Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cinnamon Honey Butter Icing

The Story & Intro

Hi, I’m Inaya, and I’m from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece where the air smells like olive oil, sea salt, and cinnamon in the fall. 🍂
Every October, my kitchen turns into a cozy little bakery filled with the scent of pumpkin, honey, and spice. My grandmother used to make sweet bread rolls for Sunday mornings, brushing them with local honey. This recipe Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cinnamon Honey Butter Icing is my little twist on her tradition.

I still remember kneading the dough beside her, our hands dusted with flour, the laughter echoing through the house. Now, whenever I bake these pumpkin cinnamon rolls, I feel that same warmth the feeling that food connects generations.

The pumpkin adds such tenderness to the dough, making each bite melt in your mouth. Combined with the comforting swirl of cinnamon sugar and the dreamy cinnamon honey butter icing, this recipe turns a simple breakfast into a celebration.

If you’re searching for a cozy fall bake, something that fills your kitchen with the most delicious aroma, these pumpkin cinnamon rolls are exactly what you need. They’re soft, gooey, perfectly spiced, and they taste like home.

So tie up your apron, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and let’s bake something wonderful together.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1½ tsp cinnamon
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus a little extra for dusting)

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup melted butter

For the Cinnamon Honey Butter Icing:

• 4 tbsp softened butter
• 3 tbsp honey
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, mix warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit for about 10 minutes until foamy. If the yeast doesn’t bubble, start over with fresh yeast it’s the key to fluffy rolls.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, melted butter, egg, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until combined. Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If it’s sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–1½ hours or until doubled in size. This is when the magic happens the yeast makes the dough pillowy soft.

Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Melt the butter and set aside for brushing.

Step 5: Roll It Out

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Roll it out into a large rectangle (about 14×18 inches). Brush the surface with melted butter, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.

Step 6: Roll & Slice

Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss (yes, it works perfectly for clean cuts!).

Step 7: Second Rise

Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.

Step 8: Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 22–25 minutes until golden brown and the kitchen smells heavenly.

Step 9: Make the Icing

In a small bowl, beat together softened butter, honey, cinnamon, and powdered sugar. Add milk slowly until you reach your desired creamy consistency.

Step 10: Drizzle & Serve

Spread the cinnamon honey butter icing generously over warm rolls. Let it melt slightly into the crevices that’s where all the flavor hides.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these pumpkin cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven with a hot cup of Greek coffee or a latte. ☕

For a special touch, sprinkle a few crushed pecans or drizzle extra honey on top. They’re perfect for Sunday brunch, holiday mornings, or any chilly day when you need a little sweetness.

You can also make the dough ahead of time refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning for a fresh, effortless breakfast.

And if you love gifting homemade treats, wrap a few rolls in parchment paper, tie them with twine, and surprise a friend. Food is love, after all.

💛 Recipe Card

⏰ Time:
Prep Time: 25 mins
Rise Time: 1 hr 45 mins
Bake Time: 25 mins
Total Time: ~2 hrs 30 mins

🧂 Ingredients:
See full ingredient list above

🍳 Instructions:

1. Activate yeast in warm milk and sugar.
2. Mix pumpkin purée, butter, egg, and spices.
3. Combine with yeast mix and add flour gradually.
4. Knead, rise, roll out, and fill with cinnamon sugar.
5. Slice, rise again, and bake until golden.
6. Drizzle with cinnamon honey butter icing and enjoy!

💡 Notes:

• You can use plant-based milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
• Add a pinch of ginger or clove for extra warmth.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; warm slightly before serving.

🍽️ Nutrition (Per Roll):
Calories: 290
Protein: 5g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 10g
Sugar: 24g

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cinnamon Honey Butter Icing are everything a fall morning should be — soft, golden, sweet, and spiced just right. They remind me of my grandmother’s kitchen, where love was the main ingredient and laughter filled the air.

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe guarantees warm smiles and full hearts. So, preheat your oven and fill your home with the scent of cinnamon and pumpkin happiness baked in every roll.

Short Story (100 words)

Hi, I’m Inaya, from the island of Crete, where autumn always smells like cinnamon and honey. These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are my modern twist on my grandmother’s Sunday sweet bread. I love how the pumpkin makes the dough soft and tender, and the cinnamon honey butter icing adds that extra touch of love. Every time I bake them, I feel like she’s right here with me, laughing and baking side by side. These rolls aren’t just food they’re memories baked into every golden swirl.