The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Marilyn a 38-year-old home cook from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Growing up, the kitchen was my favorite place to be. I learned early on from my grandmother that food is a love language. She taught me how the smell of cinnamon could make a house feel like a hug, and how kneading dough was like therapy for the soul.
Now, as the weather cools down and pumpkins start showing up everywhere, I can’t resist creating something comforting. These One-Pan Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls for Two were born one cozy morning when I wanted something sweet, soft, and seasonal but not a big batch. Sometimes, all you need is a warm pan of rolls made just for sharing with someone special.
The pumpkin adds a tender texture and a golden hue to the dough, while the cinnamon swirl fills the air with that irresistible autumn aroma. Every bite is soft, slightly sticky, and perfectly sweet without being overwhelming. These pumpkin cinnamon rolls aren’t just dessert they’re a little moment of comfort, baked in one pan and made with love.
If you’ve ever wanted to bake something quick, delicious, and personal, this recipe is for you. You don’t need fancy tools or a mixer just one pan, a bowl, and a little heart. Whether you’re making them for breakfast in bed, a fall brunch, or a quiet evening treat, these one-pan pumpkin cinnamon rolls will make you feel cozy from the inside out.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep things simple, just how I love it. This recipe makes 4 soft, fluffy rolls — perfect for two people.
For the Dough:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 tablespoon milk (plus a little more if needed)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional but lovely)
For the Frosting:
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon milk (to thin)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and cinnamon. In another bowl, mix pumpkin purée, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir with a spatula until a soft dough forms. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for about 1 minute just until smooth.
Step 2: Roll It Out
Use a rolling pin (or your hands) to roll the dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. It doesn’t have to be perfect homemade rolls are meant to look rustic!
Step 3: Add the Filling
Brush the surface with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Starting from the shorter edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log.
Slice into 4 even rolls and arrange them in a small oven-safe skillet or baking dish brushed with butter.
Step 4: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
The smell of pumpkin and cinnamon filling your kitchen will tell you they’re ready before the timer does. 🍂
Step 5: Make the Frosting
While the rolls bake, whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding a few drops of milk if needed.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
When the rolls are done, let them cool slightly before spreading the frosting over the top. Watch it melt into the swirls that’s the magic moment!
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
💡 Don’t overmix the dough that keeps your rolls soft and tender.
💡 If you like them gooier, add an extra teaspoon of brown sugar and butter in the filling.
💡 Want a vegan version? Use dairy-free butter, almond milk, and vegan cream cheese.
💡 Add chopped pecans or a drizzle of maple syrup for a little extra fall flair.
Serving Ideas
These pumpkin cinnamon rolls for two are best enjoyed warm from the oven, with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They also make a lovely breakfast in bed or a sweet ending to a cozy dinner.
If you’re planning a brunch, serve them alongside Greek yogurt, honey, and fresh fruit a simple spread that feels special without any fuss.
They’re small-batch perfection no leftovers, no guilt, just two happy hearts and one buttery pan.
Recipe Card 🎃
⏱️ Time:
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
🧂 Ingredients:
For Dough:
¾ cup flour, ½ tsp baking powder, ⅛ tsp baking soda, ¼ tsp salt, 1 tbsp sugar, ¼ tsp cinnamon, ⅓ cup pumpkin purée, 1 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp milk, ¼ tsp vanilla.
For Filling:
1 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp brown sugar, ½ tsp cinnamon, pinch nutmeg.
For Frosting:
2 tbsp cream cheese, 1 tbsp powdered sugar, ½ tsp vanilla, 1 tsp milk.
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet in another. Combine into dough.
- Roll into a rectangle and spread filling.
- Roll up and slice into 4 pieces.
- Place in greased pan and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- Mix frosting and drizzle over warm rolls.
💡 Notes:
- Add nuts or maple drizzle for extra flavor.
- These rolls are best fresh but can be reheated for 10 seconds in the microwave.
🍽️ Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 220 | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 35g | Sugar: 15g | Protein: 3g
Conclusion
There’s something so comforting about baking for two. It’s about slowing down, savoring the process, and sharing something warm and sweet with someone you love. These One-Pan Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls for Two bring all the fall flavors pumpkin, cinnamon, and vanilla into one small, happy dish.
So the next time you’re craving something special, don’t wait for a big occasion. Pull out your one pan, grab a bit of pumpkin, and bake your way to cozy. Because cooking, just like love, is always better when shared.
100-Word Version
Hi, I’m Marilyn from Crete! I grew up learning to cook beside my grandmother, who showed me how love and flavor belong together. These One-Pan Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls for Two are my cozy fall favorite soft, golden, and filled with warm cinnamon sweetness. The pumpkin keeps them tender, and the cream cheese frosting melts perfectly into every swirl. No fancy tools, just one pan, thirty minutes, and a little heart. They’re ideal for breakfast in bed, a cozy brunch, or dessert for two. Because sometimes, sharing something homemade is the sweetest kind of love. 💛