Small-Batch Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Sugar Glaze

The Story & Intro

Hi, I’m Marilyn, and today, I’m sharing one of my favorite comfort bakes small-batch pumpkin cinnamon rolls with a luscious brown sugar glaze. Living on the beautiful island of Crete, autumn isn’t as chilly as in other places, but I still crave those cozy fall flavors pumpkin, cinnamon, and the scent of freshly baked rolls filling my kitchen.

I still remember the first time I made these pumpkin cinnamon rolls. It was a rainy Sunday morning, and I had just a small amount of pumpkin puree left from making soup. My grandmother always told me never to waste food, so I decided to experiment and oh, the magic that came from that moment! The house smelled like a mix of pumpkin pie and sweet bread, and that first bite was pure happiness.

These small-batch pumpkin cinnamon rolls are perfect when you don’t want a huge batch they make just enough for sharing with someone special (or keeping all to yourself no judgment here!). The brown sugar glaze drizzled on top adds that final touch of sweet comfort. I love how the pumpkin makes the dough soft and rich, and the cinnamon swirl adds that nostalgic, homey aroma that brings people together.

Baking these reminds me that food isn’t just about eating it’s about feeling. It’s about the smell of dough rising in the oven, the laughter in the kitchen, and the small joys of creating something with your hands. These pumpkin cinnamon rolls are my little way of sharing warmth and love from my Cretan kitchen with yours.

If you’re new to baking, don’t worry this recipe is beginner-friendly and simple to follow. You’ll use everyday ingredients, and the result will be something so tender and flavorful, you’ll want to bake them again and again. Whether you’re celebrating a quiet morning or bringing sweetness to your weekend brunch, these pumpkin cinnamon rolls will become your go-to fall treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

• 1/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

For the Filling:

• 2 tablespoons softened butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Brown Sugar Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• A pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5–7 minutes, until it becomes foamy. This step ensures your rolls will rise beautifully.

2. Make the Dough
In a mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, melted butter, and egg yolk. Add the activated yeast mixture and stir until combined. Gradually add the flour, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead and Rest
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

4. Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until you have a thick, spreadable paste.

5. Roll and Fill
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle (about 8×10 inches). Spread the filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

6. Roll and Slice
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 4–5 even pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss (for a clean cut). Place the rolls in a small greased baking dish, leaving a bit of space between them.

7. Second Rise
Cover and let the rolls rise again for about 30 minutes until puffy.

8. Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. The kitchen will smell heavenly!

9. Make the Brown Sugar Glaze
While the rolls bake, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and milk, bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat. Whisk in powdered sugar and salt until smooth.

10. Glaze and Serve
Once the rolls are slightly cooled, drizzle the warm brown sugar glaze over them. Enjoy immediately while they’re soft, gooey, and dripping with that sweet glaze.

Serving Suggestions

These small-batch pumpkin cinnamon rolls are perfect for cozy mornings or special weekend brunches. Serve them warm with a cup of coffee, a chai latte, or a simple glass of milk.

If you’re hosting, you can pair them with a fruit salad or scrambled eggs for a complete breakfast. For a festive touch, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar on top of the glaze or add crushed pecans for extra crunch.

They’re best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat for 10–15 seconds in the microwave to bring back that soft, gooey texture.

💌 Marilyn’s Kitchen Tip

If your kitchen is cold and the dough isn’t rising fast enough, preheat your oven for a minute, then turn it off. Place your covered bowl inside the gentle warmth helps the dough rise beautifully.

🍂 Recipe Card

Short 100-Word Story Version

Hi, I’m Marilyn from Crete! I grew up learning to cook beside my grandmother, and one rainy morning, I turned leftover pumpkin puree into these soft, gooey small-batch pumpkin cinnamon rolls with a sweet brown sugar glaze. The smell alone takes me back to childhood warm, comforting, and full of love. They’re perfect when you want just a few rolls, not a full tray, and they taste like a cozy hug on a cool morning. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with someone you love, these pumpkin rolls bring simple joy to your table. 🍂

Conclusion

Making these small-batch pumpkin cinnamon rolls with brown sugar glaze is a small act of joy one that fills your kitchen with warmth and your heart with comfort. Every bite reminds me of home, of my grandmother’s love, and of how simple ingredients can turn into something magical.

So, next time you crave a fall treat, skip the store-bought pastries and make these from scratch. It’s not just about baking it’s about slowing down, savoring the process, and sharing something delicious that feels like home.

From my Cretan kitchen to yours happy baking! 💛