Caramel Nut Pumpkin Sticky Rolls Recipe

My Autumn Kitchen Secret

I love the smell of pumpkin spice in my kitchen. It feels like a cozy hug. I make these rolls every October. My grandson calls them “pumpkin presents.” I still laugh at that.

This recipe is my little shortcut. We use soft, sweet dinner rolls. It makes everything so easy. You get all the flavor without the fuss. Doesn’t that smell amazing just thinking about it?

Why This Matters to Me

Food is more than just eating. It’s about making memories. These sticky rolls create a happy moment. Everyone gathers in the kitchen, waiting. That time together is the real treat.

That’s why this matters. Simple recipes bring people close. You don’t need to be a fancy chef. You just need a warm heart and a warm oven. What’s your favorite food memory from fall?

Let’s Get Sticky

First, mix your pumpkin, milk, and spice. Slice your rolls in half like a little book. Spread the pumpkin inside. It’s like making a sweet sandwich.

Place them snug in your dish. Mix sugar and spice in a bowl. Pour melted butter over the tops. Then sprinkle that spiced sugar everywhere. It will get messy. That’s the fun part!

The Best Part

Now for the magic. Drizzle that caramel sauce all over. Let it drip down the sides. Then add your chopped nuts. I use walnuts from my neighbor’s tree.

*Fun fact: The word “caramel” comes from a Latin word for “cane sugar.” It’s just sugar, cooked slow and sweet. Bake for about 10 minutes. Your kitchen will smell like heaven.

A Little Story for You

I once forgot the sugar mixture. I baked them plain! They were not sweet at all. My husband ate one anyway. He said it was “interesting.” We laughed so hard.

That’s my second “why this matters.” It’s okay to make mistakes. Cooking is about trying. The best recipes have room for your own touch. Do you prefer walnuts or pecans on your treats?

Your Turn to Share

Serve these rolls warm. The caramel will be gooey and perfect. Watch them disappear fast. I promise they will bring smiles.

Making them is half the joy. I would love to hear about your baking. Did you try a different nut? Maybe you added a pinch of extra spice? Tell me all about it.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
King’s Hawaiian® Dinner Rolls	12 rolls
Pumpkin puree	½ cup	Not pumpkin pie filling
Milk	1 Tablespoon
Pumpkin pie spice	1 Tablespoon + 1 Tablespoon	Divided use
Butter, melted	4 tablespoons
Granulated sugar	¼ cup
Caramel sauce	½ cup	Homemade or store bought for ice cream
Chopped walnuts (or other nut)	¼ cup

My Cozy Pumpkin Sticky Roll Shortcut

Hello, dear! It’s Anna. Come sit a moment. I want to tell you about my favorite autumn trick. It turns simple dinner rolls into a gooey, spiced treat. It reminds me of my grandson’s wide eyes when he sees them. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

We use King’s Hawaiian rolls. They are so soft and sweet already. This recipe is like giving them a warm pumpkin hug. I still laugh at that thought. Let’s make some magic together. It’s easier than you think.

Step 1:

First, warm your oven to 350 degrees. Grab a small bowl. Mix the pumpkin puree, milk, and one tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice. It will look like a smooth, orange paste. This is the cozy filling.

Step 2:

Now, take your whole package of rolls. Do not pull them apart. Slice the entire block in half, like a big sandwich. Spread the pumpkin mix on the bottom half. Be generous! Then put the top back on.

Step 3:

Place your big roll “sandwich” in a baking dish. Mix sugar and more pumpkin spice in another bowl. Melt your butter. Pour the butter all over the top of the rolls. Then sprinkle your spiced sugar on next. (A hard-learned tip: Do this over the sink. The sugar can sprinkle everywhere!)

Step 4:

Here comes the fun part. Drizzle caramel sauce all over. Let it drip down the sides. Then toss on the chopped walnuts. They add a nice little crunch. What’s your favorite nut to bake with? Share below!

Step 5:

Bake for just 8 to 10 minutes. Watch for the caramel to bubble. The rolls will be golden and warm. Pull them apart to serve. Enjoy the sticky, happy mess.

Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert, Breakfast

Three Tasty Twists to Try

Once you know the basics, you can play! Here are my favorite little changes. They make the recipe feel new again.

Apple Pie Twist: Swap the pumpkin for thick applesauce. Use apple pie spice instead. It tastes like a caramel apple.

Chocolate Dream: Skip the pumpkin spice. Mix a tablespoon of cocoa powder into the sugar. Use chocolate sauce instead of caramel.

Orange Cranberry: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the pumpkin mix. Sprinkle dried cranberries with the walnuts. So bright and cheerful!

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving Them Up Right

These rolls are perfect for a weekend morning. I love them with a simple side. Try a bowl of cool, plain yogurt. The tang balances the sweetness. Or some crispy bacon on the side. The salty crunch is wonderful.

For a drink, a hot mug of spiced apple cider is my go-to. For the grown-ups, a small glass of sweet cream sherry pairs nicely. It sips like a dessert itself. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Sticky Rolls Happy

These rolls are best fresh and warm. But leftovers happen! Let them cool completely first. Then, pop them in a sealed container. They will keep in the fridge for two days.

You can freeze them for a month, too. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap. I once froze a whole batch for my grandson’s surprise visit. He was so happy! Reheating is simple. Use your oven or toaster oven at 300 degrees for five minutes.

This keeps them from getting soggy. Why does this matter? A good reheat saves your treat. It makes a busy morning feel special. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Hiccups

First, the pumpkin mix might seem too thick. Just add a tiny splash more milk. Stir until it spreads easily. I remember when mine was like paste. A little milk fixed it right up.

Second, watch the baking time closely. Ovens can run hot. Your rolls are done when they are warm and soft. Overbaking makes them hard. Why does this matter? Perfect timing gives you that dreamy, gooey texture.

Third, the caramel can pool at the bottom. Drizzle it slowly over the tops. Let it trickle down the sides. This coats every bite. It builds your cooking confidence. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Questions, Answered

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free dinner rolls. Check the labels on your other ingredients.

Q: Can I prepare them ahead?
A: Absolutely. Assemble them the night before. Cover and refrigerate. Bake in the morning.

Q: What if I don’t have walnuts?
A: Use any nut you like. Pecans are wonderful. Or skip them entirely. It will still be delicious.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: You sure can. Just use a bigger baking dish. You might need a few extra minutes in the oven.

Q: Any optional tips?
A: A pinch of sea salt on top after baking is lovely. *Fun fact: Salt makes sweet caramel taste even sweeter!* Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope your kitchen fills with the smell of pumpkin and caramel. It is one of my favorite scents. It reminds me of crisp autumn mornings. I love seeing your creations.

Please share your baking stories with me. Show me your beautiful, sticky rolls. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! I would be so delighted to see. Happy cooking!

—Anna Whitmore.