The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Marilyn from the beautiful island of Crete, Greece. There’s something about the scent of cinnamon that instantly takes me back to childhood mornings in my grandmother’s kitchen. As a little girl, I’d watch her knead dough while the spicy-sweet aroma of cinnamon swirled around us. Those moments felt magical, cozy, and full of love.
This recipe for Classic Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting brings those memories to life. The warm pumpkin-spiced dough paired with sweet cinnamon swirls and rich, creamy frosting is like a hug on a plate. I love how it blends classic flavors with a little seasonal twist—perfect for chilly mornings, weekend breakfasts, or sharing with friends and family.
Baking these rolls may sound ambitious, but trust me—they’re surprisingly easy and incredibly rewarding. The soft, fluffy pumpkin dough rises beautifully, while the cinnamon-sugar filling adds just the right sweetness. Topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, these cinnamon rolls are a celebration of fall in every bite.
Cooking is more than just following a recipe—it’s about creating memories. Each bite of these Classic Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting carries warmth, nostalgia, and the joy of sharing food with loved ones. Let’s get baking and fill your kitchen with that irresistible autumn aroma!
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, mix melted butter, pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add flour and the yeast mixture, kneading until a soft, elastic dough forms. Cover with a clean towel and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and softened butter until smooth. Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Roll the dough into a rectangle about 12×16 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge, then cut into 12 equal rolls. Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. Spread frosting generously over warm rolls.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these rolls warm with coffee, chai tea, or a glass of milk. Sprinkle extra cinnamon or crushed pecans on top for added texture and aroma. Perfect for holiday breakfasts, brunches, or weekend treats, these cinnamon rolls bring cozy autumn vibes to your table.
Conclusion
There’s nothing like baking something from scratch that fills your home with warmth and nostalgia. These Classic Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, flavorful, and a little indulgent, making them perfect for fall gatherings or quiet mornings. They’re more than a recipe they’re a way to create memories, share love, and savor the simple joys of life. From my kitchen in Crete to yours, enjoy every bite and the smiles they bring!
Short 100-Word Story Version
Hi, I’m Marilyn from Crete! Cinnamon rolls always remind me of cozy mornings in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the sweet smell of cinnamon and pumpkin filled the air. These Classic Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting capture that warmth, combining soft pumpkin-spiced dough, cinnamon-sugar swirls, and luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for fall breakfasts, brunches, or sharing with friends, these rolls are easy to make and incredibly comforting. Baking isn’t just about food it’s about creating memories. Let’s make these warm, sweet rolls together and fill your kitchen with love and the irresistible aroma of autumn!