Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Spiced Eggnog Icing: A Cozy Holiday Treat

The Story & Intro

There’s something magical about waking up on a crisp autumn morning, when the air smells like cinnamon and the first thing you crave is something warm and sweet. I still remember the first time I made pumpkin cinnamon rolls for my family here in Crete. My kitchen looked like a flour storm had passed through but the aroma? Absolute heaven.

My grandmother used to bake with whatever the season offered. When pumpkins filled the market stalls, she’d roast them and turn them into velvety soups or pies. One day, I decided to take her pumpkin filling and twist it into soft, gooey cinnamon rolls then add a spiced eggnog icing for that holiday magic. That’s how these pumpkin cinnamon rolls were born.

Every bite brings warmth, nostalgia, and that comforting sweetness that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and a cup of coffee. Soft, rich in pumpkin flavor, and perfectly balanced with brown sugar, butter, and a swirl of spice, these rolls are a holiday hug on a plate.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup pumpkin purée
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Filling

• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup pumpkin purée

For the Spiced Eggnog Icing

• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons eggnog
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the dough
   Whisk together pumpkin, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Add frothy yeast mixture. Slowly mix in flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg until a soft dough forms.
2. Activate the yeast
   Combine warm milk and sugar, sprinkle yeast over top, and let sit 5–10 minutes until frothy.
3. Knead and rise
   Knead dough 7–8 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour until doubled.
4. Prepare the filling
   Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and softened butter. Spread pumpkin purée over the dough first for extra moisture.
5. Roll and fill
   Roll dough into a 14×18-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly, leaving a small border.
6. Shape the rolls
   Roll up dough from the long side, pinch seam, and cut into 12 rolls.
7. Second rise
   Arrange in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise 30 minutes until puffy.
8. Bake
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
9. Prepare the icing
   Whisk powdered sugar, eggnog, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. Adjust consistency with more eggnog if needed.
10. Ice and enjoy
    Drizzle warm icing over rolls. Serve warm for the best flavor and gooey texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these rolls warm, straight from the oven. Pair with Greek coffee, chai, or hot chocolate. Sprinkle with crushed pecans or cinnamon sugar for extra festive flair. They also work well prepared ahead: refrigerate overnight and bake fresh in the morning.

🍂 Recipe Card

Conclusion

These pumpkin cinnamon rolls with spiced eggnog icing are everything cozy mornings should be soft, sweet, and full of festive warmth. Baking is about memories as much as flavors, so enjoy every step, even if your kitchen gets messy. From my Cretan kitchen to yours happy baking, and may every bite taste like home. 💛

Short 100-Word Version

Soft, golden, and spiced these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Spiced Eggnog Icing are a holiday treat! Pumpkin dough is rolled with a cinnamon-sugar filling, baked to pillowy perfection, and drizzled with creamy spiced eggnog icing. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they fill your kitchen with the scent of autumn. Easy to make, comforting to eat, and full of flavor, these rolls are a festive way to share love and warmth. Bake, drizzle, and enjoy warm for a cozy, indulgent treat that everyone will adore! 🎃