Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Coffee Maple Frosting
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Coffee Maple Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strong brewed coffee (cooled)
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
Making the Rolls:
1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, a teaspoon of sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Combine wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, pumpkin puree, vanilla, spices, salt, and remaining sugar.
3. Mix in yeast: Add the activated yeast to the wet mixture.
4. Add flour: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Let it rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Roll out: Punch down the dough and turn onto a floured surface. Roll into a rectangle about 16x12 inches.
7. Fill: Brush the surface with melted butter, then sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar (1/2 cup sugar + 1 tablespoon cinnamon). For extra pumpkin flavor, you can sprinkle some additional cinnamon or pumpkin spice.
8. Roll and cut: Roll the dough tightly from the long side and cut into 12-15 equal pieces.
9. Bake: Place in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Making the Frosting:
1. In a bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese until creamy.
2. Mix in powdered sugar gradually.
3. Add cooled coffee, maple syrup, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth.
4. Adjust consistency with more powdered sugar or coffee if needed.
Assemble:
- Once the cinnamon rolls are baked and slightly cooled, spread generously with the coffee maple frosting. Serve warm and enjoy!