Indulge yourself in the cozy flavors of autumn with a delightful twist on a classic baked good: pumpkin cheesecake cinnamon rolls. These heavenly treats blend the smoothness of cheesecake, the warming spices of pumpkin, and the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. In this recipe, you’ll discover the steps to create a bakery-quality delight right at your home.
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Growing up, Sunday mornings meant baking with my grandmother. Her kitchen was always filled with the scent of spices, warm dough, and love. Introducing this recipe to our family tradition has elevated our weekends to a whole new level. The smiles on everyone’s faces make the effort truly worthwhile.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe stands out for its unique combination of flavors and textures. The creaminess of the cheesecake filling perfectly complements the sweet and spicy pumpkin-infused dough. Preparing these cinnamon rolls at home allows you to enjoy a warm, gooey center with a perfectly baked exterior. They are ideal for a brunch gathering or simply indulging in a sweet treat with your loved ones.
Ingredients Notes
To make these pumpkin cheesecake cinnamon rolls, you’ll need staple ingredients like flour, sugar, and butter, along with cream cheese and pumpkin puree. For the best results, opt for pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling. Feel free to substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a slight caramel-like flavor. Using high-quality cinnamon and freshly grated nutmeg will significantly enhance the aroma and taste of your rolls.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Begin by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let this sit until foamy, about 5 minutes. Add pumpkin puree, an egg, melted butter, and the rest of the sugar. Gradually mix in flour and a pinch of salt until a soft dough forms.
Step 2
Knead the dough on a floured surface for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, or until silky and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1 to 2 hours, or until it’s doubled in size.
Step 3
While the dough is rising, make the cheesecake filling. Beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set this mixture aside.
Step 4
Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll the dough tightly until you have a log, then cut into equal pieces.
Step 5
Place the rolls into a greased baking dish and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes. Finally, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Storage Options
To store leftovers, ensure the rolls are completely cooled before placing them in an airtight container. They will keep well at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days. To freeze, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place in a ziplock freezer bag. To reheat, simply microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through.
Variations & Substitutions
For a gluten-free version, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Vegans can substitute the butter with coconut oil, the cream cheese with a vegan alternative, and the egg with a flaxseed egg. To add a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cheesecake filling before rolling the dough.
Serving Suggestions
These cinnamon rolls are perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast or a festive holiday brunch. Serve them with a warm cup of coffee or a spiced tea to enhance their comforting flavors. They also make for an excellent dessert when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. After kneading, place it in the fridge instead of letting it rise at room temperature, then proceed with the recipe the next morning.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice? You can make your own blend using a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Adjust the proportions to taste, starting with a 4:1 ratio of cinnamon to other spices.
How can I ensure my rolls are soft and not dense? To achieve soft rolls, make sure your dough is not too dense by adding flour gradually. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. Also, ensure it rises in a warm place to encourage yeast activity.
Spiced Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Delightful Autumn Treat!
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon roll dough Pillsbury or similar
For the Spiced Apple Filling
- 3 cups chopped apples peeled and cored
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
For the Caramel Glaze
- 0.5 cup cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar sifted
- 3 tablespoons caramel sauce
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 10-12 cavity muffin tin generously with butter.
- In a medium saucepan, combine chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook over medium heat until apples are tender and the mixture is fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Gently unroll each cinnamon roll. Press each into a greased muffin tin cavity, creating a well in the center for filling.
- Spoon 2 tablespoons of the apple filling into each cinnamon roll well, dividing it evenly among the rolls.
- Lightly cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the rolls are golden and cooked through.
- For the glaze, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, caramel sauce, and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Let the cinnamon rolls cool slightly before drizzling with caramel glaze.
