Our annual Pumpkin Week has arrived! For the next six days, we’re going to share recipes that showcase October’s favorite ingredient: pumpkin. To celebrate day one and National Cinnamon Roll Day, we’d like to encourage you to try our Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting. It’s officially time to start those ovens again because we know you’re going to want to take a bite out of this ooey-gooey goodness, so check out the full recipe below!
Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You Actually Need to Know
With increasing research linking the correlation between probiotics, gut health, and immunity, it’s no secret that the integrity of our gut is vital to our health. Although additional factors such as stress, antibiotic usage, and individual health conditions can contribute to the condition of our gut, a focus on healthy food choices is one of the easiest ways to support the microbiome.
Several studies have shown a strong association between the gut-brain-microbiota. Probiotics introduced to the gut have been found to support immunity, improve allergies, and improve digestion.
Studies have shown that reduced diversity of healthy gut bacteria during early years is associated with an increase in food allergies during school age years. In addition, kefir made from whole fat milk helps absorb key nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin K is important because it helps your bones absorb calcium. It’s important to know that kefir contains a special trio: vitamin D, K, and calcium – all three crucial elements to support bone health.
Prebiotics + Probiotics = a Healthy You
Prebiotics are non-living, non-digestible carbohydrates naturally found in a variety of foods. Your body actually can’t digest prebiotics, so they’re what probiotics feed off of to remain actively working in your digestive system. They help the digestive system by promoting the growth of good bacteria. Prebiotics and probiotics work together in balance to make sure our digestive system stays on track and regular. Research has found that consuming a variety of prebiotic and probiotic food sources may improve your body’s natural functions, including both your immune and digestive system.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Dough
- 1/3 cup Organic Plain Whole Milk Kefir
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
- 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 standard package instant yeast
- 2 and 2/3 cups all-purpose flour (can use whole wheat pastry)
Filling
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
Maple Farmer Cheese Icing
- 1/4 cup whipped Farmer Cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, whipped
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Organic Plain Whole Milk Kefir
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
Directions
- Make the dough: Warm the kefir and butter together over the stove. Warm the two together until the butter is just melted. You want the mixture lukewarm. Set aside. Using your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, nutmeg, and salt together on medium speed. Add the warmed kefir/butter and beat until combined, then beat in the egg and yeast. With the mixer running at low speed, add 1 cup of flour. Mix for 1 minute, scraping down the sides of the bowl frequently. Add 1 and 2/3 cups more flour and beat for 1 more minute. Place dough into a greased bowl (a bit of olive oil or nonstick spray to grease works). Turn the dough around in the bowl so all sides of the dough are coated. *If you do not have a stand mixer, mix the dough together in a large mixing bowl with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula.*
- Cover dough tightly with plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm, draft-free environment until doubled in size. This will take about 1 – 1.5 hours.
- Gently punch the dough down to deflate it and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough a few times so it is smooth. If it is too sticky, knead in a little more flour.
- Add the filling: Roll the dough out into an 18×10 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly on top. Combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and spices into a small bowl. Sprinkle all over the top. Roll it up tightly. Using a very sharp knife, cut into 11-12 pieces, about 1.5 inches each. Arrange rolls into a greased 9-inch or 11×7 inch pan.
- Cover with plastic wrap and allow the rolls to rise again in a warm, draft-free environment until doubled in size. This takes about 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake the rolls for 22-28 minutes, covering them with aluminum foil at the 15-minute mark to prevent heavy browning. Remove from oven and allow to slightly cool as you prepare the icing.
- Make the icing: Using a handheld or stand mixer, beat the farmer cheese in a medium bowl on medium speed until smooth. Add the maple syrup and kefir and beat on high until smooth. Add the confectioners’ sugar and beat on medium speed until creamy. Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls. Enjoy!
