Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Sugar Frosting – Soft, Fluffy & Irresistible Treats 🎃

The Story & Intro

Hi, I’m INAYA, and this recipe brings me right back to one of my favorite cozy afternoons in Crete. It was early autumn, the air smelled of rain, and I wanted something that felt like a hug in food form. My grandmother never made pumpkin recipes (it wasn’t so common here back then), but I remember her saying, “If your heart feels cold, bake something warm.”

So, I took her advice and these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls were born. Soft, spiced, and golden, filled with cinnamon-sugar swirls and topped with creamy brown sugar frosting, they’re the perfect way to make your kitchen smell like happiness.

The pumpkin keeps the rolls moist and tender, while the cinnamon and nutmeg give that nostalgic fall flavor everyone loves. Whether it’s a crisp morning breakfast, a weekend baking project, or a dessert to impress friends, these rolls never fail to bring joy.

If you love pumpkin recipes, cinnamon desserts, and the aroma of baked goodness filling your home, this one’s for you.

Ingredients You’ll Need 🧡

For the Dough

• 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¾ cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ginger

For the Cinnamon Filling

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tbsp pumpkin purée (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Brown Sugar Frosting

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions 👩‍🍳

1. Activate the Yeast

Warm your milk until just cozy to the touch not hot. Stir in the sugar and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. That’s your sign it’s ready!

2. Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, melted butter, egg, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and stir.

Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. It should be slightly tacky but not sticky. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 7–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

3. First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

4. Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter. If you want a stronger pumpkin flavor, add that spoonful of pumpkin purée too.

5. Roll & Fill

Punch down the dough and roll it out into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border along the edges.

Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Cut into 12 even rolls (using dental floss or a sharp knife).

6. Second Rise

Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for about 30–45 minutes until puffy.

7. Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly.

8. Make the Brown Sugar Frosting

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and milk, bringing it to a gentle boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat, cool slightly, then whisk in vanilla and powdered sugar until smooth.

9. Frost the Rolls

Spread the frosting over warm rolls. Watch it melt slightly into every swirl that’s the magic moment ✨

Serving Ideas 🍂

Serve these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls warm, right from the oven, with a steaming cup of Greek coffee or chai. They’re perfect for cozy fall mornings, brunch with friends, or a comforting dessert after dinner.

If you’re hosting a holiday breakfast, arrange them on a wooden board, drizzle extra frosting, and sprinkle a little cinnamon on top for that picture-perfect presentation.

Want a little twist? Add chopped pecans or drizzle with maple syrup before baking for extra indulgence.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Rolls 🧁

1. Use fresh yeast — old yeast won’t activate, and your rolls won’t rise properly.
2. Don’t overflour — soft dough makes soft rolls.
3. Let the dough rise fully — patience = fluffiness.
4. Spread filling edge-to-edge for a perfect spiral in every bite.
5. Frost while warm — it helps the glaze seep into the rolls beautifully.

🍁 Recipe Card

🕒 Time Clock

• Prep: 25 min
• Rise: 1 hr 30 min
• Bake: 25–30 min
• Total: ~2 hr 30 min

🥣 Ingredients

• 3 ¼ cups flour
• ½ cup milk
• 2 ¼ tsp yeast
• ¾ cup pumpkin purée
• ¼ cup butter (melted)
• 1 egg
• ½ cup brown sugar + 2 tsp cinnamon (for filling)
• Frosting: butter, brown sugar, milk, vanilla, powdered sugar

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Activate yeast in warm milk and sugar.
2. Mix wet ingredients, add flour gradually, and knead until smooth.
3. Let rise 1–1½ hours.
4. Roll out dough, spread filling, roll up, slice.
5. Let rise 45 minutes, bake 25–30 minutes.
6. Prepare frosting and spread on warm rolls.

📝 Note
You can prepare the rolls the night before and bake them in the morning — just refrigerate overnight after shaping and let rise before baking.

💪 Nutrition (Per Roll)
Calories: ~270 | Fat: 9g | Carbs: 42g | Protein: 5g | Sugar: 20g

Conclusion 🌾

There’s something magical about baking Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls the way the dough rises, the scent of cinnamon and sugar, and that first bite of soft, buttery sweetness. They remind me that comfort doesn’t have to be complicated.

Each time I make these, I think of my grandmother and her kitchen simple, warm, and filled with love. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is a beautiful way to bring that feeling home.

So, grab your apron, preheat your oven, and let your kitchen smell like fall. 💛

✨ Short 100-Word Story Version

Hi, I’m INAYA from Crete! These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls were inspired by my grandmother’s love for warm, homemade treats. I added pumpkin for softness and fall flavor, then topped them with rich brown sugar frosting. They’re sweet, cozy, and perfect for chilly mornings or family brunch. Every swirl holds the taste of cinnamon, butter, and love just like the recipes I grew up with. So bake a batch, share them with someone special, and let your kitchen fill with that comforting aroma of happiness.