These Soft Pumpkin Rolls are like little hugs for your taste buds! They are fluffy, sweet, and filled with a creamy cream cheese mixture that makes each bite a sunny delight.
Honestly, making these rolls is a breeze. I love watching them puff up in the oven! They make the perfect treat for fall gatherings or just a cozy day at home. Yum! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: You can use canned pumpkin puree for convenience, or make your own from fresh pumpkin. Just roast and blend until smooth! This adds a nice depth of flavor.
Milk: Whole milk works best for a rich texture, but feel free to use skim or any nut milk if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Active Dry Yeast: If you only have instant yeast, you can use that instead without needing to activate it in warm milk first. Just mix it directly into the dry ingredients.
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended, but if you’re out, vegetable oil can be a good substitute. Just use less (about ⅓ cup) if you go this route!
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect here. If you want a wheatier flavor, try using whole wheat flour for part of it, but expect a denser roll.
Cream Cheese: If you’re dairy-free or just don’t have cream cheese, try using a dairy-free cream cheese option or whipped coconut cream for a similar texture.
How Do I Ensure My Dough Rises Perfectly?
Achieving the perfect rise is super important for soft rolls! Here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Warm Environment: Yeast loves warmth! Find a warm spot in your kitchen to let the dough rise, like near a sunny window or in a slightly warmed oven (turn it off before placing the dough inside).
- Covered Bowl: Keep the dough covered with a towel or plastic wrap to retain moisture while it rises and prevent it from drying out.
- Punch Down Gently: After the first rise, punch down gently to release air, then roll out carefully so you don’t lose all the fluffy bubbles created by the yeast.
With these tips, your dough should rise beautifully, giving you soft and fluffy pumpkin rolls!
Soft Pumpkin Rolls with Cream Cheese Filling
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pumpkin Dough:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- 1 cup milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 to 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves or allspice (optional)
For The Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For The Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk or cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 25 minutes for prep and approximately 2 to 2.5 hours for rising and baking. You’ll spend just a few minutes mixing the dough, letting it rise, rolling it out, and baking these lovely rolls. They might take some time to rise, but the wait is absolutely worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by combining the warm milk and yeast in a small bowl. Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy; this means your yeast is active and ready to go!
2. Mix the Pumpkin Base:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, melted butter, sugar, salt, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional cloves until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Add the foamy yeast mixture to the pumpkin mixture and stir until everything is blended nicely.
4. Add Flour Gradually:
Now, gradually add the flour, one cup at a time. Mix well after each addition. When the dough gets too tough to mix with a spoon, move it to a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Depending on how wet your pumpkin is, you may need more or less flour!
5. Let It Rise:
Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
6. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
While waiting for the dough, prepare the filling by beating together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Set this delicious filling aside.
7. Roll Out the Dough:
After the dough has risen beautifully, gently punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, roughly 15×20 inches.
8. Spread the Filling:
Evenly spread the cream cheese filling over the surface of the rolled-out dough, leaving about a ½-inch border on the edges.
9. Create the Roll:
Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it well.
10. Cut the Rolls:
Slice the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces and arrange them cut side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
11. Second Rise:
Cover the pan again and let the rolls rise for about 30-45 minutes, or until they’re nice and puffy. Patience pays off!
12. Bake the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked.
13. Cool and Glaze:
Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. If you’d like a sweet glaze, prepare it by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and drizzle it over the warm rolls.
14. Serve and Enjoy:
These soft pumpkin rolls are best served warm. Enjoy your deliciously spiced pumpkin rolls filled with creamy goodness!
FAQ for Soft Pumpkin Rolls with Cream Cheese Filling
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! To use fresh pumpkin, simply roast it until tender, then scoop out the flesh and blend until smooth. This will give your rolls a wonderful fresh flavor!
Can I Make These Rolls Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just ensure your blend contains xanthan gum to help with the dough’s elasticity!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Prep These Rolls in Advance?
Certainly! You can prepare the dough and filling, then shape and place the rolls in the baking pan. Cover them and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow them to come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking. Enjoy warm, freshly baked rolls!
