Imagine the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filling your home. Now elevate that experience with these sourdough pumpkin cinnamon rolls! The long fermentation process creates depth, while pumpkin spice adds warmth. Pumpkin puree infuses the dough with flavor and moisture. Topped with cream cheese and maple syrup icing, these tender, gooey rolls are sure to become a household favorite.
Table of Contents
Recipe
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 150g active sourdough starter
- 200g pumpkin puree
- 60g granulated sugar
- 60g unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 300g all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
For the filling:
- 60g unsalted butter, softened
- 150g brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the icing:
- 120g cream cheese, softened
- 60g powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
Steps
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, pumpkin puree, sugar, melted butter, and egg. Mix well.
- Add the flour and pumpkin pie spice to the wet ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a clean, oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise at room temperature overnight (8-12 hours).
- The next morning, punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a 12×16 inch rectangle.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
- Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
- Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Cover and let rise for 1-2 hours, or until noticeably puffy.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing by mixing the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and maple syrup until smooth.
- Once the rolls are done, let them cool for 5-10 minutes before spreading the icing over the warm rolls.
Tips and Tricks
- For the best flavor, use an active and bubbly sourdough starter that’s been fed 4-8 hours before making the dough.
- If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can make your own by mixing 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp ground allspice.
- For extra richness, you can brush the rolls with heavy cream just before baking.
- If your kitchen is cool, you can create a warm environment for the dough to rise by placing the covered bowl in an oven with just the light turned on.
- To get perfectly even slices, use unflavored dental floss instead of a knife. Slide the floss under the roll, cross the ends over the top, and pull to slice through the dough cleanly.
How to Serve
These sourdough pumpkin cinnamon rolls are best served warm, right out of the oven. The gooey filling and melty icing make for an irresistible treat. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall indulgence.
For a special breakfast or brunch, serve the rolls alongside fresh fruit and a selection of artisanal cheeses. If you’re feeling extra decadent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream can turn these rolls into a delightful dessert.
Leftovers can be stored at room temperature for a day or two, covered tightly with plastic wrap. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop a roll in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes.
A Sourdough Symphony in Pumpkin
This isn’t just baking; it’s edible art. While patience is key, the reward is a flavor symphony that outshines ordinary rolls. Perfect for weekend baking adventures, these rolls fill your home with irresistible aromas. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a sourdough novice, this recipe promises to impress. So, don your apron and prepare to create a new tradition that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Your kitchen is about to become the coziest spot in town.