AUTUMN CINNABONS

Ingredients

Dough

160 grams (5.65 ounces) pumpkin puree
120 grams (4.25 ounces) milk
7 grams (0.25 ounces) dry yeast
100 grams (3.55 ounces) sugar
85 grams (3.00 ounces) butter
1 egg
440 grams (15.50 ounces) flour
1/2 teaspoon (0.5 teaspoon) salt
vanilla essence to taste

Filling

150 grams (5.30 ounces) sugar
70 grams (2.45 ounces) butter
15 grams (0.55 ounces) cinnamon

Cream Coating

230 grams (8.10 ounces) cream cheese
80 grams (2.80 ounces) powdered sugar
30 grams (1.05 ounces) heavy cream (33-35%)

Equipment

Large Mixing Bowl
Great for combining all your ingredients without making a mess! Opt for a stainless steel or glass bowl for best results.
Planetary Mixer
Perfect for kneading the dough efficiently. Use the dough hook attachment for 5-7 minutes of effortless mixing.
Rolling Pin
Essential for rolling out the dough evenly. Go for a wooden or silicone rolling pin for better control.
Baking Sheet
This will hold your buns as they bake to golden perfection. Line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
Cling Film
Perfect for covering the dough as it rises, maintaining moisture and preventing skin formation.
Blender
For creating a smooth pumpkin puree. A hand blender or counter-top blender will do the trick effortlessly.

Instructions

Step 1

1. First, prepare the pumpkin puree. Cook the raw pumpkin (200–250 grams or approximately 7–9 ounces) in a saucepan or frying pan with a little water until it's soft. Then, blend it until smooth and pass through a sieve.

Step 2

Tip: If you're in a hurry, you can use canned pumpkin puree instead.

Step 3

2. In a microwave-safe bowl, gently heat the butter and milk until the butter is melted. Do not let the milk boil.

Step 4

Tip: Heating them together helps the yeast activate properly.

Step 5

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and butter mixture with the sugar, yeast, salt, egg, and cooled pumpkin puree. Mix well.

Step 6

Tip: Ensure the mixture isn't too hot; it should be warm to the touch.

Step 7

4. Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough using a planetary mixer with a hook attachment for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 8

Tip: If you don't have a mixer, you can knead by hand on a floured surface.

Step 9

5. Cover the dough with cling film and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 10

Tip: To create a warm environment, you can place the bowl in an oven with just the oven light on.

Step 11

6. Once the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and roll it out into a rectangle about 0.2 inches thick. You can also divide the dough into two parts if it's easier for you to handle.

Step 12

Tip: Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking.

Step 13

7. Spread the softened butter over the rolled-out dough. Mix the sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the butter.

Step 14

Tip: Make sure to cover the entire surface for even flavor distribution.

Step 15

8. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Cut the log into pieces approximately 0.8 to 1.6 inches thick, as per your preference.

Step 16

Tip: Use dental floss to cut clean slices without squishing the dough.

Step 17

9. Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 0.8 inches apart to allow for expansion.

Step 18

Tip: For perfectly round rolls, you can use a muffin tin to bake them.

Step 19

10. Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C) and bake the buns for 30 to 40 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

Step 20

Tip: Rotate the tray halfway through baking for even browning.

Step 21

11. While the buns are baking, prepare the cream coating. Mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and heavy cream together using a fork or spatula until smooth.

Step 22

Tip: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar to your taste.

Step 23

12. Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool for about 3 minutes. Then, generously spread the cream coating over the warm buns.

Step 24

Tip: For an extra touch, zest some orange or lemon over the cream coating.

Step 25

13. Enjoy your delicious, freshly baked pumpkin cinnamon rolls!

Servings

Imagine this: You pull these golden delights out of the oven, the kitchen filled with the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon and pumpkin. Serve your Pumpkin Cinnamon Buns fresh and warm, with a luxurious cream cheese glaze that melts just slightly from the residual heat. It's breakfast bliss, dessert decadence, and snack-time perfection all rolled into one. For a festive breakfast, pair these buns with a hot cup of spiced chai or pumpkin latte. The creamy, rich coffee enhances the buns' flavors beautifully, making each bite an orchestrated experience of flavors. Hosting a brunch? Create a delectable spread with these buns at the center. Add a fruit salad with seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and cranberries. Top it off with a bowl of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey, and you've got a colorful, inviting table that will wow your guests. Don't forget the kiddos! For a fun after-school treat, serve these buns with a cold glass of milk or a warm mug of hot chocolate. The buns' sweetness is balanced perfectly by the creamy toppings, creating a satisfying snack everyone will love.

Variations

For a gluten-free version, swap out the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend includes xanthan gum to mimic the elasticity of gluten, giving you that fluffy, chewy texture we all love. Veganizing this recipe is a breeze! Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) in place of the egg. For the milk, opt for almond, oat, or any other plant-based milk you prefer. And don't worry about the cream cheese coating; you can find delightful vegan cream cheese options at most grocery stores, or make your own with cashews and lemon juice!

Faq

Why didn't my dough rise?
Check that your yeast is fresh and active. The temperature of the liquid ingredients is crucial too—too hot and it kills the yeast, too cold and it won't activate.
How do I know when the buns are done baking?
They should be golden brown on top, and when you tap the bottom of a bun, it should sound hollow.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. Let it rise once, punch it down, and then refrigerate. Take it out an hour before baking to let it come to room temperature and rise again.
How can I ensure my buns stay soft?
Don't overbake them! Also, be sure to cover them with the cream cheese glaze while they are still warm, which helps lock in moisture.
What's the best way to store leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to a month.
How can I make the perfect cream cheese frosting?
Make sure your cream cheese is softened, and mix all ingredients until smooth. Beat for an extra minute to incorporate some air, making it fluffier and lighter.