Sourdough Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

There’s just something magical about baking sourdough pumpkin cinnamon rolls on a crisp fall morning. I remember the first time I tried adding pumpkin purée to my favorite sourdough base—it filled the kitchen with the coziest aroma of spice, warmth, and memories waiting to happen. The dough, tender and golden, wrapped itself around a cinnamon-pumpkin filling like it was made for slow mornings and flannel pajamas.

These sourdough pumpkin cinnamon rolls have become a weekend tradition in our home. From stretching the dough the night before to that thick swirl of cream cheese topping, every step is a love note to fall baking. And when that scent dances through the air as they rise in the oven… well, don’t be surprised if your whole family comes running.

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re craving the ultimate fall indulgence, these sourdough pumpkin cinnamon rolls are the answer. They offer the perfect blend of sweet and spice, wrapped in a golden, pillowy dough that only sourdough can deliver. That gentle tang from the sourdough starter balances the warm pumpkin and rich cinnamon in a way that’s simply irresistible.

These sourdough pumpkin cinnamon rolls aren’t just delicious—they’re also incredibly forgiving. You prep the dough the night before, let it rest, and the next morning you’re already halfway to a batch of dreamy breakfast rolls. No fuss, no rush.

They’re a hit with both kids and grown-ups, making them ideal for weekend brunch, Thanksgiving morning, or cozy family gatherings. And that thick layer of maple cream cheese icing? It’s the crowning glory that brings everything together.

You’ll love how easy they are to adapt, too—want to add nuts? Go for it. Want them sweeter? Just adjust the filling. These rolls give back what you put in.

Ready in about 30 minutes of active time, they feel gourmet but don’t demand a chef’s degree. Just love, spice, and a good sourdough starter.

Print

Ingredient Overview

Every bite of these sourdough pumpkin cinnamon rolls delivers soft, spiced comfort, thanks to a lineup of seasonal, pantry-friendly ingredients. The flavors are rich and balanced—earthy, sweet, and warmly spiced.

• Fed Sourdough Starter: Adds a signature tang and helps with a slow, flavorful rise.

• Unbleached All-Purpose Flour: Provides a soft, structured dough perfect for rolling.

• Pumpkin Purée: Brings moisture and that unmistakable fall flavor.

• Pumpkin Spice: The soul of this recipe—fragrant with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

• Coconut Oil: Keeps the dough tender and subtly sweet.

• Organic Brown Sugar: Adds depth to the filling with a warm molasses note.

• Cinnamon: Layers more cozy spice into every swirl.

• Eggs, Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Help lift the dough on bake day, giving a soft interior.

• Heavy Cream (for topping before baking): Soaks into the rolls for added richness.

• Cream Cheese, Maple Syrup, Vanilla: These bring the topping to life with a sweet-tangy finish.

Food styling tip: Dust with powdered sugar and top with a pinch of extra pumpkin spice right before serving—it’s an autumnal showstopper.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Overnight Dough

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the fed sourdough starter, water, flour, pumpkin purée, coconut oil, honey, and pumpkin spice. Once the ingredients come together, knead gently until the dough is smooth and elastic. This step is the first building block of your sourdough pumpkin cinnamon rolls—rich, slow-fermented flavor starts right here.

Step 2: Rest and Ferment Overnight

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover it tightly. Let it ferment at room temperature overnight for 8 to 24 hours. This gives your sourdough pumpkin cinnamon rolls that deep, developed taste while making your morning prep a breeze.

Step 3: Enrich the Dough

The next morning, add eggs, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the fermented dough. A stand mixer works great for this step—just mix until fully combined. The dough will become soft, rich, and fluffy—ready for rolling.

Step 4: Make the Cinnamon-Pumpkin Filling

In a separate bowl, blend softened butter, more pumpkin purée, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice until smooth. This aromatic filling is what makes your sourdough pumpkin cinnamon rolls sing with fall flavor.

Step 5: Roll and Spread

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to ¼-inch thick. Spread the filling evenly across the surface. Tip: Don’t skimp on the edges—it gives every bite that gooey swirl you love.

Step 6: Slice and Arrange

Roll the dough up tightly from the long edge, then slice into 12–14 rolls. Place them in a greased baking dish or cast iron skillet. Let them rise for 15–20 minutes while your oven preheats to 375°F.

Step 7: Pour and Bake

Drizzle heavy cream over the rolls for a soft, pillowy bake. Place in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Let them cool slightly before topping.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Topping

While the rolls cool, whip cream cheese, maple syrup (or honey), heavy cream, and vanilla in a stand mixer until smooth. Pour generously over your warm sourdough pumpkin cinnamon rolls.

Now that your dish is coming together beautifully, let’s explore some pro tips and creative variations!

Pro Tips

Start with room temperature ingredients. Cold eggs or cream can shock the dough and slow fermentation. This ensures your sourdough pumpkin cinnamon rolls rise beautifully every time.

Use parchment paper under your dough when rolling and filling—it makes cleanup easier and helps you roll tighter, more even spirals.

If your starter is sluggish, give it a feeding 4–6 hours before you mix the dough. An active starter makes a big difference in the structure and flavor of these sourdough pumpkin cinnamon rolls.

Don’t skip the heavy cream before baking! It seeps into the dough as it bakes, creating an extra soft, gooey texture inside each roll.

For the fluffiest rolls, avoid over-kneading after adding the baking soda and baking powder. Just mix until combined so the dough stays tender and airy.

Variations

You can swap pumpkin purée for mashed butternut squash or sweet potato for a cozy twist on your sourdough pumpkin cinnamon rolls. The flavor is just as rich and seasonal.

Want a nutty crunch? Add toasted walnuts or pecans to the filling layer. They pair beautifully with the spice and sweetness.

For a dairy-free version, use almond milk in the icing and coconut cream in place of heavy cream. The rolls stay indulgent and dreamy.

Craving extra spice? Add a dash of ginger or cardamom into the filling. It elevates the depth of your sourdough pumpkin cinnamon rolls.

Try making mini versions using a muffin tin—perfect for brunch platters or holiday mornings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh sourdough pumpkin cinnamon rolls floating through the kitchen on a chilly morning. Serve them warm with a hot mug of spiced chai or creamy latte for the ultimate comfort combo. These rolls shine at autumn brunch tables, cozy holiday breakfasts, or even as an after-dinner treat topped with extra cream cheese drizzle.

They pair beautifully with other seasonal dishes—try them alongside a savory frittata or a slice from our pumpkin cinnamon rolls or fall dessert recipes collections for a well-rounded feast. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle chopped candied pecans over the frosting and serve with apple cider mimosas. Whether it’s Thanksgiving morning or just a lazy Sunday, sourdough pumpkin cinnamon rolls make any moment feel like a celebration.

Conclusion

Making these sourdough pumpkin cinnamon rolls is more than a recipe—it’s a slow, cozy ritual that brings joy from the first mix to the last bite. The sourdough base, rich pumpkin filling, and creamy maple topping create a harmony of flavors that feel like fall wrapped in a warm hug.

Whether you’re baking them for family, friends, or just for yourself, this recipe invites creativity and connection. From rolling the dough to licking the icing spoon, there’s something comforting and rewarding in every step. It’s a recipe that becomes a memory.

Now it’s your turn to make these sourdough pumpkin cinnamon rolls part of your own seasonal traditions. I’d love to hear how yours turned out—leave a comment below or share your cozy kitchen moments with us on Instagram or Pinterest.

Tag your creations and show off those beautiful golden swirls—we’re cheering you on every step of the way.

Gather around the table — something delicious is waiting!