Pumpkin Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’re ready to make your autumn baking dreams come true, the Pumpkin Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. Each swirl wraps together all the cozy essentials—pillowy-soft dough with pumpkin purée, the signature tang of sourdough, warmly spiced brown sugar, and a swoon-worthy cream cheese glaze. The pumpkin adds vibrant color and earthy sweetness, while the sourdough starter works magic with flavor and texture. If you love cinnamon rolls, prepare yourself to fall head over heels for this irresistible autumn twist that’s equally perfect as an indulgent breakfast, brunch centerpiece, or comforting dessert!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe serves a starring role, from the festive pumpkin to the signature tang of active starter. These simple but purposeful components combine for rolls that are rich, golden, and impossibly soft with layers of irresistible flavor and aroma.

• Sourdough Starter (113 grams): Offers the natural lift and gentle tanginess that make these rolls one-of-a-kind.
• Pumpkin Puree (150 grams): Brings seasonal color and lovely moisture for a tender, golden crumb.
• Milk (75 grams): Enriches the dough for extra softness and helps everything come together smoothly.
• Cane Sugar (50 grams): Adds subtle sweetness that rounds out the dough without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour (400 grams): The perfect base that gives the dough structure yet stays plush and light.
• Salt (9 grams): Balances the sweetness and amps up every other flavor.
• Unsalted Butter, softened (56 grams + 56 grams): Some goes into the dough for richness and some gets spread for that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth swirl.
• Brown Sugar (100 grams): Essential for a gooey, caramel-spiced filling that sets these rolls apart.
• Cinnamon, ground (5 grams): The classic backbone of a cinnamon roll—don’t skimp for full cozy flavor!
• Ginger, ground (½ teaspoon): Adds a welcome bit of zing and warmth to the filling mix.
• Cloves, ground (¼ teaspoon): Just a hint goes a long way toward deepening the autumnal spices.
• Nutmeg, grated (¼ teaspoon): Freshly grated nutmeg takes it to bakery-level deliciousness.
• Cream Cheese (72 grams): This is the foundation of your tangy-sweet glaze.
• Powdered Sugar (90 grams): Sweetens the glaze to that perfect creamy consistency.
• Milk (42 grams): For smoothing and thinning the glaze just right.
• Egg (optional): Brushed over the dough for a beautiful, shiny golden finish.

How to Make Pumpkin Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Pumpkin Sourdough Dough

In a large bowl, dissolve your active sourdough starter into the pumpkin purée, milk, and cane sugar. The starter should be completely blended, infusing every bit of the mixture with flavor. This is where the magic (and the flavor) starts!

Step 2: Form the Dough

Stir the all-purpose flour and salt into your pumpkin mixture, using a wooden spoon or your hands. Work it until you have a shaggy, somewhat sticky dough. This humble mixture is about to transform into your favorite fall bake!

Step 3: Knead in the Butter

Add the softened butter one tablespoon at a time, really working each addition into the dough before moving on. It may get a little messy, but keep going! As the dough absorbs the butter, it’ll transform from sticky to beautifully smooth and elastic.

Step 4: Rest and First Rise

Once the butter is fully incorporated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest for 1 hour. This short rest makes kneading much easier and gives the dough a chance to start working its magic.

Step 5: Knead and Proof

Knead the dough for 5–10 minutes until smooth and stretchy—it should feel alive as you work it. Gently shape it into a ball, set it in a lightly oiled bowl, and cover with plastic. Now, let it rise until doubled in volume. This typically takes about 4 to 6 hours, depending on your kitchen temperature, but don’t rush it; a good, bubbly rise means tender, fluffy rolls.

Step 6: Cold Proof Overnight

Once the dough is beautifully risen, gently deflate it, cover, and set in the fridge overnight. This “cold proof” develops flavor and makes tomorrow’s rolling and shaping much easier. Trust the process—the anticipation builds!

Step 7: Prepare the Filling

The next day, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg in a small bowl. This is your aromatic, spiced filling, ready to be swirled through every bite.

Step 8: Roll Out and Shape

Lightly flour your work surface, then gently roll your chilled dough into a big, even rectangle about 10 by 18 inches. Spread the softened butter from edge to edge, then sprinkle the spiced brown sugar mixture all over. Starting with the long side, roll it up tightly into a glorious, golden cylinder.

Step 9: Cut the Rolls

Use a sharp knife or floss to slice your log into 12 equal pieces, each about 1½ inches wide. Arrange the swirled beauties in a parchment-lined baking pan—by the time they finish proofing, they’ll be deliciously puffy and snug.

Step 10: Final Proof and Bake

Cover the rolls again and let them rise in a warm space until touching and pillowy, about 2–4 hours. When they fill out the pan and look irresistible, preheat your oven to 375 F. If you like, brush the tops with beaten egg for a rich golden color before baking for 30–40 minutes, or until the centers register 190 F.

Step 11: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

While your kitchen fills with the scent of fresh cinnamon rolls, beat together the cream cheese and butter until no lumps remain, then blend in powdered sugar and milk. The result should be smooth, luscious, and impossible to resist.

Step 12: Glaze and Enjoy!

As soon as your rolls emerge, slather them with the creamy glaze while still warm. Watch it melt into every swirl, turning your Pumpkin Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe into a bakery-worthy masterpiece.

How to Serve Pumpkin Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

Keep it classic with the rich cream cheese glaze, or add a sprinkle of toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon over the top for a little extra flare. A few curls of orange zest also look gorgeous and add a fresh, bright note that balances the sweetness perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair your cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of coffee, spiced chai latte, or a tall glass of cold milk. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit, a creamy yogurt parfait, or even a savory egg dish to balance the sweetness of these rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the rolls high on a cake stand for a show-stopping centerpiece, or serve each one on a pretty plate with extra glaze on the side. For a grab-and-go twist, wrap them individually in parchment—perfect for a fall picnic or gifting to friends and neighbors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cinnamon rolls covered at room temperature for up to 1 day, or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them from drying out, wrap the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer rolls to an airtight container.

Freezing

After baking and cooling completely, freeze unglazed rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. To freeze before baking, shape the rolls and freeze them on a tray until solid, then transfer to a bag—proof and bake straight from the freezer when ready!

Reheating

Warm leftover rolls gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300 F oven, covered with foil, for 10 minutes. If you have extra glaze, drizzle it over just before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven magic.

FAQs

Can I make this Pumpkin Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version that’s every bit as soft and flavorful as the original.

Do I have to use active sourdough starter, or can I substitute something else?

To achieve the signature flavor and rise of the Pumpkin Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, a mature, active sourdough starter is best. If you don’t have one, you could experiment with commercial yeast, but the flavor will be less complex and you’ll miss that signature sourdough tang.

Can I skip the overnight cold proof?

While you technically can shorten the process, the overnight cold proof is what gives these rolls their depth of flavor and easier shaping. For the very best results, don’t skip it—your patience will be deliciously rewarded!

What if I want to make these rolls ahead for a party or special brunch?

You can assemble and shape the rolls, then refrigerate the pan overnight and bake fresh the next morning. This makes the Pumpkin Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe a wonderful, low-stress option for entertaining.

Can I double or halve this recipe?

This recipe scales up or down easily. Double it to feed a crowd, or halve it for a smaller batch, just keep your eye on pan size and adjust proofing times as needed for the best, fluffiest results.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to gather your ingredients and give this Pumpkin Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe a whirl in your own kitchen. From the aroma that fills your home to that very first, sticky-fingered bite, these rolls are guaranteed to make any day feel a little bit more special. Happy baking and enjoy every swirl!

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