There are few things in this world that bring as much joy as the smell of warm, freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home. The aroma is simply intoxicating, isn’t it? I’ve always believed that baking is like creating a symphony. Each ingredient plays a unique role, coming together to form a harmonious masterpiece. But what happens when we introduce a new player to the orchestra? Pure magic, that’s what.
Enter pumpkin, autumn’s golden child. Its rich, hearty flavor pairs beautifully with the sweet, spicy notes of cinnamon. Combined, they create an irresistible treat that’s sure to wow your senses. Pumpkin in a cinnamon roll? Trust me, you’ll wonder why you never thought of it before.
Why Pumpkin?
Pumpkin isn’t just a fall favorite, it’s also a powerhouse of nutritional benefits. Rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, it’s a heart-healthy choice that also helps boost your immune system. Plus, its natural sweetness adds a delightful flavor twist to traditional cinnamon rolls, without the need for excess sugar.
Creating the Perfect Dough
Creating the perfect dough is a vital step in achieving heavenly pumpkin cinnamon rolls. It should be soft, fluffy, and light. Proper kneading and enough rest time are crucial in ensuring your dough rises beautifully. It’s like nurturing a plant. Provide it with the right conditions, and it will bloom splendidly.
Incorporating pumpkin puree into the dough not only gives it a beautiful orange hue but also adds a touch of earthy sweetness. It’s a subtle hint of what’s coming in the heart of these delightful rolls.
Rolling and Filling
Rolling out the dough and spreading the filling evenly can feel like a therapeutic process. The combination of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon creates a gooey, spiced filling that will permeate the dough as it bakes, resulting in a tantalizing, moist, and fragrant roll.
Adding a layer of pumpkin puree to the filling just elevates these rolls to a whole new level of deliciousness. It’s a burst of autumn in every single bite.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 packet instant yeast
- 1/3 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup softened butter
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
Let’s Bake!
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5mins until it becomes frothy.
- Add flour, pumpkin puree, sugar, melted butter, and salt into the yeast mixture. Knead until dough is smooth.
- Let the dough rest for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle.
- Spread softened butter, then sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly. Spread pumpkin puree.
- Roll the dough tightly and cut into slices.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Before You Dig In
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
For the Health Conscious
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 60g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 5g