The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Marilyn a 38-year-old home cook from the sunny island of Crete, Greece. 🍂 Growing up, my grandmother taught me that baking wasn’t just about the ingredients, but the love you knead into the dough. Every time I bake, I feel her spirit guiding my hands.
One chilly autumn morning, I decided to try something new a small-batch pumpkin cinnamon rolls recipe. I wanted that warm, spiced aroma filling my kitchen but without making a huge batch (because let’s be honest, I’d end up eating them all myself!). So, I mixed creamy pumpkin purée with cinnamon, brown sugar, and a buttery pecan topping and it was pure magic.
These small-batch pumpkin cinnamon rolls with pecan topping are perfect when you crave something sweet and comforting but don’t want leftovers tempting you for days. The pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness and moisture to the dough, while the cinnamon and pecan topping bring warmth and crunch.
If you love fall flavors, this recipe will become your go-to treat. Whether you’re sipping coffee in your pajamas on a Sunday morning or sharing a cozy brunch with friends, these pumpkin cinnamon rolls make everything feel like home.
And don’t worry I’ll guide you step-by-step, so your rolls come out fluffy, gooey, and totally irresistible. Let’s bake something special together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- ½ cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon instant yeast
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons warm milk (about 100°F)
For the Filling:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
For the Pecan Topping:
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional but heavenly)
For the Glaze:
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it’s foamy and bubbly. This means your yeast is alive and ready to make magic happen.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and cinnamon. Add the pumpkin purée, melted butter, and activated yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to form.
If it’s sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour — a tablespoon at a time — until the dough is soft but not sticky. Knead for about 5 minutes on a lightly floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let it rest for about 1 hour in a warm place. It should double in size and feel pillowy.
Step 4: Make the Filling
While the dough rises, mix together brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This is where that cozy aroma starts filling your kitchen!
Step 5: Roll & Fill
Once your dough has risen, roll it out into a small rectangle (about 8×6 inches). Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the dough, leaving a tiny border on the edges.
Gently roll it up from the short side into a log. Slice into 4 even rolls (a serrated knife works best).
Step 6: Second Rise
Place the rolls in a small, greased baking dish (I use a 6-inch round pan). Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes until they puff up beautifully.
Step 7: Prepare the Pecan Topping
In a small pan, melt butter with brown sugar and maple syrup until bubbly. Stir in the chopped pecans. Pour this luscious mixture over your rolls right before baking.
Step 8: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Your kitchen will smell like heaven!
Step 9: Glaze & Serve
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle over warm rolls and enjoy each bite soft, gooey, nutty, and full of fall flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These small-batch pumpkin cinnamon rolls are best served warm, fresh out of the oven. Pair them with a cup of strong Greek coffee or a pumpkin spice latte for a truly indulgent experience.
If you want to impress brunch guests, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For an extra cozy touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top just before serving.
They’re also wonderful for breakfast in bed just saying. 😉
Notes & Tips
- Make sure your pumpkin purée isn’t watery; if it is, blot it gently with a paper towel before adding to the dough.
- You can use walnuts instead of pecans if you prefer.
- Store leftovers (if you have any!) in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.
- Double the recipe easily if you’re baking for family or friends.
Nutrition (Per Roll)
Calories: ~210 | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fat: 8g | Protein: 4g | Sugar: 12g
Recipe Card 🧡
⏰ Time:
Prep: 15 min | Rise: 1.5 hrs | Bake: 20 min | Total: ~2 hrs
📝 Ingredients:
Pumpkin purée, flour, yeast, sugar, cinnamon, butter, brown sugar, pecans, maple syrup, milk, vanilla.
👩🍳 Instructions:
Mix dough, let rise, add filling, roll up, rise again, top with pecans, bake, glaze, and enjoy warm!
💡 Notes:
Keep dough soft, not sticky. Substitute nuts if desired. Perfect for cozy mornings or fall brunch.
🥣 Nutrition (per roll):
210 kcal, 30g carbs, 8g fat, 4g protein.
Conclusion
These small-batch pumpkin cinnamon rolls with pecan topping are proof that sometimes, small things bring the biggest joy. They’re soft, gooey, buttery, and filled with the cozy flavors of fall.
From my Crete kitchen to yours, I hope this recipe fills your home with the same warmth and love my grandmother taught me. Don’t worry about the flour on your counter that’s the sign of a happy baker. So grab your apron, turn on your favorite music, and bake these little rolls of happiness today.
Because every recipe is a memory in the making. ❤️
Short 100-Word Version
Hi, I’m Marilyn from Crete! These small-batch pumpkin cinnamon rolls with pecan topping are my cozy twist on a fall classic. Perfect for when you crave something sweet but don’t want a full pan, they’re soft, fluffy, and filled with pumpkin spice goodness. The buttery pecan topping adds the perfect crunch, and the sweet glaze ties it all together. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday or a fall brunch with friends, these cinnamon rolls will warm your heart and home. Small batch, big flavor and made with love, just like my grandmother taught me. 🍁