Pumpkin Dinner Rolls – Soft, Fluffy, and Perfect for Fall Gatherings
Soft, fluffy, and golden, these Pumpkin Dinner Rolls are the ultimate fall-inspired side dish! Made with real pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and a touch of pumpkin pie spice, they bring a warm, cozy sweetness to your dinner table. Perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday feasts, or any autumn meal, these rolls are tender, buttery, and irresistibly good straight from the oven.
Ingredients
- 4 ½ – 5 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 4 ½ teaspoons rapid rise instant yeast
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk 110°–115°F
- 1 cup pumpkin puree pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 5 tablespoons butter softened
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 2 tablespoons melted butter to brush on top
Instructions
- Activate the yeast (optional if using instant):
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and brown sugar. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the wet ingredients:
- Add pumpkin puree, softened butter, egg, salt, and pumpkin pie spice to the yeast mixture. Stir until fully combined.
- Add flour:
- Gradually add 4 ½ cups of flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a dough hook (or by hand) until a soft dough forms. Add more flour as needed until the dough is slightly tacky but not sticky.
- Knead the dough:
- Knead for 8–10 minutes (by hand or mixer) until smooth and elastic.
- First rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the rolls:
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 12–15 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them on a greased baking pan or parchment-lined sheet, slightly spaced apart.
- Second rise:
- Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
- Brush and serve:
- Immediately brush warm rolls with melted butter for a glossy, flavorful finish.
Notes
- Use instant yeast for a quicker rise or active dry yeast with a 5-minute proofing step.
- Substitute half whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
- Add a touch of maple syrup or honey for extra sweetness.
- Serve warm with cinnamon butter or honey for a cozy fall treat.