The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Marilyn, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Even though pumpkins weren’t always a big part of Greek cooking, I fell in love with them during a trip to the U.S. in the fall. The smell of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin baking in a warm kitchen felt like home. That’s when I first learned how to make easy pumpkin cinnamon rolls soft, golden, and dripping with sweet glaze.
I remember making them for my friends back home in Crete. The mix of traditional Greek warmth and American coziness made everyone smile. There’s just something magical about how food connects people, no matter where we come from.
If you’ve never baked before, don’t worry this pumpkin cinnamon rolls recipe is perfect for beginners. It’s simple, forgiving, and makes your kitchen smell like heaven. These rolls are light, fluffy, and full of that pumpkin spice flavor we all love. Grab your apron, turn up some music, and let’s make these easy pumpkin cinnamon rolls together no stress, just joy.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
- ½ cup canned pumpkin puree
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
For the Filling:
- ½ cup softened butter
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Warm the milk until it’s slightly above body temperature. In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. That foam means your yeast is alive and ready to make magic happen.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add melted butter, egg, egg yolk, pumpkin puree, sugar, and spices to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a mixer. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Roll and Fill
Punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle (about 12×16 inches). Spread softened butter evenly over the surface. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and cloves, then sprinkle over the butter. Roll up tightly from the long side and slice into 12 even pieces.
Step 4: Bake the Rolls
Place the rolls in a greased baking pan, leaving space between them. Cover and let rise another 30–40 minutes. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and puffy.
Serving & Glazing
While the rolls cool slightly, mix cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle or spread over the warm rolls so it melts into every swirl.
Serve with coffee, tea, or warm milk for the ultimate autumn treat. These easy pumpkin cinnamon rolls are perfect for cozy mornings or sharing with friends.
Conclusion
Cooking, to me, is more than recipes it’s about creating memories. These easy pumpkin cinnamon rolls remind me of the first time I mixed Greek warmth with American fall flavors. Every swirl carries a bit of nostalgia, comfort, and joy.
Whether you’re baking them for your family, friends, or just yourself, remember that even simple recipes can bring the biggest smiles. So go ahead make these pumpkin cinnamon rolls, let your kitchen fill with that sweet cinnamon aroma, and enjoy every delicious moment.
100-Word Short Version
Hi, I’m Marilyn from Crete, and these Easy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls for Beginners are pure comfort in every bite. Soft, golden, and full of warm spices, they’re perfect for cozy mornings. Made with pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and a creamy glaze, these rolls are simple enough for first-time bakers but taste bakery-level good. Mix, roll, bake, and enjoy that sweet fall aroma filling your kitchen. Whether you’re sharing with family or treating yourself, these pumpkin cinnamon rolls bring warmth, love, and a touch of homemade happiness to your table.