The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Inaya, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. I’ve always loved waking up to the smell of something freshly baked it reminds me of the mornings at my grandmother’s house. She’d start baking before sunrise, and by the time I opened my eyes, the kitchen was filled with warmth, cinnamon, and love.
Today, I’m bringing that same cozy feeling to your home with these overnight pumpkin cinnamon rolls. They’re the perfect fall treat fluffy, golden rolls filled with pumpkin spice and topped with a creamy glaze that melts into every swirl.
The best part? You can prepare them the night before, let them rise slowly while you sleep, and bake them fresh in the morning. That means no early wake-ups or rushing around the kitchen just the peaceful scent of pumpkin and cinnamon filling your home.
I love how overnight pumpkin cinnamon rolls make mornings magical, especially during cozy fall weekends or family gatherings. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your loved ones, or a brunch with friends, these rolls are a sweet reminder that simple things like sharing warm bread make the best memories.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
For the Filling:
- ½ cup softened butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp cloves
- ¼ tsp ginger
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp milk (optional for thinner glaze)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a small bowl, whisk together warm milk, pumpkin puree, melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, salt, and spices. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Roll Out and Fill
Punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle (about 14×18 inches). Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger mixture on top.
Carefully roll up the dough from the long side to form a tight log. Slice into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
Step 3: Overnight Rise
Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (up to 12 hours).
In the morning, take them out and let them sit at room temperature for about 45 minutes to an hour until puffy and soft.
Step 4: Bake and Frost
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool slightly.
While they bake, whisk together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Spread over the warm rolls so the frosting melts into every swirl.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your overnight pumpkin cinnamon rolls warm from the oven with a cup of Greek coffee or a spiced chai latte. The soft pumpkin dough, fragrant cinnamon filling, and creamy glaze make every bite feel like a cozy hug.
You can also sprinkle chopped pecans or drizzle extra caramel on top for a decadent twist.
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Morning Bake Option
These overnight pumpkin cinnamon rolls are soft, golden, and filled with cozy cinnamon spice. You can prepare them the night before and bake fresh in the morning for the ultimate fall breakfast. The pumpkin dough is rich and fluffy, the filling sweetly spiced, and the cream cheese frosting melts perfectly into every swirl. A true comfort treat for slow, happy mornings.
- Total Time: 55 minutes (plus overnight rest)
- Yield: 12 rolls
Ingredients
For the Dough
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
½ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
½ cup pumpkin puree
⅓ cup melted butter
¼ cup brown sugar
1 large egg
½ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
For the Filling
½ cup softened butter
½ cup brown sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp cloves
¼ tsp ginger
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp milk (optional for thinner glaze)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
In a bowl, mix warm milk, pumpkin puree, melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla. In another bowl, combine flour, yeast, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add wet ingredients to dry and stir until a dough forms. Knead 6–8 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.Roll and Fill:
Roll dough into a 14×18-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over it. Mix brown sugar and spices, sprinkle evenly. Roll up tightly from the long edge and slice into 12 rolls.Overnight Rise:
Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours). In the morning, let rest at room temperature for 45–60 minutes.Bake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden. Cool slightly.Frost and Serve:
Mix cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Spread over warm rolls. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling.
You can freeze baked rolls; thaw and reheat before serving.
For extra flavor, add chopped pecans or a drizzle of caramel.
Letting the dough rise naturally ensures the fluffiest texture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (+ overnight rise)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American (Autumn-Inspired)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Inaya’s Touch & Tips
💛 Pumpkin Puree Tip: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling you want natural sweetness.
💛 Make Ahead: You can freeze the baked rolls; just thaw and warm before serving.
💛 Fluffiest Texture: Don’t rush the rising process; let the dough double naturally for the softest rolls.
These overnight pumpkin cinnamon rolls are my go-to during fall mornings in Crete. They fill the house with joy, warmth, and that irresistible scent of cinnamon. And the best part? You can share them fresh from the oven without waking up early.
Because to me, cooking especially baking isn’t just about food. It’s about love, care, and sharing that first bite together.
Short 100-Word Version
Hi, I’m Inaya from Crete, and these overnight pumpkin cinnamon rolls are one of my favorite cozy bakes! Made with soft pumpkin dough, cinnamon-sugar filling, and creamy frosting, they’re perfect for fall mornings. You can prepare them the night before and bake fresh in the morning no early wake-up needed! The scent of cinnamon and pumpkin fills your home, creating that magical breakfast moment. Whether for family brunch or a sweet treat with coffee, these pumpkin rolls are soft, spiced, and simply heartwarming just like home.