Description
These soft and fluffy Pumpkin Dinner Rolls are perfect for fall gatherings or any meal. Made with real pumpkin purée, warm milk, and a touch of sweetness, they offer a tender crumb with a lightly golden crust. The yeast-based dough is enriched with butter and eggs, creating a deliciously moist and flavorful bread that pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or holiday meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
For Brushing
- Extra melted butter
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix wet ingredients: Add the pumpkin purée, egg, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined to form the base of the dough.
- Add dry ingredients and form dough: Add 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and the salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, add additional flour 1 tablespoon at a time until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead the dough: Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface or use a dough hook attachment for 6–8 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the rolls: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide the dough into 12–15 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. Place the balls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second rise: Cover the shaped rolls and allow them to rise again for 30–45 minutes until they become puffy and nearly doubled.
- Preheat oven and bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18–20 minutes or until they develop a golden-brown crust on top.
- Brush with melted butter and serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush them with extra melted butter while still warm, enhancing softness and adding a shiny finish. Serve warm for the best taste.
Notes
- These rolls can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving for convenience.
- For an added sweet touch, try brushing the warm rolls with honey butter.
- Leftover rolls freeze well; simply thaw and warm them before serving to enjoy fresh flavor.
