Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

In a small saucepan, warm the milk over low-medium heat until it reaches 180 degrees F. Set it to the side and let it cool down to 90-100 degrees F or warm to the touch. You can also microwave this in a heat-proof glass measuring cup for 15 seconds at a time until the milk reaches 180 degrees F.

In a medium-size bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Set to the side.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm LACTAID® Lactose-Free High Protein Whole Milk, pumpkin puree, melted unsalted butter, and lightly beaten egg.

Add the dry mixture to the wet and mix together with a spatula until the dough begins to form.

Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl fitted with a dough hook and knead at a low speed for 7-8 minutes or until the dough has come together. The dough should be soft and a little sticky that pulls away from the sides of the mixing bowl.

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured work surface, kneading it with your hands into a soft and smooth ball. Then transfer it to a lightly greased medium bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and/or a clean tea towel and place it in a warm area of your kitchen to allow the dough to rest and double in size (about 1 hour). If you plan to let the dough rest in your oven do not use plastic wrap!

Lightly spray a ⅛ sheet pan or a 6-inch round (or square) baking pan with a flour-based baking spray and set to the side.

Once the dough has doubled, punch it down using your fist, then turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Make sure to lightly flour the rolling pin too. Roll the dough out to about a 10x12-inch rectangle. Spread the unsalted butter onto the dough with an offset spatula, leaving about a ¼ inch border. Then sprinkle the cinnamon spice filling over the top.

Starting at the longest end of the dough, roll up tightly to form a log.

Using a sharp knife, slice the dough log into 6 equal rolls then place onto the prepared baking sheet or into the prepared baking pan, cut side down. We like to use a ruler to help evenly mark my cinnamon rolls and also cut off the ends for a nice clean edge. You can still bake the edges in a separate pan though!

Cover again with either plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and place in a warm spot of your kitchen. Allow them to rise for an additional 25 minutes or until they have doubled in size. Meanwhile, if they’re not rising in your oven, adjust the rack to the 2nd level position (just above center) and preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.

In a small bowl lightly beat the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon water, then brush onto the rolls. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees F. Let cool for about 10-15 minutes before adding the maple glaze or maple frosting.

If making overnight small batch cinnamon rolls, cover tightly with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator overnight. Let sit at room temperature for the second rise 1 hour before baking. Don't forget the egg wash too.