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Brown Butter Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 86 reviews

Delight in these luscious Brown Butter Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, a perfect fall-inspired treat that blends rich brown butter, pumpkin puree, and aromatic spices into soft, fluffy rolls topped with creamy pumpkin-spiced cream cheese icing. Ideal for cozy mornings or festive gatherings, these rolls boast a flavorful filling and a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed to about 115–120°F
  • ½ cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry or instant yeast
  • 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
  • ¾ cup pumpkin puree
  • 4 ¾ cup – 5 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Filling Ingredients

  • 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • ¼ cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
  • ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened

Topping and Icing Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream, for drizzling over rolls before baking
  • 8 ounces (block-style) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla essence (or vanilla bean paste)
  • ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Instructions

  1. Brown the Butter: In a small, light-colored saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. It will foam and bubble, then develop a clear, light golden color. Stir occasionally, scraping the bottom to collect brown bits as the butter turns a deep brown with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  2. Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a stand mixer bowl or large bowl, combine warm milk with 2 tablespoons sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and mix. Let stand 10-15 minutes until foamy.
  3. Make the Dough: Add remaining sugar, eggs, browned butter, pumpkin puree, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Using a dough hook, mix on low until combined (1-2 minutes), then knead on medium speed until smooth and elastic, about 5-6 minutes. Alternatively, knead by hand for 10 minutes. Add extra flour if dough is too sticky.
  4. First Rise: Shape dough into a ball and place in a lightly greased large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, around 1 hour.
  5. Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix brown sugar, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice into a thick paste. Set aside.
  6. Roll and Fill Dough: Punch down dough, turn onto a floured surface, and roll into a 20×10 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over dough, leaving edges clear, then spread filling evenly over the butter.
  7. Shape and Cut Rolls: Roll dough tightly into a log from the long side with seam down. Pinch edges to seal and trim ends if uneven. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut into 12 equal pieces.
  8. Second Rise: Place rolls in a parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan with space between. Cover and let rest while preheating oven to 350°F, allowing rolls to puff up.
  9. Add Cream and Bake: Remove cover, drizzle heavy cream over rolls including crevices, and bake 30 minutes until golden brown.
  10. Prepare Cream Cheese Icing: Beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla essence, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  11. Serve: Spread cream cheese icing over warm rolls. Optionally sprinkle extra pumpkin pie spice on top. Serve immediately for best flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure milk is warmed to 115-120°F to activate yeast without killing it.
  • Do not leave butter unattended while browning to prevent burning.
  • If dough feels sticky while kneading, gradually add extra flour up to ¼ cup.
  • Using dental floss is a clean way to slice rolls evenly without squishing.
  • For fluffier rolls, allow the second rise after shaping before baking.
  • Serve rolls fresh as they are best enjoyed warm and soft.

Keywords: pumpkin cinnamon rolls, brown butter rolls, fall recipes, pumpkin dessert, cream cheese icing, homemade cinnamon rolls, pumpkin spice rolls

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/brown-butter-pumpkin-cinnamon-rolls-with-cream-cheese-icing-recipe/