The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Marilyn, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Cooking has been part of my life since I was a child, learning from my grandmother how to make traditional Greek dishes full of love and flavor. I believe food brings people together, especially women who want to share warmth and happiness through cooking.
When fall arrives, even in sunny Crete, I can’t resist baking something that fills my kitchen with cinnamon, caramel, and pumpkin aromas. These Caramel Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Sea Salt Finish are my favorite kind of comfort sweet, soft, and slightly salty at the end. I first made them one rainy October afternoon when I wanted to surprise my friends with something cozy yet elegant. The combination of pumpkin puree, warm spices, and golden caramel made everyone smile instantly.
There’s something magical about rolling out soft dough, spreading the pumpkin filling, and watching those golden spirals rise in the oven. When I drizzle the warm caramel sauce and sprinkle just a pinch of sea salt on top, it feels like pure happiness in a bite. These rolls bring together the sweetness of pumpkin pie and the texture of a classic cinnamon roll a perfect balance of flavors that make any fall morning special.
If you love baking and the aroma of freshly baked bread, you’ll adore this caramel pumpkin cinnamon rolls recipe. It’s beginner-friendly and uses simple pantry ingredients. Plus, the sea salt finish adds that irresistible gourmet touch you’ll want to share on every brunch table.
Short Story Version (100 Words)
Hi, I’m Marilyn from Crete, and baking has always been my way of sharing warmth and love. These Caramel Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Sea Salt Finish were born on a cozy fall afternoon when I wanted something sweet but comforting. The blend of pumpkin, cinnamon, and caramel reminds me that even simple ingredients can create something magical. When I pull them out of the oven, golden and soft, and add that final sprinkle of sea salt, it feels like autumn happiness wrapped in dough. I hope this recipe brings the same warmth and joy to your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Pumpkin Filling
- ¾ cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
For the Caramel Sauce
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping
- Flaky sea salt (for finishing touch)
- Optional: drizzle of extra caramel or cream cheese glaze
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a small bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add eggs, melted butter, and yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth. Cover with a damp towel and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled.
Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Filling
In a small bowl, combine pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and softened butter. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the pumpkin filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Cut into 12 even slices and place them in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before adding caramel.
Step 5: Make the Caramel Sauce and Add the Sea Salt Finish
In a saucepan, melt sugar over medium heat until golden. Add butter and whisk until smooth. Slowly pour in cream while whisking, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Drizzle warm caramel over the baked rolls and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for that perfect finish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Caramel Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Sea Salt Finish warm with a cup of coffee or chai. They’re perfect for a weekend brunch, Thanksgiving breakfast, or cozy afternoon treat. You can even reheat them for a few seconds in the microwave the next day they taste just as soft and dreamy.
Conclusion
Baking Caramel Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Sea Salt Finish is more than just a recipe it’s an experience. From the soft dough rising to the scent of cinnamon and caramel filling your home, each step feels like a small act of joy. Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or just for yourself, these rolls are a reminder that simple ingredients can create something truly special. So preheat that oven, roll up your sleeves, and make your kitchen smell like autumn. You’ll never look at store-bought rolls the same way again.