If you love warm, comforting treats with a seasonal twist, you are going to adore this Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. These cinnamon rolls bring together the addictive softness of French bread dough, the luscious tang of cream cheese, and the cozy flavors of pumpkin pie spice, creating a delightful treat perfect for cozy mornings or special occasions. Every bite offers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy that feels like autumn wrapped up in a roll.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe calls for a handful of simple but essential ingredients that contribute immensely to texture, flavor, and that inviting fall color you want in your pastry. Each item is easy to find and works perfectly together to create the magic in every bite.
- Cream Cheese (4 oz, room temperature): Smooth and tangy, it adds richness to the filling and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Brown Sugar (¼ cup): Adds a deep molasses note that enhances the pumpkin spice flavor.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice (¼ tsp plus ⅛ tsp): The essential blend that brings warm, autumnal notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove to the rolls and glaze.
- Refrigerated French Bread Dough (11 oz can): The convenient base that, once baked, yields fluffy, tender rolls.
- Granulated Sugar (2 Tbsp): Sprinkled on top of the filling for added texture and sweetness.
- Powdered Sugar (½ cup): For the glaze, providing smooth sweetness and a soft finish.
- Milk (1 to 2 Tbsp): Used to blend the powdered sugar into a luscious glaze.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF and lightly spraying a 9-inch cake pan with cooking spray. Having everything ready ensures the rolls bake evenly and come out perfectly soft with lightly crisp edges.
Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice with an electric mixer at medium speed until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This luscious filling is where the signature flavor of this Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe begins, so make sure it’s well combined and fluffy.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough and Add Filling
Carefully unroll the refrigerated French bread dough at the seam and shape it into a neat rectangle on a clean surface. Spread the prepared cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a ¼-inch border around the edges to prevent spilling. Then, sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over the top to add a bit of crunch and sweetness in every bite.
Step 4: Roll and Slice the Dough
Starting from one long edge, gently but firmly roll the dough into a log shape, ensuring an even roll to keep the filling intact. Pinch the edges thoroughly to seal them and prevent the filling from leaking during baking. Using a serrated knife, slice the log into 12 evenly sized rolls for perfect portions.
Step 5: Bake until Golden and Fluffy
Place the sliced rolls into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and puff up just right. Taking care not to underbake will give you those irresistibly soft, melt-in-your-mouth rolls you dream about.
Step 6: Prepare and Add the Glaze
While the rolls bake, combine powdered sugar, a pinch of pumpkin pie spice, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to create a smooth glaze. Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, generously spread the glaze on top, letting it seep into the warm spirals for that perfect sweet finish.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your pumpkin spice cream cheese cinnamon rolls with extra cozy garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of additional pumpkin pie spice. These little touches add a delightful texture and deepen the fall flavor profile.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with a strong cup of coffee or a spiced chai latte, elevating your breakfast or brunch to an indulgent treat. For a lighter option, fresh fruit such as sliced apples or pears brightens the plate and balances the rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe into a showstopper by serving it in a rustic wooden box lined with parchment paper for a charming brunch spread. Alternatively, drizzle the rolls with caramel sauce or dollop with a maple whipped cream for an extra special twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the rolls soft and the cream cheese filling moist without drying out. If you won’t eat them soon, refrigerating is a smart choice.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked rolls by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them inside a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months. To enjoy later, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to revive their fresh-from-the-oven texture.
Reheating
Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a warm oven at 300ºF for 10 minutes. For a crispy crust with a warm, gooey center, reheating in the oven wrapped in foil is an excellent method.
FAQs
Can I make this Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe without a mixer?
Absolutely! You can mix the cream cheese, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice by hand using a whisk or sturdy spoon. It might take a bit more elbow grease, but the creamy filling will still turn out wonderfully smooth and delicious.
Is there a substitute for refrigerated French bread dough?
If you can’t find refrigerated French bread dough, a basic pizza dough or homemade yeast dough can work in a pinch. The key is using a dough that bakes up soft and fluffy so your cinnamon rolls have that signature texture.
Can I adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice?
Yes, you can tailor the spice level to your preference. If you love the warm spices, add a little extra, or reduce it slightly if you prefer a more subtle flavor. Just keep in mind it’s the star of this Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe.
Are these rolls suitable for freezing before baking?
They sure are! You can prepare the rolls up to the slicing stage, then freeze the unbaked rolls in the pan tightly wrapped. When ready to bake, thaw completely and bake as directed for fresh, homemade taste anytime.
What’s the best way to serve these rolls to guests?
Serve these cinnamon rolls warm on a pretty platter with extra glaze or cream cheese frosting on the side. Offering coffee or spiced cider completes a cozy experience your guests will rave about.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is truly a feel-good, soul-warming treat that’s perfect any time you crave a classic cinnamon roll with a seasonal twist. I encourage you to try it soon and enjoy that first bite of soft, creamy, and spice-kissed delight that’s pure autumn magic in every roll.
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Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 to 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 to 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls combine soft, warm French bread dough with a creamy pumpkin-spiced cream cheese filling, topped with a spiced powdered sugar glaze. Perfect for a cozy autumn breakfast or brunch, these rolls offer the comforting flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon in an easy-to-make treat that bakes in under 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice
Dough
- 1 (11-oz) can refrigerated French bread dough
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 Tbsp milk
- ⅛ tsp pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ºF. Lightly spray a 9-inch cake pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, brown sugar, and ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice at medium speed using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the refrigerated French bread dough at the seam and form it into a rectangle on a clean surface. Spread the prepared cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about a ¼-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Roll Dough: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a log shape lengthwise. Pinch the edges of the dough to seal the roll to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
- Cut Rolls: Using a serrated knife, cut the dough log into 12 equal rolls. Arrange the rolls evenly in the prepared cake pan.
- Bake: Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Prepare and Add Glaze: While the rolls are baking, combine the powdered sugar, remaining pumpkin pie spice, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust milk quantity to achieve desired glaze consistency. Spread the glaze evenly over the warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother filling.
- If desired, warm the milk slightly to help the glaze mix better.
- For a stronger pumpkin flavor, add a tablespoon of pumpkin puree to the cream cheese mixture.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
- These rolls are best enjoyed the same day but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
