The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Marilyn, a 38-year-old from the beautiful island of Crete, Greece, where I grew up surrounded by the scent of cinnamon, honey, and freshly baked bread. When autumn comes, I always think of cozy mornings in my grandmother’s kitchen her hands dusted with flour, laughter filling the air, and that magical moment when she’d pull warm rolls from the oven. 🍂
That’s where these Mini Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Drizzle were born from the heart of tradition with a little modern twist. I’ve always loved mixing the old with the new. These rolls are a fun, bite-sized version of a classic comfort food that pairs the rich taste of pumpkin with the warm spice of cinnamon and the sweetness of maple syrup.
Pumpkin season in Crete might not be as chilly as it is in the U.S., but the feeling is the same cozy sweaters, a warm drink, and something delicious baking in the oven. Whether you’re preparing breakfast for your family or just want a comforting weekend treat, these pumpkin cinnamon rolls will fill your home with love and that irresistible aroma of fall.
I believe cooking is more than following recipes it’s about sharing stories, creating joy, and sprinkling a bit of love into everything we make. And these mini rolls? They’re tiny bites of happiness. 🧡
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
- ½ cup warm milk (around 110°F)
- ¼ cup pumpkin purée
- 3 tbsp sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 2 tbsp pumpkin purée
For the Maple Drizzle
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1–2 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate and Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it starts to foam that’s how you know your yeast is alive and ready! Add in the melted butter, pumpkin purée, egg, salt, and vanilla extract. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Knead and Rise
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 6–8 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Tip: If your kitchen is cool, you can preheat your oven to 180°F, turn it off, and let the dough rise inside with the door slightly open.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While the dough rises, mix the filling ingredients melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin purée until you have a smooth paste. This mixture will make your rolls perfectly sweet and aromatic.
Step 4: Roll and Cut
Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a 10×14-inch rectangle. Spread the pumpkin-cinnamon filling evenly across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Gently roll up the dough into a log, starting from the longer side. Cut into 1-inch pieces to make mini rolls you should get about 15–18.
Step 5: Second Rise
Place the mini rolls in a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them for expansion. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and fluffy. The smell will fill your home with pure comfort.
Step 7: Drizzle with Maple Goodness
Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle it generously over the warm rolls. Don’t be shy this glaze is what takes them from delicious to unforgettable. 🍁
Serving Suggestions
These Mini Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Drizzle are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Serve them warm with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.
If you’re planning a family gathering, make a double batch they disappear fast! You can also make them ahead and reheat for 10 seconds in the microwave before serving. The maple drizzle melts perfectly again, making them taste freshly baked.
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle chopped pecans or a little sea salt on top before serving. The balance of sweet and salty is divine.
Recipe Card 🍁
🕒 Time:
Prep Time: 20 mins
Rise Time: 1 hr 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
🥣 Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ cups flour
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
- ½ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup pumpkin purée
- 3 tbsp sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Filling: butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin purée
- Drizzle: powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, vanilla
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Combine milk, yeast, and sugar; rest 5 mins.
- Add butter, pumpkin, egg, and mix in flour to form dough.
- Knead 6–8 mins, let rise 1 hr.
- Roll out, spread filling, roll up, and cut.
- Let rise 30 mins, bake 20 mins at 350°F.
- Mix drizzle and pour over warm rolls.
📝 Notes:
- For a stronger maple flavor, replace milk in the drizzle with pure maple syrup.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
💪 Nutrition (Per Roll):
Calories: 145 | Carbs: 21g | Fat: 5g | Protein: 3g | Sugar: 10g
Cooking Tips from Marilyn
- Don’t rush the dough that first rise gives your rolls the soft, fluffy texture everyone loves.
- Use real pumpkin purée, not pie filling. The natural flavor is what makes these rolls so special.
- If you love spice, add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the filling for a deeper autumn flavor.
- You can freeze unbaked rolls! Just thaw and bake when ready for instant homemade comfort.
Short 100-Word Version
These Mini Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Drizzle are the perfect cozy treat for fall! Made with soft pumpkin dough, swirled with cinnamon-sugar filling, and topped with a rich maple glaze, they’re sweet, warm, and bite-sized for sharing. Inspired by my grandmother’s traditional baking in Crete, this recipe brings together comfort and creativity in every swirl. Serve them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert they’re easy to make and disappear fast! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, these rolls will fill your kitchen with love and the irresistible aroma of autumn. 🍂✨
Conclusion
Cooking, for me, is about creating moments that last beyond the meal laughter, warmth, and shared memories around the table. These Mini Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Drizzle remind me of those childhood days in Crete, learning that the best recipes are made with heart.
Every bite of these soft, spiced rolls feels like a hug comforting, sweet, and full of joy. I hope you bake them for someone special or just for yourself because we all deserve a little sweetness in our day. ❤️
So preheat that oven, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make magic happen one mini roll at a time!