The fanatical, seasonal craze that is pumpkin spice has now reached its fever pitch. And this is for good reason, despite how often so many people take it too far. In my husband’s family tradition, this time of year is filled with famous iterations of bourbon-infused pumpkin pies and luscious, buttery pumpkin breads that would make you lose your mind. The recipes have been floating amongst family members for a couple generations, and let me tell you: this is pumpkin spice done right.

A few years ago I was invited to take part in this family tradition and I thankfully won over many hearts with what is now is a staple recipe for cinnamon rolls. So this year I thought I would infuse my recipe with pumpkin, and of course the many spices associated with it, and the result was not only unutterably delicious, but a brand new recipe in its own right.

If you’re therefore looking for a knockout recipe for your next holiday gathering, or at least want to cash in on all that’s good in the all-too-often ridiculous fad of pumpkin spice, look no further! I promise you this will be one of the tastiest treats ever to have emerged from your oven.

Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls

For the Dough

Yields 12 Rolls

3-3¼ cup unbleached all-purpose flour

1 tsp kosher salt

1 3/4 tsp pumpkin spice

1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 cup whole milk

1 tsp granulated sugar

2 1/4 Teaspoons Active Dry Yeast ,or 1 Individual Packet- I used Fleischmann's Yeast

1/2 cup pumpkin puree

6 tbs unsalted butter, melted

1 large egg, room temp

1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed

2 ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Filling

½ cup packed dark or light brown sugar

1 tbs cinnamon

1 tsp pumpkin spice

for the FROSTING

Enough for 12 Rolls

4 oz Cream Cheese, softened

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 tbs unsalted butter, Softened

1 1/2 cup powdered sugar

pinch of kosher salt

Few Splashes of whole milk—about 1 tbs

Equipment

Standing mixer with hook attachment, and whisk attachment, large bowl, saucepan, thermometer, small bowl, rolling pin. A 13" x 9" x 1" high sheet pan to bake all12 rolls at once.

Method

For the dough—In a large bowl whisk together 3 cups flour, kosher salt, pumpkin spice, and nutmeg; set aside.

Gently warm the milk in a saucepan or the microwave to 100-110F°, or to your yeast manufacturer’s recommendation. Add the warmed milk, 1 tsp granulated sugar, and the yeast to a small bowl. Gently mix, and let stand until foamy, about 8-10 minutes.

While the yeast is proofing, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix together the melted butter, pumpkin puree, egg, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the yeast mixture and mix on low to combine.

Stop the mixer and add the 3 cups of flour and mix on medium-low speed. Once it turns into a sticky dough, stop the mixer and switch to a dough hook. Continue mixing the dough on medium speed for about 5 minutes. Stop the mixer and check the dough. It should be soft and slightly sticky, but not so much that it sticks aggressively to your hands. If the dough seem too tacky, continue to add in the remaining flour in tablespoon increments. You may not need all the flour, so check the tackiness of the dough after each addition. The dough will be soft and should clear the sides of the bowl, but will still slightly stick to the bottom of the bowl

Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. You could use the same bowl you mixed it in, as it should be pretty clean. Place the dough in a warm, draft-free place. The oven or microwave are two great places. Let dough rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Place the dough onto a lightly floured surface and lightly punch down the dough. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes, then roll out into a 18x10-inch rectangle.

For the filling, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice. Spread the 4 tablespoons of softened butter over the surface of the dough, then sprinkle the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½ inch border on one side. With your rolling pin, lightly roll over the sugar mixture to help pack it into the dough.

Roll the dough lengthwise up from bottom to top, making sure to tuck and pull as you roll.

Run a moistened finger along the ½-inch edge of the dough without filling, and pinch to seal the edge. Cut into 12 pieces. They should be just over 1-inch thick. Place the rolls onto a 13" x 9" x 1"-inch baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for another 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Depending on how quickly the rolls are rising, heat oven to 375 F°. Place the rolls in the oven and bake for 20-25 or until lightly brown on top. You don’t want to brown the rolls to much as this will make them harder when they cool.

While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting.

In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, mix together the cream cheese, vanilla, powdered sugar butter, and salt. Once combined, add in the butter and whisk until smooth.. Add a small amount of milk to create a more “glaze like” texture, continue to add milk until desired consistency is obtained.

Pour glaze over cinnamon warm buns and enjoy every bite!

PUMPKIN SPICE CINNAMON ROLLS