These Pumpkin Butter Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate fall indulgence—fluffy, buttery rolls swirled with sweet pumpkin butter and cinnamon sugar, then topped with a brown butter coffee cream cheese icing that melts right into every soft fold. Perfect for crisp autumn mornings or festive holiday breakfasts, this recipe brings cozy, seasonal spices into a timeless treat that’s both nostalgic and new.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Dough:

1 cup warm milk
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1/4 cup brown sugar
4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
2 eggs
4–4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

1/2–3/4 cup pumpkin butter (store-bought or homemade)
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Coffee Icing:

4 tablespoons salted butter
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1–2 teaspoons instant espresso or strong coffee
1–1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Directions

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk, yeast, and brown sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until bubbly.
Add melted butter, eggs, flour, and salt. Mix with a dough hook until smooth and elastic (add more flour if needed). Cover and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
Mix together the cinnamon and brown sugar for the filling. Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish.
On a floured surface, roll dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread pumpkin butter over the dough, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and tightly roll into a log. Cut into 12–15 rolls and arrange in prepared dish. Cover while oven preheats.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
For the icing, brown the butter in a saucepan (2–3 minutes until it smells toasty). Whisk with cream cheese and maple syrup, then add espresso, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
Spread icing over warm rolls and serve immediately.

Make Ahead Options:

Refrigerate unbaked rolls overnight and bake in the morning
Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months

Nutrients (per roll, approx.)

Calories: 466
Fat: ~20g
Carbohydrates: ~65g
Sugar: ~30g
Protein: ~6g
Saturated Fat: ~11g
Sodium: ~210mg

Why Pumpkin Butter Makes All the Difference

Pumpkin butter is the heart of what makes these cinnamon rolls unique. Unlike canned pumpkin puree, pumpkin butter is slow-cooked with sweeteners and spices until it becomes thick, glossy, and intensely flavorful. When used as the filling base, it adds moisture and a spiced complexity that permeates every layer of the dough.

This pumpkin butter blends beautifully with the cinnamon sugar, ensuring that every bite is infused with a balance of sweet and spice. The combination enhances the overall depth of flavor and provides a smoother spread, making the filling easier to roll and bake evenly. It also complements the slight tang of the cream cheese in the icing, tying everything together in warm, velvety harmony.

The Soft, Buttery Dough That Melts in Your Mouth

The dough used in this recipe is intentionally rich and tender. Made with warm milk, eggs, and melted butter, it yields a soft, supple texture that practically melts in your mouth. This isn’t the kind of dough that’s tough or chewy—it’s light, fluffy, and pliable, allowing it to rise beautifully and bake into golden perfection.

When rolled out and filled, the dough creates gentle, spiraled pockets that hold the pumpkin filling in place. As it bakes, the sugar caramelizes slightly at the edges, giving the rolls a subtle crispness while the centers remain gooey and tender. This balance of textures is one of the reasons these rolls feel so satisfying—each bite offers softness, spice, sweetness, and structure.

Brown Butter Coffee Cream Cheese Icing: The Perfect Finish

No cinnamon roll is complete without a generous slathering of icing, and this version goes above and beyond. Instead of a basic glaze, the rolls are topped with a rich brown butter coffee cream cheese icing. Browning the butter adds a toasty, nutty depth that enhances the warm flavors of the filling, while a hint of espresso or strong coffee sharpens the sweetness and creates contrast.

The cream cheese provides body and a slight tang that cuts through the richness, while maple syrup and vanilla add cozy undertones. It’s thick enough to cling to the tops of the rolls, yet soft enough to melt into every swirl, creating a luscious finish that elevates the entire experience.

This icing isn’t an afterthought—it’s an essential part of what makes these rolls so memorable. It brings balance, texture, and an extra touch of indulgence that feels just right for a fall morning.

Perfect for Seasonal Celebrations and Slow Mornings

These pumpkin butter cinnamon rolls are tailor-made for autumn occasions. They feel festive without being fussy, making them an excellent choice for Thanksgiving morning, Halloween brunches, or even a Sunday breakfast during the peak of pumpkin season. Their inviting appearance and comforting scent make them a natural centerpiece for holiday tables or weekend family gatherings.

What’s more, they’re designed with flexibility in mind. You can make the dough and rolls ahead of time, refrigerate them overnight, and bake them fresh in the morning—an ideal solution for busy hosts or early risers who want to serve something warm without starting from scratch. You can also freeze them baked or unbaked for up to three months, which means you can enjoy a taste of fall anytime.

A Balanced Treat Worth Savoring

With approximately 466 calories per roll, these cinnamon rolls are a decadent treat—but one that offers a surprising balance of indulgence and satisfaction. Each roll delivers a satisfying combination of carbs, fat, and a modest amount of protein, making them a hearty breakfast or brunch item that truly fills you up.

The richness of the butter and cream cheese is tempered by the fiber and nutrients from the pumpkin butter. Plus, using high-quality ingredients—like real butter, pure vanilla, and homemade or natural pumpkin butter—can make a noticeable difference in flavor and nutritional integrity.

These are the kinds of rolls that feel like a true treat but still offer homemade wholesomeness. They don’t need excessive sweeteners or additives to taste good—they rely on fresh ingredients and seasonal flavors that speak for themselves.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Butter Cinnamon Rolls

Achieving bakery-quality cinnamon rolls at home isn’t difficult when you follow a few helpful tips. Always make sure your milk is warm but not hot when blooming the yeast—it should be around body temperature to activate the yeast without killing it. Letting the dough rise until it’s truly doubled in size ensures a soft, fluffy texture.

When spreading the pumpkin butter, leave a small border at the edges of the dough to prevent overflow while rolling. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut clean slices without squishing the dough. Finally, resist the urge to overbake—the rolls should be golden on top but still soft in the center.

If you’re browning butter for the icing, watch it closely. Butter can go from golden and nutty to burned quickly, so swirl the pan and remove it from heat as soon as it smells toasty and looks amber in color.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These rolls are best served warm, right out of the oven or gently reheated. Their cozy, spiced flavor pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a pumpkin spice latte for the full seasonal experience. For brunch spreads, they work well alongside savory dishes like scrambled eggs, bacon, or a vegetable frittata to create a balanced meal.

If you’re entertaining, consider offering a toppings bar with extra icing, chopped toasted pecans, or even spiced maple syrup so guests can customize their own rolls. The indulgence and flexibility make them a crowd-pleaser no matter the occasion.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Butter Cinnamon Rolls are everything you want in a fall breakfast—warm, inviting, aromatic, and just indulgent enough to feel special. They combine the timeless charm of classic cinnamon rolls with the depth and richness of seasonal pumpkin butter, wrapped in soft dough and crowned with a brown butter coffee cream cheese icing that feels both nostalgic and new.

Whether you’re baking for family, hosting a holiday brunch, or simply treating yourself to something delicious on a crisp morning, this recipe delivers. It brings together the best of fall—spice, comfort, and sweetness—in a format that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Once you’ve tasted these rolls fresh from the oven, they’ll quickly become a treasured part of your seasonal baking tradition.