Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Honey Cinnamon Glaze

The Story & Intro

Hi, I’m Marilyn, and I’m so excited to share one of my favorite autumn treats Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Honey Cinnamon Glaze. Every fall, when the air turns crisp and the leaves start dancing in warm golden colors, I remember the cozy mornings in my grandmother’s kitchen back in Crete. She’d make sweet rolls filled with honey, nuts, and cinnamon a smell that could make you forget everything else.

Years later, I added my own little twist: pumpkin purée. The result? Soft, fluffy rolls that melt in your mouth, filled with spiced pumpkin flavor and drizzled with a golden honey cinnamon glaze that makes them shine.

Pumpkin has always had a special place in my kitchen. In Greece, we often use it in savory pies, but mixing it into cinnamon rolls creates the perfect balance of sweet and spiced. These pumpkin cinnamon rolls aren’t just a dessert they’re a warm hug in food form. Whether you’re baking them for family brunch, a cozy weekend morning, or even Thanksgiving breakfast, they’ll fill your home with the sweetest autumn aroma.

When I first made these rolls for my friends here in Crete, the kitchen turned into a happy chaos flour on the counter, laughter in the air, and everyone sneaking bites of the glaze. That’s what cooking is really about: sharing warmth, stories, and love through food.

So grab your apron (and maybe a good cup of coffee), and let’s make these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Honey Cinnamon Glaze together.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• ½ cup warm milk (about 100°F / 38°C)
• ¾ cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• 2 tbsp melted butter

For the Honey Cinnamon Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the yeast:
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it rest for about 5–10 minutes until frothy. This means the yeast is active and ready.

3. Knead the dough:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If it’s sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour but don’t overdo it. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky.

4. First rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

5. Prepare the filling:
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

6. Roll it out:
Punch down the dough to release air, then roll it into a rectangle about 12×16 inches. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with the spiced sugar mixture.

7. Shape the rolls:
Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12 equal rolls and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.

8. Second rise:
Cover again and let rise for about 30–40 minutes, or until puffy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

9. Bake:
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown. The kitchen will smell amazing at this point!

10. Make the glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, honey, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth.

11. Glaze and serve:
Let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling with the honey cinnamon glaze.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these pumpkin cinnamon rolls warm, with a cup of coffee or chai tea. They’re also delicious with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

For a festive touch, sprinkle a little orange zest or chopped pecans on top. These rolls are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days just warm them up before serving.

Cooking Tips 🍯

• Use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling it gives the rolls a natural, earthy sweetness.
• For extra soft rolls, let the dough rise in a slightly warm oven (turn it on for 2 minutes, then off).
• You can prepare the rolls the night before, refrigerate them overnight, and bake in the morning for a stress-free brunch.
• Add a pinch of cardamom to the filling for an exotic touch inspired by Mediterranean flavors.

Recipe Card 🧡

⏱️ Time:

• Prep: 25 minutes
• Rise: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Bake: 30 minutes
• Total: 2 hours 25 minutes

🧂 Ingredients:
See full list above (dough, filling, and glaze).

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Activate yeast.
2. Mix dough ingredients.
3. Knead until smooth.
4. Let rise.
5. Roll, fill, and shape.
6. Second rise.
7. Bake until golden.
8. Drizzle with honey cinnamon glaze.

📝 Note:
If you want extra gooey rolls, double the glaze and pour half over while the rolls are still warm.

🍽️ Nutrition (per roll):
Calories: ~270 | Fat: 8g | Carbs: 45g | Protein: 5g

Conclusion

There’s something magical about baking these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Honey Cinnamon Glaze from the golden color of the pumpkin to the sweet scent of cinnamon filling your kitchen. They remind me that cooking isn’t just about feeding our bodies; it’s about warming our hearts.

Whether you’re baking these for family, friends, or just yourself, take a deep breath, enjoy the process, and remember it’s okay if the kitchen gets a little messy. That’s where the best memories are made.

So, roll up your sleeves and let’s make this season extra sweet, one cinnamon roll at a time. 🍁

Short 100-Word Version

Hi, I’m Marilyn from Crete, and these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Honey Cinnamon Glaze are my favorite fall treat! Soft, fluffy, and filled with pumpkin and warm spices, they’re perfect for cozy mornings or festive gatherings. The honey cinnamon glaze adds the perfect golden sweetness. Baking these always reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen full of love, laughter, and delicious smells. If you’re looking for a recipe that feels like a hug, this is it. Grab your apron, some pumpkin purée, and let’s make your kitchen smell like autumn! 🎃