Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Salted Caramel Frosting
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
For the Salted Caramel Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates the yeast is active.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, pumpkin puree, melted butter, and egg until well combined. Add the yeast mixture and mix.
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, add a bit more flour as needed.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to form a spreadable paste.
- Assemble the Rolls:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 16×12 inches.
- Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Cut the log into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or dental floss for a clean cut.
- Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover them with a towel, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Prepare the Salted Caramel Frosting:
- While the rolls are baking, make the frosting. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and cream, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Allow the caramel to cool slightly, then whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more cream until you reach your desired consistency.
- Frost and Serve:
- Spread the salted caramel frosting generously over the warm pumpkin cinnamon rolls. The warmth of the rolls will help the frosting melt into all the nooks and crannies.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top.
Serving Suggestions:
These pumpkin cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed warm with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa. They’re perfect for fall mornings, holiday brunches, or as a decadent dessert. The combination of pumpkin spice and the rich, buttery salted caramel frosting creates a flavor explosion that’s both cozy and indulgent.
Storage Tips:
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds to enjoy them warm again. The rolls can also be frozen, either frosted or unfrosted, for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Salted Caramel Frosting are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, with the warmth of fall spices and the richness of caramel. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them!
