The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Marilyn 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Growing up, the smell of cinnamon and fresh dough filled my grandmother’s kitchen every Sunday morning. She’d hum softly as she kneaded the dough, her hands dusted with flour and her heart full of love. When I moved away, I missed those mornings the warmth, the laughter, and the sweet anticipation of something delicious baking in the oven.
One autumn, while watching the leaves fall outside my window, I decided to mix my Cretan baking roots with a touch of American comfort. That’s how my Vanilla Bean-Glazed Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls were born soft, golden spirals of pumpkin-spiced dough, filled with buttery cinnamon sugar, and topped with a silky vanilla bean glaze that melts right into each swirl.
These rolls are more than a treat they’re a hug in pastry form. Perfect for a cozy breakfast, a Sunday brunch, or even a Thanksgiving morning, this pumpkin cinnamon roll recipe brings the best of both worlds: Greek heart and American comfort.
If you love warm spices, velvety textures, and the aroma of freshly baked pumpkin, then you’ll fall in love with these Vanilla Bean-Glazed Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls. They’re easy to make, incredibly soft, and the glaze gives them a gourmet finish without any fuss.
Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself (I won’t judge!), this recipe will make your kitchen smell like happiness. Let’s bake something beautiful together.
Short Story Version (100 Words)
Hi, I’m Marilyn from Crete, and these Vanilla Bean-Glazed Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls combine my Greek love for homemade baking with my favorite fall flavors. Inspired by my grandmother’s cozy Sunday bakes, I created this pumpkin cinnamon roll recipe to capture warmth, love, and a touch of sweetness. The dough is soft and golden, the filling rich with cinnamon sugar, and the vanilla bean glaze drizzles like magic on top. Whether you’re making them for brunch or dessert, these rolls will fill your home with irresistible autumn aroma and your heart with joy.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¾ cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie mix)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp cloves (optional)
For the Vanilla Bean Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp milk (or more for thinning)
- ½ vanilla bean, scraped (or 1 tsp vanilla bean paste)
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- Pinch of salt
Table of Contents
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. This means your yeast is alive and ready.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin purée, melted butter, sugar, egg, salt, vanilla, and spices. Mix until smooth. Add the frothy yeast mixture and gradually stir in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 8 minutes until elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Fill and Roll
Roll out the dough into a rectangle (about 12×16 inches). Spread softened butter evenly over it, then sprinkle with the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. Roll the dough tightly from the long side and cut into 12 even rolls. Arrange them in a buttered baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
Step 4: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant. Let cool slightly before glazing.
Step 5: Make the Vanilla Bean Glaze
In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, vanilla bean seeds, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed thick but pourable. Drizzle generously over warm rolls.
Serving Ideas
Serve these Vanilla Bean-Glazed Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls warm, straight from the oven. They pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee, spiced chai, or even a glass of cold milk.
If you’re hosting brunch, arrange them on a rustic platter and dust lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. For a festive twist, sprinkle crushed pecans or drizzle caramel on top.
They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat leftovers in the microwave for 15 seconds to bring back that soft, gooey texture.
Conclusion
Baking these Vanilla Bean-Glazed Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls reminds me that food isn’t just about eating it’s about creating memories. From the first rise of the dough to the final drizzle of glaze, every step feels like an act of love.
The pumpkin adds a rich, tender crumb, while the vanilla bean glaze turns each bite into pure comfort. Whether you’re baking for your family, your friends, or just yourself on a quiet morning, these rolls fill your kitchen with joy and your heart with warmth.
So roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of sweet pumpkin and vanilla fill your home. You’re not just baking you’re sharing love, one roll at a time.