Fall is a wonderful time of year, and there’s nothing quite like the warm, cozy smell of baking pumpkin cinnamon buns wafting through your kitchen. Pretty Pumpkin Cinnamon Buns are a delight that combines the rich flavors of pumpkin with sweet cinnamon and a creamy glaze, making them perfect for breakfast, an afternoon treat, or even dessert.
Why Make This Recipe
These Pumpkin Cinnamon Buns are not only delicious but also easy to make. They offer a delightful way to celebrate the fall season with friends and family. Plus, the combination of spices and pumpkin gives these buns a unique flavor that will impress everyone. They are soft, fluffy, and topped with a cream cheese glaze that takes them to the next level. This recipe is perfect for gatherings or simply for enjoying at home.
How to Make Pretty Pumpkin Cinnamon Buns
Making Pretty Pumpkin Cinnamon Buns is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can bake a batch of these delightful treats in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add the remaining sugar, pumpkin puree, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger for the filling.
- Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
- Spread the filling over the dough, roll it tightly into a log, and slice it into 12 pieces. Arrange in a greased baking dish, then let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- For the glaze, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, mixing until smooth.
- Spread or drizzle the glaze over the warm buns and serve.
How to Serve Pretty Pumpkin Cinnamon Buns
These cinnamon buns are best served warm. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a lovely addition to any brunch or holiday gathering.
How to Store Pretty Pumpkin Cinnamon Buns
To store the buns, let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make Pretty Pumpkin Cinnamon Buns
- Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
- Knead the dough until it becomes elastic for the best texture.
- Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste.
- If your dough is too sticky, gradually add a bit more flour while kneading.
Variation
You can add nuts, such as chopped pecans or walnuts, into the filling for added texture and flavor. Also, consider using different spices like allspice or cardamom for a unique twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of pumpkin puree?
A: Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just make sure to cook it and blend it until smooth.
Q: Can I make these buns ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before baking.
Q: How do I reheat the pumpkin cinnamon buns?
A: You can reheat the buns in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
Enjoy making and sharing your Pretty Pumpkin Cinnamon Buns!
Pretty Pumpkin Cinnamon Buns
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C) Warm, not hot, to activate the yeast.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree Can substitute with fresh pumpkin if cooked and blended.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Add more if dough is too sticky.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Glaze Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk Adjust for desired consistency.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add the remaining sugar, pumpkin puree, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Filling and Shaping
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger for the filling.
- Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
- Spread the filling over the dough, roll it tightly into a log, and slice it into 12 pieces.
- Arrange in a greased baking dish, then let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
Glazing
- For the glaze, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, mixing until smooth.
- Spread or drizzle the glaze over the warm buns and serve.