The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Inaya, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. 🍃 I grew up in a kitchen where cinnamon, honey, and warm spices filled the air. My grandmother always said, “If your hands smell like dough and your heart smells like cinnamon, you’re doing something right.”
Every autumn, when the weather cools down, I find myself craving comfort something sweet, cozy, and full of warmth. That’s how these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls were born. Soft, golden rolls filled with pumpkin purée, brown sugar, and cinnamon, topped with a silky chai-spiced glaze that feels like a hug in every bite.
I remember the first time I made them my kitchen was a happy mess of flour and laughter. The scent of pumpkin and spice filled the air, and by the time I drizzled that glossy glaze, I knew it was a keeper. These rolls have become a Sunday morning tradition in my home, perfect with a hot cup of tea or coffee while chatting with friends or family.
So, if you’re ready to fill your home with the aroma of pumpkin spice and happiness, let’s make these irresistible Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls together. 🍂
Ingredients 🧺
For the Dough:
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
For the Chai-Spiced Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp ground cardamom
- ⅛ tsp ground ginger
- Pinch of black pepper (for that chai kick!)
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, mix the warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step ensures your Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
2. Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin purée, sugar, egg, and melted butter. Stir in the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour, salt, and spices. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead for 8–10 minutes on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour (but not too much you want a soft dough).
3. Let It Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Filling
While the dough rises, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and spices in a small bowl. The aroma will make you want to eat it right away resist the temptation!
5. Roll and Fill
Once the dough has doubled, punch it down and roll it into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Spread the filling evenly, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll tightly from the long side into a log.
Cut into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss (yes, it works perfectly!).
6. Second Rise
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. They should puff up and look irresistibly soft.
7. Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and your kitchen smells like heaven.
8. Make the Chai-Spiced Glaze
In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and all the chai spices. Adjust consistency — add more milk for a thinner glaze or sugar for thicker.
9. Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the glaze over warm rolls. Watch it slowly melt into the swirls of pumpkin and spice — the best moment!
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are best served warm with a cup of chai latte, pumpkin-spice coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. They make a cozy breakfast, a festive dessert, or a sweet treat to share at gatherings.
Try topping them with toasted pecans, or swap the glaze for cream cheese frosting if you prefer a richer flavor.
And if you want to get creative, bake mini versions for brunch platters or family gatherings they’ll disappear fast!
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls 🎃
- Use pure pumpkin purée, not pie filling it keeps the flavor natural.
- Warm ingredients help the yeast activate properly.
- Don’t overbake! Check at 25 minutes soft is better than dry.
- Freeze leftovers (if there are any!) just reheat before serving.
- Make ahead: Prepare the rolls, refrigerate overnight, and bake in the morning for a fresh, easy breakfast.
Recipe Card 📜
🕒 Time Clock:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total: ~2 hours 30 minutes
🥣 Ingredients:
- See the full list above (dough, filling, glaze)
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Activate yeast.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients, knead dough.
- Let rise.
- Prepare filling, roll, and fill.
- Cut rolls, let rise again.
- Bake at 350°F for 25–30 min.
- Prepare glaze, drizzle, and enjoy!
📝 Note:
You can make the dough the night before and bake fresh in the morning. Substitute oat milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version.
🥗 Nutrition (per roll):
Approx. 280 calories, 8g fat, 45g carbs, 5g protein, 22g sugar
Conclusion ❤️
Cooking, for me, has always been about love and these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are exactly that: love baked into golden swirls. They remind me of family, laughter, and the small joys of sharing something homemade.
So next time you want to cozy up your weekend or surprise someone with something special, bake a batch of these pumpkin rolls. Let the aroma fill your home, and the taste fill your heart. Because, in the end, food isn’t just about flavor it’s about connection. 🧡
Short 100-Word Version
Hi, I’m Inaya from Crete! These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are my autumn favorite soft, golden, and filled with cinnamon-sweet pumpkin goodness. Topped with a chai-spiced glaze, they’re cozy, comforting, and perfect for sharing. I learned to bake with my grandmother, who taught me that food made with love tastes best. Every bite of these rolls feels like a warm hug on a cool morning. Try them fresh from the oven with a cup of tea or coffee you’ll fall in love! 🍂
