Why Make This Recipe
Pumpkin Dinner Rolls are a delightful addition to any meal. These rolls are not only soft and fluffy but also bring a hint of pumpkin flavor. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or any occasion, they add a seasonal touch to your table. Making them at home allows you to enjoy fresh, warm rolls straight from the oven. Plus, cooking with pumpkin gives these rolls a beautiful color and extra moisture.
How to Make Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups bread flour
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (room temperature)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/3 cup full-fat milk (warm)
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
- 1 egg (for brushing)
- Some melted butter (for brushing)
Directions
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Dough: Start by mixing the warm milk, instant yeast, and brown sugar in a bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. In another bowl, combine the bread flour, salt, canned pumpkin, melted butter, the large egg, and honey. Pour in the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
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Shape: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
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Bake: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them in a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the rolls with a beaten egg. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
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Remove the Strings: Once baked, take the rolls out and brush them with melted butter for a shiny finish. Let them cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
Serve Pumpkin Dinner Rolls warm, straight from the oven, or at room temperature. They pair well with butter, honey, or your favorite spread. These rolls are great for soaking up soups or saucy dishes, making them a comforting side for any meal.
How to Store Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
Keep any leftover Pumpkin Dinner Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to store them for longer, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, you can warm them in the oven or microwave.
Tips to Make Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best results.
- Knead the dough well to develop gluten, which helps the rolls rise properly.
- For a deeper pumpkin flavor, add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
- Experiment with different flours, like whole wheat, to add more nutrition.
Variation
You can add ingredients like chopped nuts or dried fruits to give the rolls an extra twist. For a savory version, try adding herbs or cheese to the dough for a unique flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, but make sure it is cooked and pureed smoothly before adding it to the dough.
Q: How can I make these rolls ahead of time?
A: You can make the dough ahead, let it rise, and then refrigerate it overnight. Shape and let it rise again the next day before baking.
Q: What if my dough doesn’t rise?
A: Check if your yeast is active by proofing it in warm water with sugar. If it doesn’t bubble after 5-10 minutes, your yeast may be old and you need to use new yeast.

Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 1/2 cups bread flour
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree room temperature
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1/3 cup full-fat milk warm
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
For the Topping
- 1 egg for brushing
- Some melted butter for brushing
Instructions
Dough Preparation
- Mix the warm milk, instant yeast, and brown sugar in a bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In another bowl, combine the bread flour, salt, canned pumpkin, melted butter, the large egg, and honey.
- Pour in the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms.
Kneading and First Rise
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Shaping and Second Rise
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball.
- Place them in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the tops of the rolls with a beaten egg.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Finishing Touches
- Once baked, take the rolls out and brush them with melted butter for a shiny finish.
- Let them cool slightly before serving.