Print

Cozy Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls

pumpkin chai cinnamon rolls - featured image

Soft, gooey cinnamon rolls bursting with pumpkin and chai spices, perfect for fall mornings or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ¾ cups (470g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk (around 110°F/43°C)
  • ½ cup (120g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground chai spice (or mix ground ginger, cardamom, and cloves)
  • ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 12 tbsp milk or cream (for desired consistency)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the warm milk, pumpkin puree, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a stand mixer until smooth and elastic.
  2. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, chai spice, and softened butter until combined.
  4. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
  5. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
  6. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for 30–45 minutes, or until puffed.
  7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.
  8. Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, mixing until creamy.
  9. Spread the frosting over the warm rolls. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Notes

[‘Don’t overheat the milk; aim for around 110°F (43°C).’, ‘Use fresh spices for the best flavor.’, ‘Cut rolls cleanly using a sharp knife or dental floss.’, ‘Brush rolls lightly with melted butter before baking for extra softness.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin cinnamon rolls, chai spice, fall dessert, cozy recipe, cream cheese frosting