These cinnamon rolls taste like the iconic autumn drink! Tender pumpkin dough flavored with coffee and filled with gooey cinnamon spirals—what’s not to love?? They basically taste like a big cozy bear hug for breakfast! Leftovers will keep for at least four days (if not longer!) if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Lightly coat a 9”-round pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside. (See Notes!)
In a large bowl, stir together the milk, coconut sugar, butter, and salt. Sprinkle the Platinum Red Star Yeast on top, and wait 10-15 minutes or until the mixture smells fragrant. (It’s okay if it doesn’t turn bubbly or frothy!) Stir in the instant coffee and pumpkin purée until the coffee has completely dissolved. Sprinkle the pumpkin spice and 1 ½ cups of flour on top, and stir until completely incorporated. If the dough is still wet, continue stirring in flour 2 tablespoons at a time until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface, and knead for 3-5 minutes or until the dough springs back most of the way when you gently press your index finger into it. Let the dough rest while preparing the filling.
To prepare the filling, stir together the coconut sugar and pumpkin spice in a small bowl.
On a clean, well-floured surface, roll the dough out into a 16x10” rectangle. Brush with the melted butter, leaving a 1” border on the two longer sides. Sprinkle with the filling sugar mixture, leaving a 1” border on the two longer sides again. Carefully roll up the dough into a log, starting at one long edge and rolling towards the other one. Pinch the ends to seal. If the dough won’t stick together, gently brush the second longer edge with water before pinching to seal.
Slice the log into 12 pieces using dental floss (recommended; see Notes!) or a sharp serrated knife. Place the rolls into the prepared pan, and cover the pan with a clean towel. Set the pan in a warm, draft-free spot, and let the rolls rise for 45-60 minutes or until doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the cinnamon rolls for 17-20 minutes or until the filling is bubbling and the sides feel firm. Cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
PREPARATION TIPS – READ BEFORE BEGINNING: For more tips on kneading the dough and slicing the cinnamon rolls, watch my video here located above the recipe.BAKING PAN NOTE – READ BEFORE BEGINNING: I highly recommend using a 9”-round springform pan, like this! Springform pans have taller sides than most traditional cake pans, so this allows your cinnamon rolls to rise properly without touching the top of the towel in Step 6.HOMEMADE PUMPKIN SPICE: To make the homemade pumpkin spice, use as follows: 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon ground cloves. (If you prefer, store-bought pumpkin spice will also work.)IMPORTANT WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR NOTE + ALTERNATIVES: For the whole wheat flour, I highly recommend this brand. In my kitchen, is has performed the best out of any brand I’ve tried, and it ensures your cinnamon rolls fully double in size while rising in Step 6. (Other brands of whole wheat flour haven’t risen nearly as high for me!)All-purpose flour is the best substitute for the whole wheat flour. White whole wheat flour and whole wheat pastry flour may also be substituted, but the cinnamon rolls don't always rise as high.YEAST ALTERNATIVES: I’ve had great luck with Red Star Yeast’s® Quick Rise and Active Dry Yeast products in this recipe too!MILK ALTERNATIVES: Any milk may be substituted in place of the nonfat milk.COCONUT SUGAR ALTERNATIVE: Light brown sugar may be substituted in place of the coconut sugar, but the rolls will no longer be clean-eating friendly.INSTANT COFFEE NOTE: Do not substitute regular coffee grounds or brewed coffee! The former will make your cinnamon rolls gritty, while the latter will add too much liquid. (This means you’ll need a lot more flour, and you won’t taste the pumpkin!)DAIRY FREE + VEGAN OPTION: For a dairy free and vegan version, substitute your favorite non-dairy milk for the nonfat milk and stick-style vegan butter (such as this or this) in place of the unsalted butter. You may substitute coconut oil, but the cinnamon rolls will taste different, and the yeast won’t turn frothy in Step 2.GLUTEN FREE NOTE: I haven’t had good luck substituting gluten free flours in this recipe. The cinnamon rolls don’t rise properly, like with wheat-based flour, due to the lack of gluten.{clean eating, egg free, low fat, vegan option, dairy free option}
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?I'd love to hear what you think of it in a comment below! If you take a picture, tag @amys.healthy.baking on Instagram or use the hashtag #amyshealthybaking.