Easy Pumpkin-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
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Pumpkin-shaped cinnamon rolls are one of the sweetest ways to welcome fall, and the best part is that these are made easy with Pillsbury Grands! No complicated dough, no waiting on yeast. Just quick shortcut magic that still delivers all the cozy flavors you love!
Cinnamon rolls are a Southern staple for good reason: warm, gooey, and spiced just right, they’ve been gracing breakfast tables and holiday spreads for generations. And because this recipe is so simple, even kids can join in on the fun, shaping their own little pumpkin rolls to bake and enjoy. This fun twist brings together the tradition of comforting cinnamon rolls that are festive, foolproof, and perfect for family mornings or fall gatherings.
Instant pumpkin-shaped cinnamon rolls
I’m keeping this recipe easy by using a pack of Pillsbury Grands Cinnamon Rolls, but you could absolutely make it with homemade cinnamon rolls, too. The real magic here isn’t about the dough. It’s the fun shaping method that transforms regular rolls into festive little pumpkins. That’s what makes this recipe so special: it’s simple, achievable, and foolproof, so anyone can pull it off, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a quick family-friendly treat.
How to make pumpkin-shaped cinnamon rolls
- Shape the cinnamon rolls by molding them into a pumpkin by creating a stem on top.
- Bake the rolls according to the package instructions.
- Use food coloring with the frosting and paint each roll orange, adding a green stem on top, then serve and enjoy!
Colored cinnamon roll frosting
To give these cinnamon rolls their festive pumpkin look, simply divide the frosting that comes in the pack—about ¾ for the pumpkins and ¼ for the stems. Tint the smaller portion green with 2 drops of green food coloring, then make the pumpkin orange by stirring 1 drop of red and 2 drops of yellow into the larger portion.
Use a small rubber spatula to “paint” the round rolls orange and another spatula to color the stems green, and you’ll have perfectly frosted pumpkin-shaped cinnamon rolls!
More holiday treats and breakfast ideas
Looking for more holiday fun?
Try my creamy pumpkin dip for fall parties, a Halloween charcuterie board full of spooky bites, or keep the cinnamon roll magic going with festive Christmas wreath-shaped rolls!
Equipment
- 9×13" baking sheet
- Small rubber spatulas (2)
Ingredients
- 17.5 oz. Pillsbury Grands Cinnamon Rolls 1 can – Pillsbury Grands unroll the easiest for shaping into pumpkin stems!
- 1 oz. white frosting included with the cinnamon rolls – divided into two portions: ¼ and ¾ batches
- 5 drops food coloring green, red, and yellow
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9×13-inch baking sheet with cooking spray.
- Unroll the Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls onto the prepared baking pan. For each roll, tuck the last 2 inches inward to create the shape of a pumpkin stem.
- Bake the cinnamon rolls according to the package instructions (for approx 25 minutes).
- While the rolls are baking, separate the frosting into two small bowls. In one bowl, place approximately ¾ of the frosting, and in the other bowl, reserve about ¼ of the frosting.
- Add 2 drops of green food coloring to the smaller bowl of frosting and mix until it turns completely green.
- With the remaining frosting, add 1 drop of red food coloring and 2 drops of yellow food coloring. Stir and blend the colors until the frosting becomes orange.
- Set both the green and orange frostings aside.
- Once the cinnamon rolls are finished baking, remove them from the oven.
- Using a small rubber spatula, spread the orange frosting over the round part of the cinnamon rolls to resemble pumpkins.
- With another small spatula, apply the green frosting to the stems of the cinnamon rolls.
- Serve the pumpkin-shaped cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
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