The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Inaya, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Cooking has been part of my life since I was a child, learning from my grandmother how to make traditional Greek dishes full of love and flavor. Over time, I’ve learned to mix a bit of Greek soul with new, seasonal ingredients that bring comfort and joy to my kitchen and that’s exactly how these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with White Chocolate Drizzle came to life.
Every autumn, when the air gets crisp and pumpkins start appearing everywhere, I feel an irresistible urge to bake something warm and cozy. The smell of cinnamon and nutmeg fills the kitchen, reminding me of slow afternoons at my grandmother’s house, where she’d say, “Inaya, a good recipe is a love letter written with butter and sugar.”
These pumpkin cinnamon rolls are exactly that a love letter to the season. They’re soft, fluffy, perfectly spiced, and topped with a silky white chocolate drizzle that melts over the warm rolls like a sweet whisper. Whether you’re sharing them with family on a Sunday morning or serving them at a fall brunch, these rolls bring happiness with every bite.
The best part? You don’t need to be an expert baker to make them! Just follow my easy steps, and you’ll have a tray of golden, fragrant rolls ready to steal hearts.
Let’s make these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with White Chocolate Drizzle together one swirl at a time. 🧡
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
For the White Chocolate Drizzle:
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to make the dough rise beautifully.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add the pumpkin puree, melted butter, egg, and remaining sugar to the yeast mixture. Mix gently until combined. In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and spices. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While the dough rises, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a small bowl until smooth and spreadable.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Roll it out into a 14×18-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border along one long edge. Roll the dough tightly from the other edge into a log, then slice into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean edges.
Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant. The smell of pumpkin and cinnamon will fill your home the kind that makes everyone come to the kitchen asking, “Are they ready yet?”
Step 6: Make the White Chocolate Drizzle
While the rolls cool slightly, melt white chocolate chips with heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl for 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Drizzle generously over the warm rolls.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with White Chocolate Drizzle warm with a cup of Greek coffee or chai tea. For a festive brunch, sprinkle chopped pecans on top for extra crunch.
You can even make them ahead refrigerate overnight before baking, and you’ll have fresh, hot rolls in the morning without the rush.
If you’re feeling fancy, serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon — a little touch of magic that makes every bite unforgettable.
Notes from My Kitchen
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the drizzle slightly or add a pinch of sea salt to balance the flavors.
- You can substitute white chocolate with cream cheese frosting for a classic twist.
- Leftovers? Store in an airtight container and reheat gently in the microwave for 15 seconds.
Nutrition (per roll)
Approximate values:
- Calories: 310
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 22g
🧁 Recipe Card
⏰ Time:
Prep: 25 mins | Rise: 90 mins | Bake: 30 mins | Total: 2 hrs 25 mins
🧂 Ingredients:
Pumpkin puree, flour, yeast, sugar, butter, spices, milk, white chocolate, heavy cream
👩🍳 Instructions:
Mix dough → Let rise → Roll with filling → Slice → Bake → Drizzle → Serve warm
📝 Notes:
Make ahead the night before for an easy brunch. Add pecans for texture!
💪 Nutrition:
310 calories per roll
Conclusion
There’s something so comforting about baking these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with White Chocolate Drizzle. Each swirl tells a story of warmth, love, and homemade sweetness. From the golden pumpkin dough to the glossy white chocolate drizzle, it’s a treat that makes any morning feel special.
Whether you’re baking for your family, your friends, or just yourself, this recipe reminds us that simple moments a warm kitchen, the smell of cinnamon, a shared roll can turn into lifelong memories.
So go ahead, preheat that oven and roll up a little happiness today. 🎃💛
Short 100-Word Version
Hi, I’m Inaya from Crete, and these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with White Chocolate Drizzle are my favorite autumn treat! They’re soft, fluffy, and filled with warm spices that make your kitchen smell heavenly. The white chocolate drizzle adds just the right sweetness, making every bite melt in your mouth. Whether for a cozy brunch or lazy weekend breakfast, these rolls bring comfort and joy to every table. Easy to make and even easier to love one swirl at a time! 🎃✨
