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EASY Autumn Sweet Rolls

Autumn Sweet Rolls are soft pumpkin-spiced rolls filled with cinnamon and fresh apple.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Course Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine American-inspired

Ingredients
  

  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/3 cup warm water 110°F to 115°F
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 3/4 cup canned pumpkin
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter softened
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Filling

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted
  • 1 small apple peeled and finely chopped, about 1 cup

Glaze

  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider or apple juice
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts toasted

Instructions
 

  • Combine the active dry yeast, warm water, and honey in a small bowl. Let stand for 5–10 minutes, until the mixture looks foamy.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin, eggs, brown sugar, softened butter, pumpkin pie spice, salt, yeast mixture, and 1 1/2 cups of flour. Beat on medium speed until smooth.
  • Gradually stir in enough of the remaining flour to create a soft, slightly sticky dough.
  • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 6–8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and turn it once so the top is coated. Cover and leave in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  • Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together for the filling.
  • Gently punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Press or roll it into approximately a 14 x 12-inch rectangle.
  • Brush the dough with melted butter, leaving about 1/2 inch uncovered around the edges. Sprinkle evenly with cinnamon sugar, followed by the chopped apple.
  • Starting from a long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam closed and cut into 12 even slices.
  • Arrange the Autumn Sweet Rolls cut-side down in a greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and allow them to rise for about 30 minutes, or until doubled.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the rolls are puffed and golden brown.
  • Whisk the confectioners’ sugar and apple cider or apple juice together until smooth. Drizzle the apple cider glaze over the warm rolls and finish with toasted walnuts.

Notes

Apple cider can be replaced with unsweetened or regular apple juice for an easy alcohol-free glaze.