If you’re craving the perfect cozy treat, you’ve just stumbled upon something truly special: Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe. These rolls are soft, moist, bursting with warm cinnamon and pumpkin flavor, and finished off with a luscious cream cheese glaze that I promise you’ll want to drizzle on every bite. When I first tried this recipe, it became an instant fall favorite in my house, and I’m excited to share exactly how you can make them as effortlessly as I do.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: You don’t need yeast or complicated rising times, making it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute cravings.
Moist and Flavorful: The pumpkin puree adds incredible moisture and that irresistible autumn vibe we all love.
Cream Cheese Glaze: A rich and tangy glaze that complements the cinnamon and pumpkin perfectly.
Family-Approved: Whether for breakfast or dessert, my family goes crazy for these rolls every time!

A white plate filled with six bright orange spiral rolls, each topped with a thick drizzle of white icing. The rolls have multiple visible layers with a soft, doughy texture and a cinnamon-spice swirl inside that adds a speckled light brown pattern. A woman's hand is gently lifting one roll from the plate, showing more of its smooth icing on the top center. The background is a white marbled texture with a small orange pumpkin blurred in the back. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze, pumpkin cinnamon rolls, fall cinnamon roll recipes, pumpkin dessert ideas, easy cinnamon roll recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create the softest dough and the creamiest topping. Look for fresh pumpkin puree and good quality cream cheese to get the best flavor and texture in your Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe.

Flat lay of all purpose flour in a small mound, two teaspoons of baking powder in a small white bowl, a pinch of kosher salt in a small white bowl, a quarter cup of softened unsalted butter as a smooth pale yellow block, a quarter cup of granulated brown sugar in a neat pile, a small white bowl holding vivid orange pumpkin puree, a small white bowl with smooth whipped cream cheese, a small white bowl filled with golden honey, a small white bowl with ground cinnamon, a small white bowl of powdered sugar, a small white bowl containing fresh cream, a few whole brown eggs with clean shells arranged neatly placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze, pumpkin cinnamon rolls, fall cinnamon roll recipes, pumpkin dessert ideas, easy cinnamon roll recipes

All-purpose flour: The base of our dough — use unbleached if you can for extra tenderness.
Baking powder: This is the magic leavening agent that gets your rolls fluffy without any yeast.
Kosher salt: Just a pinch to balance and enhance the sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Softened, so it blends smoothly — butter always adds richness!
Brown sugar: For that deep caramel flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and pumpkin.
Pumpkin puree: Use 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling — it gives that natural sweetness and moist texture.
Whipped cream cheese: This spreads easily over the dough for the filling and creates a mellow tang.
Honey: A drizzle adds natural sweetness and helps keep things nicely gooey.
Ground cinnamon: A must-have for warm spice that makes these rolls irresistible.
Powdered sugar: For the glaze — smooth and sweet.
Milk, water, or cream: To thin the glaze to your preferred drizzling consistency.
Vanilla extract (optional): Just a splash brings an extra layer of flavor to the glaze.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to make it dairy-free or add a little crunch, it’s all about making the rolls your own.

Dairy-Free Version: I’ve swapped butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil and cashew cream with great results.
Nutty Twist: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts inside the filling gives a nice crunch — my family loves that surprise texture.
Spice It Up: Try mixing in a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger with the cinnamon for a more complex spice blend.
Glaze Alternatives: Maple syrup mixed with cream cheese makes an amazing, less sugary glaze if you want to mix things up.

How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and whisk together the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt in a medium bowl. I always make sure to sift or whisk well so the baking powder is evenly distributed — this helps your rolls rise perfectly.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Pumpkin

In a separate bowl or your stand mixer, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Then, mix in the pumpkin puree until everything is smooth. I discovered that using room temperature butter really makes this step much smoother and less frustrating!

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the flour mixture to your pumpkin mixture and stir just until combined. You want to avoid overmixing here — it keeps the dough tender, which is key to those soft rolls.

Step 4: Roll and Add Filling

On a well-floured surface, roll your dough into a 16×12 inch rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the whipped cream cheese evenly over the dough, then drizzle with honey and sprinkle the cinnamon on top. This combo gives you that sweet, smooth, and spicy filling that everyone raves about.

Step 5: Roll Up and Slice

Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Using a sharp knife, slice into 1 1/2-inch pieces. I always dip my knife in flour before each cut to keep the slices neat and avoid sticking.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Place your rolls in greased muffin cups or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, just until they’re golden brown. Watch carefully near the end so they don’t overbake — you want soft rolls, not dry ones!

Step 7: Prepare and Drizzle the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the rolls are baking, mix powdered sugar with milk one tablespoon at a time until you get the perfect drizzling texture. Stir in the vanilla extract if you’re using it. Once the rolls are warm but not piping hot, drizzle glaze generously over the top for that luscious finale.

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Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Soft Butter Is Key: I learned the hard way that using cold butter makes the dough lumpy, so always let it soften fully.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Stir until just combined; otherwise, your rolls might turn out tough instead of tender.
Flour Your Knife to Cut Clean Slices: Keeps your rolls looking perfect and makes slicing so much easier.
Glaze While Warm: Drizzling glaze on slightly cooled rolls helps it set beautifully without melting into a puddle.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or chopped toasted pecans on top of the glaze just for that extra wow factor. Sometimes a few fresh cranberries or a dusting of powdered sugar adds a festive touch when I’m serving these for guests.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced chai or fresh coffee — perfect for breakfast or brunch. If you want to turn it into a bigger meal, creamy scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad go beautifully alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange the rolls in a wreath shape on a large platter, garnished with cinnamon sticks and autumn leaves for that seasonal charm. You can also serve them stacked on a tiered cake stand for a beautiful brunch centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days — they stay soft and delicious. If you want to keep them longer, placing them in the fridge is fine, but I always reheat before serving for that fresh-baked feel.

Freezing

I freeze baked pumpkin rolls without glaze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When I’m ready to enjoy, I just thaw overnight, warm them gently, and add the cream cheese glaze fresh — it tastes almost like new!

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat is in the oven or toaster oven at 320°F for about 10 minutes. This keeps the rolls warm and soft without drying them out, unlike microwaving which sometimes makes them chewy or dense.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

I don’t recommend it because canned pumpkin pie filling is already sweetened and spiced, which can throw off the balance of flavors in your rolls. Stick to plain pumpkin puree for the best results.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

You could mix the dough and refrigerate it overnight, but it’s easiest and best fresh. The rolls bake up softer and fluffier when you work with the dough right after mixing.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No problem! You can cream the butter and sugar using a hand mixer or even by hand with a sturdy wooden spoon — just be patient and make sure your butter is soft.
How can I make the rolls dairy-free?

Swap unsalted butter for a solid coconut oil or vegan butter substitute, and replace cream cheese with a dairy-free version or cashew cream for the filling and glaze—both options work wonderfully!
Are these rolls suitable for breakfast or dessert?

Absolutely! These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe are versatile — I’ve served them warm for breakfast and also as an indulgent after-dinner treat.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how quickly and easily this Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe comes together without sacrificing that homemade, soulful flavor. It’s become my go-to when I want something festive but fuss-free, and my family can’t get enough of the cozy, tender bites. If you’re on the fence about trying pumpkin rolls, give this recipe a shot — you’ll be rewarded with warm cinnamon goodness and creamy sweetness that fills your kitchen with fall magic.