Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

The Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls take the beloved breakfast classic and give it a cozy autumn twist. Soft, fluffy rolls are infused with pumpkin puree and warm spices, then filled with buttery cinnamon sugar and topped with a sweet maple glaze.

Perfect for weekend brunches, holidays, or any chilly morning, these rolls fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and deliver melt-in-your-mouth comfort with every bite.

A Quick Glimpse at Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Pumpkin cinnamon rolls are inspired by classic American yeast dough recipes but enhanced with seasonal pumpkin puree and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The Pioneer Woman’s version maintains her signature rustic charm — simple, indulgent, and full of homemade warmth. The dough is tender and rich, the filling perfectly spiced, and the glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness.

Other Popular Pioneer Woman Recipes

• Pioneer Woman Cornbread With Creamed Corn
• Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Bars
• Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins

Why This Recipe is Worth Trying

• Soft and fluffy texture – pumpkin keeps the dough tender and moist.
• Perfect fall flavor – cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin make every bite warm and comforting.
• Make-ahead friendly – prepare the rolls the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
• Crowd-pleaser – ideal for brunches, holidays, or gifting.
• Aromatic and beautiful – your kitchen will smell like fall magic.

Essential Ingredients for This Recipe

For the dough:

• Whole milk (1 cup, warm)
• Granulated sugar (¼ cup)
• Active dry yeast (2¼ tsp or 1 packet)
• Pumpkin puree (¾ cup, not pumpkin pie filling)
• Melted butter (¼ cup)
• Eggs (2 large)
• All-purpose flour (4½ cups)
• Salt (1 tsp)
• Ground cinnamon (1 tsp)
• Ground nutmeg (¼ tsp)

For the filling:

• Brown sugar (¾ cup, packed)
• Ground cinnamon (1 tbsp)
• Ground nutmeg (¼ tsp)
• Butter (¼ cup, softened)

For the glaze:

• Powdered sugar (1 cup)
• Maple syrup (2 tbsp)
• Milk (1–2 tbsp, as needed for consistency)
• Vanilla extract (½ tsp)

Useful Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Rolling pin
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Oven

Directions to Make Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate the yeast

In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–7 minutes until foamy — this means the yeast is active.

Step 2: Prepare the dough

Add pumpkin puree, melted butter, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well. Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Let it rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Prepare the filling

Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 5: Roll out and fill

Punch down the dough and roll it into a 16×12-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter evenly, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over it.

Step 6: Shape the rolls

Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 even rolls and place them in a greased 9×13-inch pan.

Step 7: Second rise

Cover and let rise for another 30–40 minutes until puffy.

Step 8: Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 9: Glaze and serve

Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Dense texture – let the dough rise longer for better fluffiness.
• Dry edges – brushed baked rolls with butter for extra softness.
• Overpowering spice – balanced cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm yet gentle flavor.
• Glaze too thick – added a little milk for perfect drizzle consistency.

Healthier Ways to Make Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Use whole wheat flour for half the dough, reduce sugar by ⅓, and replace some butter with Greek yogurt. You can also make a light glaze using powdered sugar and almond milk.

Ingredient Substitutions for Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Swap whole milk with almond or oat milk.
• Replace butter with coconut oil for dairy-free rolls.
• Use maple syrup or honey instead of sugar.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for crunch.

Unexpected Ways to Enjoy Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• With cream cheese glaze – for a tangy-sweet twist.
• As French toast – slice leftover rolls and cook in an egg custard mix.
• For dessert – serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Mini rolls – bake smaller portions for parties or snacks.
• With caramel drizzle – top with warm caramel for indulgence.

Best Tips for Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Success

• Use warm milk – not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
• Knead well – ensures a soft, fluffy dough.
• Let the dough rise properly – patience gives a better texture.
• Use room-temperature butter for smooth filling spread.
• Cool slightly before glazing – prevents glaze from melting off.

Tasty Twists on Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Maple pecan rolls – add toasted pecans to the filling.
• Pumpkin spice rolls – mix pumpkin pie spice for deeper flavor.
• Chocolate chip rolls – sprinkle mini chips over the filling.
• Cream cheese swirl – spread cream cheese on the dough before rolling.
• Apple pumpkin rolls – add diced apples inside the filling.

Best Ways to Store Your Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Room temperature – covered up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate – lasts up to 5 days in an airtight container.
• Freeze – wrap individually and store for up to 2 months.

Ways to Warm It Up Again

• Microwave – heat for 10–15 seconds for soft rolls.
• Oven – reheat at 325°F for 8–10 minutes.
• Air fryer – 300°F for 3–4 minutes to refresh texture.

Nutritional Breakdown (per roll, 1 of 12)

• Calories: ~310
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: ~190mg

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FAQs

Why are my pumpkin cinnamon rolls dense instead of fluffy?

Pumpkin cinnamon rolls can turn dense if the dough isn’t kneaded enough or if the yeast isn’t properly activated. Always use warm milk (about 110°F) to activate the yeast and knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Allowing the dough to rise fully before baking helps create a light, fluffy texture.

How do I make the pumpkin flavor stronger in cinnamon rolls?

To enhance the pumpkin flavor, use pure pumpkin puree instead of pie filling and increase the amount of pumpkin spice or cinnamon in the dough. You can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or maple syrup to deepen the flavor.

Can I make Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls a day in advance. After shaping the rolls, cover the pan tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bring them to room temperature and let them rise for about 45 minutes before baking.

What type of icing is best for pumpkin cinnamon rolls?

A maple or cream cheese glaze pairs perfectly with the warm spice of pumpkin cinnamon rolls. For a lighter option, use a simple vanilla icing made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.

Wrapping It Up

The Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls brings all the best fall flavors into one unforgettable treat. Soft, sweet, and perfectly spiced, these rolls make mornings feel special.