Brown Butter Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Delight in the warmth of Brown Butter Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls—a perfect treat for chilly autumn days. These rolls are not only fluffy and soft, but they also bring together the rich flavors of brown butter and pumpkin. Ideal for brunch, dessert, or a cozy family gathering, these cinnamon rolls are sure to impress with their spiced cream cheese frosting. Let’s dive into the recipe that captures the essence of fall!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of brown butter and pumpkin creates a rich taste that’s perfect for fall.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, even novice bakers can enjoy homemade cinnamon rolls.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a weekend treat, these rolls are versatile for any event.
• Deliciously Gooey Filling: The brown sugar and spices create a satisfying filling that melts in your mouth.
• Topped with Creamy Icing: The spiced cream cheese frosting adds an extra layer of flavor that elevates each bite.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Brown Butter Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, gather your tools to make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Baking pan (9×13 inches)
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or mixing bowl: A stand mixer makes kneading easier, while a bowl is essential if you prefer mixing by hand.
• Rolling pin: This tool is crucial for rolling out the dough evenly to achieve the perfect shape.
• Baking pan (9×13 inches): This size is ideal for accommodating all 12 cinnamon rolls comfortably.

Ingredients

Delightfully soft cinnamon rolls made with pureed pumpkin and fragrant brown butter, crowned with a spiced cream cheese topping—perfect for autumn indulgence!

Dough Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter (browned)
• 1 cup warm whole milk
• ½ cup granulated sugar (divided)
• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
• ¾ cup pumpkin puree
• 4¾ – 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp kosher salt

Filling Ingredients

• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• ¼ cup pumpkin puree
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)

Icing Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla essence
• ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice

How to Make Brown Butter Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Brown Butter

Begin by warming the unsalted butter in a pot over medium heat until it turns golden brown. Be careful not to burn it. Once ready, remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. Wait for about 5 minutes until it froths.
2. Add the remaining sugar, prepared brown butter, pumpkin puree, egg, egg yolk, flour (start with 4¾ cups), and salt.
3. Knead this mixture using your hands or a stand mixer on low speed for about 5–6 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size (approximately 1 hour).

Step 3: Make the Filling

While your dough rises, prepare the filling:
In a small bowl, mix together dark brown sugar, pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice until it forms a smooth paste.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

Once risen:
1. Turn out the dough onto a floured surface.
2. Roll it out into a rectangle approximately 20 by 10 inches thick.
3. Spread softened butter over the rolled-out dough followed by an even layer of your prepared filling.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

1. Starting from one long side of the rectangle, roll up tightly into a log shape.
2. Slice into 12 equal pieces.

Step 6: Bake

Place rolls snugly in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Allow them to rise again while preheating your oven to 350°F (about 30 minutes).
Pour any remaining cream over the top before baking them for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 7: Prepare Icing

While baking:
1. In a separate bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese and softened butter until creamy smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar along with vanilla essence and pumpkin pie spice until well combined.

Final Touch

Once out of the oven, generously coat each warm roll with icing while they are still warm to allow it to melt slightly into each roll.

Savor your homemade Brown Butter Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls today!

How to Serve Brown Butter Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Brown Butter Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are sure to impress your guests and family alike.

With a Cup of Coffee

• Pair your cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of coffee for a comforting morning routine. The rich flavors of the brown butter complement the coffee perfectly.

Drizzled with Extra Cream Cheese Frosting

• For an indulgent experience, add a drizzle of extra spiced cream cheese frosting on top. This makes each bite even more decadent and delicious.

Served Warm with Ice Cream

• Enjoy these rolls warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm and cold creates a delightful dessert experience.

Accompanied by Fresh Fruit

• Serve your cinnamon rolls with fresh fruit, like sliced apples or pears. This adds a refreshing element to balance the sweetness.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Include these cinnamon rolls in a larger brunch spread along with savory dishes. They make for a perfect sweet addition to any brunch table.

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How to Perfect Brown Butter Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

To achieve the best results when making Brown Butter Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, follow these helpful tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your yeast is active and your spices are fresh for optimal flavor.
• Knead the Dough Well: Knead until smooth for fluffy rolls; this helps develop gluten structure.
• Don’t Rush the Rising Time: Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size; this ensures light and airy rolls.
• Adjust Flour Gradually: Add flour gradually until the dough is slightly sticky but manageable; this prevents overly dry rolls.
• Bake Until Golden: Watch closely while baking; they should be golden brown on top without being overly dark.
• Serve Warm: These rolls taste best when served warm, enhancing their soft texture and rich flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Pairing side dishes with Brown Butter Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Eggs Benedict: A classic brunch dish featuring poached eggs on English muffins, topped with hollandaise sauce.
2. Savory Quiche: A slice of quiche adds protein and substance, balancing the sweetness of the rolls.
3. Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of bacon provides a delightful contrast to the soft sweetness of cinnamon rolls.
4. Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad brings brightness and acidity, which complements the richness of the rolls nicely.
5. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries makes for a refreshing side that enhances breakfast appeal.
6. Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad offers natural sweetness and freshness that pairs well with the flavors in the rolls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Brown Butter Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurate measurements are crucial for the perfect dough and filling. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure precision.
• Skipping the yeast proofing step: Failing to activate the yeast can lead to dense rolls. Always let the yeast mixture froth before incorporating it into your dough.
• Overworking the dough: Kneading too much can make your rolls tough. Aim for a smooth texture without over-kneading, about 5-6 minutes should suffice.
• Neglecting proper rising time: Rushing the rising process can result in flat rolls. Make sure to allow the dough to double in size for fluffy cinnamon rolls.
• Using cold butter for icing: Cold butter will not blend well with other ingredients, resulting in a lumpy frosting. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Brown Butter Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Brown Butter Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Brown Butter Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and cover rolls with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a single roll on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat and cover with a lid. Warm for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Brown Butter Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls:

How do I make my cinnamon rolls fluffier?

To achieve fluffier rolls, ensure that your yeast is fresh and actively bubbling before adding it to the dough mixture. Additionally, let the dough rise adequately.

Can I use canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, using canned pumpkin puree is convenient and works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure it’s pure pumpkin without added spices or sugars.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator overnight. Just allow extra time for rising before baking.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

If you want an alternative, you can use mascarpone cheese or even Greek yogurt mixed with powdered sugar as a substitute for cream cheese.

How do I store leftover icing?

Store any leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to one week.

Final Thoughts

These Brown Butter Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are not only delightful but also versatile enough for any occasion. Their rich flavor combined with spiced cream cheese topping makes them an autumn favorite. Feel free to customize them with nuts or different spices to suit your taste!