Noticed that after driving my 2008 HHR after about 10 minutes there would be a faint burnig smell and white smoke coming out of the hood. But the engine temperature wasn't getting out of hand, it would stay around 205 F. Tried filling the oil from 1 to 3 pips on the stick. Coolant was slightly low, b but filled that to the mark, but it's slightly lower again, so I wonder if that is what's leaking. But anyway I traced the source of the smoke to this joint behind the engine (technical term, I know)

 

That area of fluid appears to be oil from the valve cover gaskets, that might be hiding a coolant leak from the water pump . An engine shampoo will clean things up and possibly make it easier to identify the source of the leak.
Welcome to the site.

 

It looks like a leaking valve cover gasket, not a difficult fix. Check the timing chain and guides while you have the cover off to replace it.

 

Any odor? Like hot coolant or burning oil?

 

Don't use generic "engine cleaner", it's very harsh on aluminum.

 

I would use your favorite color spray stuff; orange, purple, green etc.

 

1 oz Dawn and 10 oz hot water works well , let it soak a bit and spray with garden hose , repeat as necessary.
I stay away from using a pressure washer under the hood, to many electrical connections and wires.