The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Marilyn, from the beautiful island of Crete where every recipe tells a story. When fall arrives, even under our Mediterranean sun, I love bringing a bit of that cozy, pumpkin-spiced magic into my kitchen. One of my favorite creations is these Mini Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Dip.
I still remember my grandmother kneading dough at our wooden table, the smell of cinnamon filling the air as I watched in awe. She’d smile and say, “Food is love, koukla mou.” Those words stuck with me. Now, as I mix soft pumpkin puree into my dough, I feel that same warmth a connection between generations.
These mini pumpkin cinnamon rolls are perfect for sharing. Whether it’s a chilly morning, a Thanksgiving brunch, or just a sweet moment after dinner, they bring comfort and joy to everyone who tries them. The pumpkin adds a tender texture and beautiful color, while the cinnamon sugar swirl gives them that irresistible aroma that makes your whole house smell like happiness.
I like to serve mine with a rich cream cheese dip smooth, tangy, and sweet the perfect contrast to the warm spiced rolls. If you’ve never made homemade cinnamon rolls before, don’t worry! This version is easy, forgiving, and absolutely worth it.
So grab your pumpkin puree, preheat your oven, and let’s bake together. Because these Mini Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Dip aren’t just about dessert they’re about creating little moments of joy that taste like home.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
For the Mini Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ⅓ cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
For the Filling:
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp pumpkin spice
For the Cream Cheese Dip:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp milk (to thin if desired)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, mix the warm milk, a pinch of sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it turns foamy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to make your dough soft and fluffy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, butter, egg, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until smooth. Gradually add the flour, mixing until the dough starts to form. Add the yeast mixture and knead for 6–8 minutes, either by hand or with a dough hook, until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Form the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Roll It Out
Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 10×14-inch rectangle. Brush melted butter evenly over the surface.
Step 5: Add the Filling
Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough, leaving a small border along one edge.
Step 6: Roll & Slice
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12–14 mini rolls. Place them in a greased 9-inch baking dish or on a parchment-lined tray, leaving a little space between each.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F during this time.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the mini rolls for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. The smell of pumpkin and cinnamon will fill your kitchen the best kind of anticipation!
Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Dip
While the rolls bake, beat together the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency thick enough to dip but soft enough to swirl.
Step 10: Serve & Enjoy
Serve the mini pumpkin cinnamon rolls warm with the cream cheese dip on the side. Watch how quickly they disappear these little rolls are addictive!
Serving Ideas
These Mini Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Dip are perfect for:
- Weekend brunches with coffee ☕
- Thanksgiving or holiday dessert tables 🎄
- School snacks or cozy movie nights 🎬
- Gift boxes or fall-themed gatherings 🍂
For an extra touch, sprinkle crushed pecans or drizzle with caramel sauce before serving. The rolls stay soft for 2–3 days in an airtight container, and you can reheat them for a few seconds in the microwave to bring back that fresh-baked softness.
💌 My Short Story (100 words)
Hi, I’m Marilyn from Crete! I grew up learning to cook from my grandmother, who always said food should make people smile. These Mini Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Dip remind me of her sweet cinnamon bread, but with a cozy fall twist. I love making them on lazy Sundays when the air feels cooler and the kitchen smells like pumpkin spice. They’re soft, bite-sized, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Sometimes my kitchen gets messy but that’s where the fun is! Cooking, for me, is about love, laughter, and sweet little moments like these.
🧡 Recipe Card
⏰ Time:
- Prep: 20 min
- Rise: 1 hr 30 min
- Bake: 20 min
- Total: ~2 hr 10 min
🧂 Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ cups flour
- ½ cup warm milk
- ⅓ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup sugar
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Filling & dip ingredients (see above)
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Activate yeast in warm milk.
- Mix wet ingredients and spices; add flour and yeast.
- Knead, rise, roll, and spread filling.
- Slice, rise again, and bake.
- Mix cream cheese dip and serve warm!
💡 Notes:
- Use pumpkin puree, not pie mix.
- You can replace cream cheese dip with vanilla glaze.
- Rolls freeze well reheat before serving.
🥗 Nutrition (per roll):
Calories: 150 | Fat: 5g | Carbs: 22g | Protein: 3g | Sugar: 10g
Conclusion
Every time I make these Mini Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Dip, I’m reminded that food connects us across seasons, kitchens, and memories. The smell of cinnamon and pumpkin always makes me feel at home, no matter where I am.
So whether you’re new to baking or just want something warm and comforting, this recipe is a simple way to bring love to your table. Share it with friends, bake it with your kids, or treat yourself to a cozy evening bite. Because in every swirl of pumpkin and spice, there’s a story and it’s yours to tell. 💛