tbsp maple syrup ½ tsp vanilla extract Recipe

There’s nothing that captures the essence of fall quite like these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, crowned with velvety maple cream cheese glaze. Each bite is a dreamy swirl of tender pumpkin-spiced dough, gooey cinnamon filling, and that irresistible finishing touch of tbsp maple syrup

½ tsp vanilla extract in the glaze. Whether shared at brunch or savored with a mug of coffee on a crisp morning, these rolls celebrate the season’s best flavors with every soft, golden bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these cinnamon rolls comes from a handful of honest, easy-to-find ingredients. Each one brings something special, from warm spices to creamy fillings, creating a spectacular depth of flavor and that classic, fluffy texture.

• Warm Milk: Use milk at about 110°F for happy, active yeast—this guarantees a tender, airy dough.
• Active Dry Yeast: The leavening hero that gives your rolls their beautiful lift.
• Granulated Sugar: A touch of sweetness to feed the yeast and give the dough a light flavor.
• Eggs: For richness and that irresistible, slightly custardy crumb.
• Unsalted Butter: Essential for flavor and a flaky-soft texture—used in both dough and filling.
• Pumpkin Purée: The star! Adds moisture, color, and a true fall flavor to both the dough and filling.
• All-Purpose Flour: Your trusty backbone, creating just the right structure while staying pillowy-soft.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the pumpkin and spice notes.
• Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cloves: The perfect spice quartet that brings warmth and complexity.
• Brown Sugar: Gives the filling its caramel-ribbon richness and keeps it gooey inside.
• Pumpkin Spice: For an extra punch of autumn flavor—over-the-top in the best possible way.
• Cream Cheese: Tangy and lush; it’s the foundation of that dreamy glaze.
• Powdered Sugar: Ensures your glaze is silky-smooth without graininess.
• tbsp maple syrup

  ½ tsp vanilla extract: The secret in the glaze for a depth of sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth finish.

How to Make tbsp maple syrup

½ tsp vanilla extract

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining your warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Let this sit for about 5–10 minutes until it’s beautifully foamy—the bubbles are your sign the yeast is raring to go. This simple step is key for maximizing that lush rise you crave in homemade rolls.

Step 2: Build the Pumpkin Dough

Whisk in your eggs, melted butter, pumpkin purée, and all those wonderful spices. Now gradually add the flour and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms—if it’s a little sticky, that’s okay! Knead it for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours. This is where that cozy pumpkin aroma starts to fill your kitchen.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a medium bowl, create a spiced paste by combining softened butter, pumpkin purée, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice. This filling is what swirls your rolls with deep fall flavor. Spreadability is key, so make sure your butter and purée are nice and soft.

Step 4: Roll and Fill

Take your pillowy dough and roll it out on a floured surface to a rectangle about 12×18 inches. Gently spread that pumpkin-cinnamon mixture all the way to the edges for a perfect swirl in every bite. Starting at the long side, roll it into a tight log and then slice it into 12 even pieces.

Step 5: Second Rise

Nestle your rolls into a generously greased baking pan. Cover and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes, until noticeably puffed and irresistible. This step gives you the ultimate soft, pull-apart texture.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the rolls at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes. The tops should turn a lovely golden color and your kitchen will smell spectacular.

Step 7: Make the Maple Cream Cheese Glaze

Beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, a very generous tbsp maple syrup

½ tsp vanilla extract until everything is completely smooth and creamy. Don’t skimp on this step—it’s what makes your rolls worthy of a bakery window!

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

Spread the glaze over the warm rolls and let it drizzle luxuriously down the sides. Dive in while they’re still warm—you’ve earned it!

How to Serve tbsp maple syrup

½ tsp vanilla extract

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, try scattering a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts over your freshly glazed rolls. The added crunch is fabulous. A light dusting of cinnamon or a final drizzle of tbsp maple syrup

½ tsp vanilla extract over the glaze can really add visual appeal and a flavor burst that marries perfectly with the pumpkin.

Side Dishes

Pairing these rolls is easy since they truly shine on their own, but they’re wonderful with sides that echo their cozy autumnal spirit. Try serving them with fresh fruit (like sliced pears or apples), a platter of crispy bacon, or a side of creamy scrambled eggs for a brunch spread everyone will remember.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties and special occasions, you can arrange the rolls in a spiral on a round platter topped with edible flowers or crushed candied nuts. Another great idea is to bake them in individual ramekins for single-serve treats—just don’t forget to top each one with its own generous spoonful of tbsp maple syrup

½ tsp vanilla extract glaze!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If—against all odds—you manage to have leftovers, keep them covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, stash them in the fridge where they’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked rolls (unglazed works best) by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They’ll keep happy in your freezer for up to 2 months. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently before glazing.

Reheating

To recapture that straight-from-the-oven experience, pop your rolls in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes, or warm individual rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds. Glaze after reheating, or if already glazed, warm gently to keep the frosting from melting too quickly.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the rolls and refrigerate them overnight—just let them come back to room temperature and rise for about an hour in the morning before baking. This is one of my favorite hacks for fresh, warm rolls with minimal morning work.

What if I don’t have pumpkin spice?

No problem! You can make your own by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of cloves. The flavor is just as cozy and aromatic—plus, you can tweak it to suit your personal taste.

Can I use instant yeast instead?

Yes! Instant yeast will work here; just skip the initial foaming step and mix it right into the flour. The dough should still rise perfectly. Keep an eye on the first rise, as it may be slightly quicker.

How can I make these rolls more decadent?

Try adding a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips to the filling, or swirling in some chopped pecans or walnuts. Another trick: increase the tbsp maple syrup

½ tsp vanilla extract in the glaze to let that maple flavor really shine.

Do I have to use cream cheese in the glaze?

While cream cheese adds maximum richness and tang, you can substitute with mascarpone or even a thick Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy spin. Just don’t skip the tbsp maple syrup

½ tsp vanilla extract—it’s what ties the glaze together!

Final Thoughts

Few things beat the smell and taste of homemade pumpkin cinnamon rolls with tbsp maple syrup

½ tsp vanilla extract in the glaze warming your kitchen on a chilly day. I hope your family and friends love them just as much as mine do. Don’t wait for a special occasion—make today a little sweeter!

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