maple glaze. Each bite melts in your mouth with that perfect blend of sweet, spiced, and comforting goodness.

These pumpkin cinnamon rolls aren’t just a fall twist on a classic — they’re a must-bake tradition for chilly mornings, holiday gatherings, or weekend brunches. Once you make them, you’ll never look at ordinary cinnamon rolls the same way again.

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Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Cinnamon Buns

🎃 Perfectly soft and fluffy – The pumpkin adds moisture for tender, pillowy buns.
🍁 Bursting with autumn flavor – Warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in every layer.
🧈 Gooey cinnamon filling – Rich butter and brown sugar make every swirl irresistible.
🍯 Maple cream cheese glaze – Sweet, tangy, and drizzled to perfection.
☕ Make-ahead friendly – Prep them the night before and bake fresh in the morning.

Whether you’re baking for brunch, Thanksgiving morning, or just craving something special, these pumpkin cinnamon buns will fill your kitchen with the heavenly scent of fall.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough

• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¼ cup maple syrup or brown sugar
• ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ¼ cup melted butter or coconut oil
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 3 to 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling

• ½ cup softened butter
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• Optional: ½ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts

For the Maple Cream Cheese Glaze

• 4 oz (½ block) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup powdered sugar (adjust for consistency)

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How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Buns

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and maple syrup (or brown sugar). Let sit for about 5–10 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy.

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Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Dough

Add pumpkin puree, melted butter, egg, salt, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves) to the yeast mixture. Stir well.

Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.

Knead on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook) until smooth and elastic.

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Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

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Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.

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Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle.

Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along the edges. Sprinkle nuts over the filling if using.

Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the long side. Slice into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.

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Step 6: Second Rise

Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each one. Cover and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

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Step 7: Bake the Cinnamon Buns

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and the centers are cooked through.

Let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes before adding the glaze.

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Step 8: Make the Maple Cream Cheese Glaze

Beat together cream cheese, butter, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually until you reach your desired consistency — thick but pourable.

Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls. Watch it melt into every swirl of cinnamon goodness.

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Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Cinnamon Buns

🍂 Use room temperature ingredients – Helps the dough rise evenly.
🍂 Don’t add too much flour – A slightly sticky dough makes softer rolls.
🍂 Warm place for rising – If your kitchen is cool, place the bowl in the oven (turned off) with the light on.
🍂 Even slices – Use unflavored dental floss for clean cuts without squishing the dough.
🍂 Make ahead: Assemble the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them rise for 30–45 minutes before baking.

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Variations to Try

🌰 Pecan Pumpkin Rolls: Add chopped pecans to the filling for a nutty crunch.
🍎 Apple Pumpkin Cinnamon Buns: Layer finely diced apples inside the filling for a sweet surprise.
🍫 Chocolate Pumpkin Swirl Rolls: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips before rolling up the dough.
🥥 Coconut Maple Glaze: Replace cream cheese with coconut cream and drizzle with maple syrup for a dairy-free option.

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What to Serve with Pumpkin Cinnamon Buns

These buns pair beautifully with:
☕ A hot cup of coffee or pumpkin spice latte
🥛 A glass of cold milk or almond milk
🍊 Fresh fruit or a fall fruit salad
🍳 Scrambled eggs or omelets for a hearty breakfast spread

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Storage & Reheating Tips

🧊 Store: Keep leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
🔥 Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes.
❄️ Freeze: Freeze baked rolls (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before glazing.

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Nutritional Information (Per Roll, Approximate)

• Calories: 370
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Sugar: 26g
• Protein: 6g

(Values will vary depending on the size and amount of glaze used.)

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Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Buns take everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls and give them a seasonal twist that’s simply irresistible. The pumpkin puree adds not only flavor but also incredible moisture, while the maple cream cheese glaze adds that luxurious finishing touch.

They’re soft, sticky, buttery, and spiced just right — a beautiful blend of sweetness and warmth that makes them perfect for crisp autumn mornings or festive gatherings.

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Perfect for Every Fall Occasion

🎃 Thanksgiving Brunch: A showstopping addition to your breakfast table.
🍁 Weekend Baking: Great for cozy mornings at home.
☕ Coffee Dates: Impress guests with a homemade treat that smells like fall.
🎄 Holiday Breakfasts: Make-ahead friendly and perfect for feeding a crowd.

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Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Buns are more than just a seasonal treat — they’re pure comfort in every bite. From the tender pumpkin-infused dough to the rich cinnamon filling and the silky maple glaze, every swirl is a taste of fall perfection.

Make them once, and they’ll become a tradition you’ll look forward to every autumn. Soft, sticky, sweet, and full of cozy warmth — these buns will have everyone coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!). 🍁✨

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