The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Marilyn, and if you’ve ever spent an autumn morning in Crete, you’d know how the sweet smell of spices fills the air as families bake together. 🍂 Growing up, my grandmother used to make warm cinnamon rolls for us on cozy Sunday mornings, but one year she added pumpkin and magic happened. That’s how my love affair with Creamy Caramel Drizzle Pumpkin Rolls began.
Now, every fall, my kitchen turns into a swirl of cinnamon, caramel, and laughter. I believe that food isn’t just about taste; it’s about comfort and connection. These Creamy Caramel Drizzle Pumpkin Rolls bring all that to life they’re soft, fluffy, perfectly spiced, and topped with a silky caramel drizzle that feels like a warm hug.
This recipe is all about joy that moment when the sweet smell of pumpkin spice fills your kitchen and you can’t wait to pull those golden rolls out of the oven. Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe will make your heart as full as your home.
And the best part? You don’t need to be a pro baker to make these beauties. I’ll walk you through everything, step-by-step, to ensure your Creamy Caramel Drizzle Pumpkin Rolls turn out perfect every time.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
For the Filling
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Creamy Caramel Drizzle
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ tsp sea salt (optional, for salted caramel)
Step-by-Step Instruction
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm milk and brown sugar. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures your rolls are light and fluffy.
2. Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, melted butter, egg, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and gradually stir in the flour until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Add a little flour if necessary, but don’t overdo it a slightly sticky dough makes softer rolls.
4. Let It Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. Make the Filling
While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Set aside the softened butter — you’ll spread this over the dough before adding the sugar mix.
6. Shape the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Roll it out into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
7. Roll & Cut
Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss (yes, it works perfectly for this!).
8. Second Rise
Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, cover, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
9. Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, until golden and puffy. Your kitchen will smell like heaven right about now.
10. Make the Creamy Caramel Drizzle
In a saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat until it melts and turns amber. Add butter and whisk until smooth. Slowly pour in the cream (it will bubble!) and stir until thickened. Add salt if you want a salted caramel version.
11. Drizzle & Serve
Let the rolls cool slightly, then pour the warm caramel sauce generously over them. Watch it drip down the sides pure bliss.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Creamy Caramel Drizzle Pumpkin Rolls warm, with a cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent. These rolls make the perfect treat for Thanksgiving breakfast, a cozy brunch, or an afternoon snack.
You can also prepare them the night before and refrigerate the shaped rolls overnight. In the morning, just let them rise for 30 minutes and bake easy and fresh!
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Rolls
- Use room temperature ingredients. Cold milk or butter can affect the yeast’s rise.
- Don’t skip the second rise. This ensures the rolls stay fluffy and tender.
- Store leftovers properly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5. Warm them slightly before serving.
- Make extra caramel! It’s perfect for drizzling on ice cream, pancakes, or even apples.
🍁 Recipe Card
⏱️ Time
Prep Time: 25 mins
Rise Time: 1 hr 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
🧂 Ingredients
See full ingredient list above 👆
👩🍳 Instructions
- Activate yeast with warm milk and sugar.
- Mix pumpkin puree, butter, egg, and spices.
- Combine with yeast and flour to form dough.
- Knead, rise, roll, fill, cut, rise again.
- Bake until golden; top with homemade caramel drizzle.
💡 Notes
- For extra creaminess, drizzle a mix of caramel and cream cheese glaze.
- Substitute whole wheat flour for half the flour for a heartier roll.
🍽️ Nutrition (Per Roll)
Calories: 290
Carbs: 43g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 10g
Sugar: 21g
Conclusion
There’s something magical about baking during fall — the warmth, the aroma, and the anticipation of that first bite. These Creamy Caramel Drizzle Pumpkin Rolls are a true taste of comfort, a blend of soft pumpkin dough and rich caramel that melts in your mouth.
They remind me of my childhood in Crete my grandmother humming while the rolls baked, the air filled with cinnamon and love. Now, I get to share that same warmth with you. Whether it’s a crisp October morning or a lazy Sunday, these rolls will wrap you in sweet nostalgia and pure happiness.
So go ahead, preheat that oven and make your kitchen smell like heaven. 💛
🌸 100-Word Marilyn Story Version
Hi, I’m Marilyn, 38, from Crete, Greece. I grew up watching my grandmother bake with love and laughter. One chilly autumn morning, she added pumpkin to her cinnamon rolls, and I’ll never forget that aroma warm, spiced, and comforting. That memory inspired these Creamy Caramel Drizzle Pumpkin Rolls soft, sweet, and finished with a silky caramel topping. I believe food connects us, and baking these rolls always makes me feel close to home. Even when my kitchen’s a little messy, the joy of sharing something delicious makes every bite worth it. Let’s bake some memories together!