Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Peanut Rolls

As seen in: Cozy Up with Seasonal Treats

These pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls blend soft, fluffy dough with the rich warmth of pumpkin and spices. The filling bursts with sweet brown sugar and cinnamon, creating beautiful swirls through every roll. Once baked until golden and tender, each roll gets topped with a creamy peanut butter frosting for a luscious finish. Perfect for cozy mornings or a sweet afternoon indulgence, these rolls offer a delightful spin on traditional cinnamon treats, balanced with nutty sweetness. Serve them fresh and warm for ultimate flavor, and enjoy the comforting aroma and taste with every bite.

A woman wearing an apron and smiling.
Created By Mia
Last modified on Sat, 16 Aug 2025 20:58:41 GMT
A plate of pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls with peanut butter frosting. Save This
A plate of pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls with peanut butter frosting. | yummywithmia.com

Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Peanut Butter Frosting bring together classic autumn flavors and a creamy nutty finish for a dessert that feels both nostalgic and wonderfully new. These rolls take the comforting familiarity of homemade cinnamon rolls and lift them with pumpkin spice in the dough, while the peanut butter frosting adds a smooth and unexpected twist that makes each bite special.

My first attempt at these rolls completely disappeared within minutes at a family brunch and even my most traditional relatives loved the peanut butter topping.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: Essential for a tender and fluffy dough. Use unbleached flour for best rise and structure
  • Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps activate the yeast. Look for fine grain sugar for quick dissolving
  • Active dry yeast: Creates that signature baked rise. Check that the yeast is fresh for reliable fluffiness
  • Whole milk: Contributes richness and tender crumb. Warm the milk gently to avoid harming the yeast
  • Pumpkin purée: Injects color, moisture, and subtle earthiness. Use pure pumpkin, not pie filling
  • Unsalted butter: Gives richness to both dough and filling. Melt for dough, soften for filling. High-quality butter adds flavor depth
  • Large egg: Adds tenderness and binds the dough. Use at room temperature for better mixing
  • Vanilla extract: Lends aromatic warmth. Choose pure vanilla for best taste
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens flavors. Use fine sea salt for even distribution
  • Pumpkin pie spice: Infuses signature autumnal flavor. Use a well-blended store-bought, or mix your own fresh
  • Brown sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness to the filling. Pack it gently for best measurement
  • Ground cinnamon: Delivers cozy spiciness. Opt for fresh spice for a more aromatic filling
  • Creamy peanut butter: Used in the frosting for a smooth nutty finish. Choose a smooth brand for spreadability
  • Powdered sugar: Brings sweetness and texture to frosting. Sift for lump-free creamy results
  • Chopped roasted peanuts: Optional for topping, delivering crunch. Use fresh toasted nuts for extra pop

Selecting fresh and high-quality spices and dairy makes a big difference in the final flavor and texture of these rolls.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Proof the yeast:
Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Wait until the mixture looks foamy and smells yeasty, about ten minutes. This ensures the yeast is alive and starts the dough on the right foot
Mix the wet ingredients:
Stir pumpkin purée, melted butter, egg, and vanilla into the yeast mixture until you have a smooth orangey base. This mixture is what gives the rolls their moist and richly flavored interior
Form the dough:
Add flour, salt, and pumpkin pie spice and mix to form a shaggy dough. Knead by hand on a floured surface for eight to ten minutes or in a stand mixer for five to six minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and just slightly sticky
First rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover tightly and set in a warm spot like your oven with the light on. Let the dough double in size, about one hour. This rise gives your rolls their distinctive soft and puffy crumb
Shape and fill:
Punch down the dough to remove excess air. Roll out into a sixteen by twelve inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter across the rolled dough, then sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice evenly. Covering every corner ensures flavorful swirls in every bite
Roll and slice:
Starting with the long edge, roll the dough tightly to form a log. Using a sharp knife or plain dental floss, cut into twelve equal rolls. This technique prevents squishing and keeps the rolls round
Second rise:
Arrange in a greased baking dish. Cover the rolls and let rise until puffy and nearly doubled, about thirty to forty five minutes. This step is crucial for pillowy results
Bake and cool:
Preheat oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for twenty two to twenty five minutes until the tops are golden brown. Cool in the pan briefly so the frosting spreads easily but does not melt away
Make the frosting:
While the rolls cool, beat together peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and enough milk to reach a creamy spreadable consistency. Start with less milk and add more if needed
Frost and serve:
Spread the peanut butter frosting generously over the warm rolls. An offset spatula works well for thick, even coverage. Enjoy immediately for the ultimate gooey texture
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A plate of food with a fork on the side. | yummywithmia.com

I absolutely love the way pumpkin purée makes this dough extra tender and moist and there is always a special excitement when my kitchen smells of cinnamon and spice as the rolls bake. My little nieces now ask for these every autumn weekend.

Storage Tips

Pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls keep best when tightly covered at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage refrigerate for up to four days and warm gently before serving. You can also freeze them unfrosted for up to one month, wrapped well in plastic and foil. Just thaw overnight before reheating and frosting.

Ingredient Substitutions

If peanut butter is not available or you want a different flavor, try almond butter for a slightly sweeter and milder finish. Dairy free milk and soft vegan butter can work as substitutes, but rolls may be a touch less rich. Feel free to swap homemade pumpkin pie spice with your own mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in equal parts.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls shine as a cozy breakfast or brunch centerpiece. Serve fresh from the oven with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai. For festive gatherings, top with chopped roasted peanuts or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. The sweet and salty combo works beautifully with the creamy frosting.

Cultural Context

Cinnamon rolls have deep roots in American and Scandinavian baking traditions, but the addition of pumpkin pie spice makes them distinctly autumnal. A peanut butter frosting is more modern but the combination of cinnamon and peanuts brings to mind Southern desserts where peanuts and sweet rolls are often found together.

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A plate with a piece of cinnamon roll. | yummywithmia.com

Common Questions

→ How do I get the dough to rise properly?

Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a towel to retain warmth and moisture for best results.

→ Can I make these cinnamon rolls in advance?

Yes. After shaping, refrigerate the rolls overnight before the final rise. Bake them the next morning, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

→ Is it possible to substitute the peanut butter?

Creamy almond butter or another nut butter can be used in place of peanut butter for a different flavor profile in the frosting.

→ How can I get clean, even slices for my rolls?

Use unflavored dental floss to slice the rolled dough log, sliding the floss under and pulling tight to cut cleanly without squishing.

→ What’s the best way to store leftover rolls?

Store rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat before serving.

→ Are these cinnamon rolls vegetarian?

Yes, these rolls are vegetarian as the ingredients contain no meat or animal-derived rennet. Always verify product labels if unsure.

Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls Peanut

Fluffy cinnamon rolls with pumpkin spice and peanut butter frosting, baked for a comforting dessert treat.

Preparation Time
30 Minutes Required
Cooking Time
25 Minutes Required
Overall Time
55 Minutes Required
Created By: Mia

Recipe Type: Fall Baking

Skill Level: Moderate

Recipe Origin: American

Output: 12 Portions (12 rolls)

Diet Preferences: For Vegetarians

What You Need

→ Dough

01 3 1/2 cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
02 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
03 2 1/4 tsp (7 g) active dry yeast
04 1/2 cup (120 ml) warm whole milk
05 1/2 cup (120 g) pumpkin purée
06 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
07 1 large egg, room temperature
08 1 tsp vanilla extract
09 1/2 tsp salt
10 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

→ Filling

11 1/2 cup (110 g) unsalted butter, softened
12 3/4 cup (150 g) packed brown sugar
13 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
14 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

→ Peanut Butter Frosting

15 1/2 cup (120 g) creamy peanut butter
16 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
17 1 1/2 cups (180 g) powdered sugar, sifted
18 2–3 tbsp (30–45 ml) milk
19 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
20 Pinch of salt

How to Make It

Step 01

In a large bowl, whisk together the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let stand until foamy, about 5–10 minutes.

Step 02

Add the pumpkin purée, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined.

Step 03

Stir in the flour, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes (or use a stand mixer with dough hook for 5–6 minutes) until smooth and elastic.

Step 04

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Step 05

Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16 x 12-inch (40 x 30 cm) rectangle.

Step 06

Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice over the buttered surface.

Step 07

Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12 equal rolls.

Step 08

Arrange the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

Step 09

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 10

While rolls cool slightly, prepare the frosting: Beat together peanut butter and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and 2 tbsp milk. Beat until fluffy, adding more milk if needed for a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Step 11

Spread peanut butter frosting over warm (not hot) rolls. Serve fresh.

Helpful Tips

  1. For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts on top of the frosting.
  2. Substitute almond butter for a different flavor.
  3. Best enjoyed fresh, but can be reheated in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.

What You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowls
  • Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
  • Rolling pin
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Sharp knife or dental floss (for slicing rolls)
  • Electric mixer (for frosting)

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and reach out to a healthcare expert with concerns.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk, eggs, peanuts, and dairy.
  • Check all ingredient labels if you have food allergies.

Per-Serving Nutrition Info

Please view this nutritional data as an estimate and not a replacement for professional guidance.
  • Calories: 390
  • Fat Content: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Protein Content: 7 g