The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Growing up, I spent countless mornings in my grandmother’s warm kitchen, watching her knead dough with patience and love. While she didn’t bake with pumpkin (it wasn’t common back then), she always believed in preparing food ahead of time so the next day could start with ease and joy.
When I first moved to a new country, I discovered the magic of pumpkin in fall recipes. One chilly November evening, while missing home, I decided to create something that combined my grandmother’s overnight dough tradition with the warm, spiced comfort of American pumpkin desserts. That’s how these easy overnight pumpkin rolls were born soft, golden, and perfectly spiced for Thanksgiving brunch.
They’re the kind of rolls that make your kitchen smell like a cozy hug. You mix the dough the night before, let it rest peacefully, and wake up to a batch of golden pumpkin perfection ready to bake. Whether you’re hosting family or just treating yourself, these easy overnight pumpkin rolls are a delicious way to bring warmth and simplicity to your Thanksgiving morning.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make about 12 soft, fluffy easy overnight pumpkin rolls:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ¼ cup warm milk (about 100°F / 38°C)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- Optional: ½ tsp vanilla extract
For brushing:
- 2 tbsp melted butter
For the glaze (optional):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, a teaspoon of sugar, and the yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work!
Step 2: Make the pumpkin dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, egg, sugar, softened butter, salt, and spices. Add the activated yeast mixture and gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms. Knead by hand or mixer for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
Step 3: Let the dough rest overnight
Lightly oil a bowl, place the dough inside, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. This slow rise deepens the flavor and gives you soft, fluffy rolls without morning stress.
Step 4: Shape and bake
In the morning, take the dough out and let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes. Roll it into 12 equal balls and place them in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise until doubled (about 45 minutes).
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush rolls with melted butter and bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and soft.
Serving & Finishing Touches
Brush the warm rolls with more butter, or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze if you like extra sweetness. These easy overnight pumpkin rolls are best served fresh out of the oven with hot coffee, tea, or a little honey butter on the side.
They also pair beautifully with Thanksgiving dishes like roasted turkey or pumpkin soup. If you have leftovers (though that’s rare!), reheat them for 10 seconds in the microwave they’ll taste freshly baked again!
Easy Overnight Pumpkin Rolls for Thanksgiving Brunch
Soft, golden, and full of warm fall flavor, these Easy Overnight Pumpkin Rolls make Thanksgiving brunch effortlessly special. Prepare the dough the night before, let it rest overnight, and bake fluffy, spiced rolls in the morning. Perfect with butter or glaze your kitchen will smell like cozy autumn magic!
- Total Time: 45 minutes active, plus overnight rest
- Yield: 12 rolls
Ingredients
For the dough:
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
¼ cup warm milk (100°F / 38°C)
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground ginger
Optional: ½ tsp vanilla extract
For brushing:
2 tbsp melted butter
For glaze (optional):
½ cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
¼ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Activate the yeast:
Combine warm milk, a teaspoon of sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let sit 5–10 minutes until frothy.Make the pumpkin dough:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, egg, sugar, softened butter, salt, and spices. Add the activated yeast mixture. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth.Rest overnight:
Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight for a slow, flavorful rise.Shape and rise:
In the morning, let dough sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Divide into 12 balls, place in a greased dish, and let rise until doubled (about 45 minutes).Bake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush rolls with melted butter and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.Serve:
Brush with more butter or drizzle with glaze. Serve warm with coffee or tea.
Notes
Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
You can refrigerate dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
Rolls reheat beautifully 10 seconds in the microwave makes them taste freshly baked!
Add chopped pecans or raisins for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus overnight rest)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread, Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (approx. 80g)
- Calories: 185 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Conclusion
These easy overnight pumpkin rolls are more than just a recipe they’re a cozy reminder that preparing a little ahead can bring a lot of joy. They make Thanksgiving mornings peaceful and delicious, filling your home with the warm scent of pumpkin and spice.
From my grandmother’s kitchen in Crete to yours, I hope this recipe helps you slow down, smile, and savor the little things that make the holidays special.
100-Word Version
Hi, I’m Inaya from Crete! My easy overnight pumpkin rolls bring together my grandmother’s love for slow-rising dough and the cozy fall flavors I discovered abroad. You simply mix the dough the night before and bake soft, golden rolls in the morning perfect for Thanksgiving brunch. Flavored with pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg, they’re warm, tender, and beautifully spiced. Serve them with butter or glaze, and enjoy a stress-free morning full of homemade comfort. Simple, delicious, and full of heart these pumpkin rolls will make your holiday breakfast unforgettable!