Name: Fluffy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls (Shaped Like Pumpkins!) Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅓ cup whole milk; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 2¼ teaspoon (1 package) instant yeast; 14 tablespoon canned pumpkin puree; 5 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice; 3¼ cups all-purpose flour; ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed; 1½ tablespoon pumpkin pie spice; ¼ teaspoon salt; 8 tablespoon unsalted butter, very soft and spreadable; 1 cup confectioner’s sugar; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoon whole milk; 6 cinnamon sticks for decorating

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 44 reviews

If you adore the warm, cozy flavors of fall but want to bring a little festive fun to your baking, you absolutely must try this Fluffy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls (Shaped Like Pumpkins!) Recipe. These rolls are not only irresistibly soft and packed with spiced pumpkin sweetness, but they’re also cleverly shaped to look like cute little pumpkins, making them a playful centerpiece for any autumn gathering. The combination of tender dough infused with pumpkin puree and warming cinnamon pie spices creates a treat that feels both comforting and special, perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in a seasonal treat any time of day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several small pumpkin-shaped cinnamon rolls, each with eight swollen, golden-yellow dough petals arranged in a circle. The dough is soft and slightly shiny with a light waves of creamy white icing drizzled over the rolls. Swirls of dark cinnamon sugar filling peek through the gaps between the petals. Each roll has a cinnamon stick placed vertically in the center, acting like a pumpkin stem, with its rough, textured brown surface standing out. The rolls sit closely together on a warm wooden tray placed on a white marbled surface. The focus is sharp on the front roll, with the others softly blurred in the background, creating a cozy and inviting feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When making these rolls, the ingredient list might look detailed at first glance, but each component plays a vital role in crafting the perfect texture, flavor, and that unmistakable pumpkin hue. From pantry staples like flour and sugar to the star ingredient, pumpkin puree, every item harmonizes beautifully to elevate your baking.

Whole milk (⅓ cup): Provides moisture and richness for a tender dough.
Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Adds sweetness and helps feed the yeast for rise.
Instant yeast (2¼ teaspoons): The magic behind those fluffy, well-risen rolls.
Canned pumpkin puree (14 tablespoons): Infuses dough with vibrant color and moist pumpkin flavor.
Unsalted butter, melted (5 tablespoons): Adds richness and softness to the dough.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and adds tenderness.
Pumpkin pie spice (1 tablespoon): A warm mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to deepen spice notes.
All-purpose flour (3¼ cups): The foundation for sturdy yet fluffy rolls.
Light brown sugar (¾ cup, packed): For a rich, caramel-sweet filling that melts perfectly.
Pumpkin pie spice (1½ tablespoons): Double duty to keep the filling bursting with fall flavor.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the filling’s sweetness.
Unsalted butter, very soft and spreadable (8 tablespoons): Creates a luscious, gooey center.
Confectioner’s sugar (1 cup): The base for a creamy vanilla glaze.
Unsalted butter, room temperature (1 tablespoon): Adds richness to the glaze.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances sweetness with a fragrant touch.
Whole milk (2 tablespoons): Thins the glaze to a perfect drizzle consistency.
Cinnamon sticks (6, optional): A charming garnish to resemble pumpkin stems.

How to Make Fluffy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls (Shaped Like Pumpkins!) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

First, warm the whole milk gently until lukewarm, then whisk in granulated sugar and instant yeast. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until foamy and activated. In a separate bowl, combine the canned pumpkin puree, melted butter, salt, egg, pumpkin pie spice, and half of the flour; stir until smooth. Gradually add in the yeast mixture and continue mixing, then slowly incorporate the remaining flour until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and leave it somewhere warm. The dough should double in size, which usually takes about 1 to 1½ hours. This step is essential for achieving that signature fluffy texture which makes this Fluffy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls (Shaped Like Pumpkins!) Recipe so magical.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, mix the light brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and very soft butter together in a bowl until creamy and well combined. This gooey mixture will become the irresistible center of each roll, marrying the sweetness and spice perfectly.

Step 4: Roll and Shape the Dough

Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Spread the cinnamon-pumpkin filling evenly over the top. Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal rolls. Now, here’s the fun part that sets this recipe apart: gently taper one end of each roll to create an orange-like shape, then use a sharp knife to make 6 evenly spaced vertical cuts on top to mimic pumpkin grooves. Lastly, press 2-3 small cuts into the sides to enhance the pumpkin shape.

Step 5: Final Rise and Bake

Place the rolls evenly on a greased baking pan, cover again, and let them rise for another 30–40 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden and cooked through. The smell wafting through your kitchen at this point is pure autumn bliss.

Step 6: Make the Vanilla Glaze

Mix the confectioner’s sugar, room temperature butter, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and pourable. You want a glaze that’s thick enough to stick but thin enough to drizzle beautifully over the rolls once they’ve cooled slightly.

Step 7: Decorate and Enjoy

Drizzle the glaze generously over warm rolls. Add a cinnamon stick to the center of each roll to look like a pumpkin stem—totally charming and keeps the pumpkin illusion alive! These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but are so tempting that may not last long.

How to Serve Fluffy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls (Shaped Like Pumpkins!) Recipe

In a silver metal bowl with a shiny, slightly scratched surface, there are three main layers of ingredients. On the left and right, there are two thick dollops of bright orange smooth paste with a soft texture. Between and below these dollops, there is a shiny layer of light yellow melted butter mixing with a beige foamy liquid that covers the bottom of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of additional pumpkin pie spice on the glaze adds a lovely texture and aroma. The cinnamon stick “stems” are optional but make an adorable, seasonally festive touch that elevates presentation without any fuss.

Side Dishes

These pumpkin cinnamon rolls pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a spiced latte. For more substantial mornings, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a simple yogurt parfait to balance the indulgent sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the rolls on a rustic wooden board or a white ceramic platter with a scattering of autumn leaves or mini pumpkins around them. You can even serve them in a casserole dish lined with parchment paper for an at-home bakery vibe, making this Fluffy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls (Shaped Like Pumpkins!) Recipe the star of your fall brunch table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any rolls leftover (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps keep their soft texture intact and prevents dryness. Avoid refrigerating as it can toughen the dough.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked shaped rolls by placing them on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and finish the final rise before baking. Baked rolls freeze well too—wrap them tightly in foil and plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

To warm leftover or thawed rolls, microwave for 15–20 seconds or heat in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. If desired, add a little extra glaze or butter on top to refresh that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes! Just roast and puree fresh pumpkin until smooth. Make sure it’s thick and drained well because canned puree has less water content, which affects dough consistency.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

No worries! You can make your own blend with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves or substitute with cinnamon alone for a simpler flavor but still delicious rolls.

How do I keep the rolls fluffy and not dense?

Using instant yeast and allowing the dough to rise properly twice is key. Also, don’t over-flour during kneading; keep the dough soft and slightly sticky for fluffiest results.

Can I make these rolls vegan?

With some ingredient swaps—like using plant-based milk, vegan butter, and an egg substitute—you can turn this recipe vegan. The texture might vary slightly, but the flavor will still be incredible.

How long do these rolls stay fresh?

They’re best eaten within 1–2 days for peak freshness. After that, they start to lose their tenderness, but reheating helps bring them back to life.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful about baking and sharing these Fluffy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls (Shaped Like Pumpkins!) Recipe that goes beyond just delicious flavor. They bring a smile with their playful look, a cozy warmth with every spiced bite, and a perfect excuse to gather friends and family around the kitchen table. Give this recipe a try and watch how it brightens your fall mornings and celebrations—once you taste these, they might just become your new seasonal favorite!