If you’re looking for a comforting, slightly sweet twist on classic dinner bread, this Pumpkin Dinner Rolls Recipe is an absolute must-try. These rolls are wonderfully soft with just the right hint of pumpkin’s natural sweetness and a touch of warm spices, making every bite feel like a cozy hug. Perfect for autumn gatherings or any time you want a comforting side, these rolls blend the familiar with a seasonal flair that will have everyone asking for seconds. Baking these delightful dinner rolls is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma and promises a crowd-pleasing outcome at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect Pumpkin Dinner Rolls Recipe is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that work beautifully together. Each component plays an essential role—whether it’s providing moisture, flavor, or that perfect dough texture.
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C): This helps activate the yeast and keeps your dough soft and tender.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): The magic behind your rolls rising to fluffy perfection.
- 1/4 cup sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the pumpkin’s natural earthiness.
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling): This is the star ingredient that adds moisture, vibrant color, and subtle flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and enriches the dough for a tender crumb.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps keep the rolls soft and flavorful.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure — just enough to make a soft, elastic dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): Brings a warm, cozy note that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional): Adds depth and a touch of spice to the dough.
- Extra melted butter for brushing the tops (optional): This finishing touch gives the rolls a beautiful, shiny crust and extra flavor.
How to Make Pumpkin Dinner Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by waking up your yeast with warm milk and a tablespoon of sugar. This stage is essential because it confirms the yeast is alive and kicking, ensuring your rolls will rise beautifully. Let the mixture sit until it becomes foamy, around 5 to 10 minutes, signaling it’s ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine your pumpkin puree, the remaining sugar, the egg, melted butter, and salt. Then pour in your yeast mixture. Stir these together before gradually adding the flour along with the cinnamon and nutmeg if you’re using them. Keep mixing until your dough is soft but not overly sticky—this balance is key to fluffy rolls.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead by hand for about 5 to 7 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes if you prefer. Kneading develops the gluten which helps the rolls become light and airy. Once kneaded, transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until it doubles in size.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
After the first rise, gently punch down the dough to release the air. Divide it into 12 to 16 equal portions—this is your chance to decide if you want larger or smaller rolls. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, or nestle them in a greased 9×13-inch pan for pull-apart style rolls.
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover your shaped rolls and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. This second rise is what gives the rolls their light, fluffy texture and those perfect, pillowy tops.
Step 6: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 15 to 20 minutes until they are a beautiful golden brown and sound hollow when tapped underneath. Your kitchen will fill with that irresistibly warm pumpkin aroma before you know it!
Step 7: Brush with Butter and Serve
Brush the tops of the warm rolls with melted butter for a shiny, soft crust and extra flavor. Let them cool slightly so that they’re just the right temperature for enjoying. These rolls are best served fresh but still delicious even a day later!
How to Serve Pumpkin Dinner Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A quick brush of butter is all you need to make these rolls look irresistible, but you could also sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon sugar on top right out of the oven to add a bit of sparkle and sweetness. For a savory twist, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt after baking pairs beautifully.
Side Dishes
These pumpkin rolls are fantastic alongside rich, hearty dishes such as roasted turkey, glazed ham, or savory stews. Their soft texture and subtle sweetness offer a perfect counterbalance to savory mains and complement butter, jam, or honey if served on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Try placing your Pumpkin Dinner Rolls Recipe in a rustic basket lined with a cozy, colorful napkin for an inviting autumnal table centerpiece. For a festive touch, braid a few rolls together or top each with a small piece of roasted pumpkin and fresh herbs before baking to elevate their look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any uneaten dinner rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them soft, adding a slice of bread in the container helps maintain their moisture without making them soggy.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven.
Reheating
Reheat rolls by placing them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. For an ultra-soft effect, wrap them in foil while warming. Microwave reheating works too, but it can sometimes make the crust chewy rather than crisp and tender.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
It’s best to stick with plain pumpkin puree because pie filling contains added sugar and spices that will alter the dough’s texture and flavor balance in this recipe.
How do I know if my yeast is still active?
If your yeast mixture foams and bubbles within 10 minutes of mixing with warm milk and sugar, it’s active and ready to use. No foam means the yeast may be expired or the liquid too hot or too cold.
Can I make these rolls vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the milk with your favorite plant-based milk, replace the egg with a flax egg or another egg replacer, and use vegan butter to keep these rolls deliciously plant-based.
What’s the best way to get soft, fluffy rolls?
Make sure not to add too much flour. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky before rising. Also, do not rush the rising times—letting the dough double and the rolls puff is essential for that perfect texture.
Can I add different spices or flavors?
Absolutely! This Pumpkin Dinner Rolls Recipe is versatile. You can experiment by adding ground cloves, ginger, or cardamom for a unique twist, or even mix in some pumpkin seeds on top for extra crunch.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you bake these pumpkin dinner rolls, they’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes for any season. Their fluffy texture, gentle sweetness, and cozy aroma make them so much more than just bread—they’re a comforting experience. Give this Pumpkin Dinner Rolls Recipe a try and watch how it brings warmth and smiles to your family and friends around the table.
Print
Pumpkin Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These soft and fluffy Pumpkin Dinner Rolls are the perfect fall bread, combining warm spices and the natural sweetness of pumpkin for a deliciously comforting treat. Lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, these rolls are ideal for holiday meals or as a cozy snack.
Ingredients
Yeast Mixture
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (from the total sugar amount)
Dough
- 1/4 cup sugar (remaining after 1 tablespoon)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Finishing
- Extra melted butter for brushing the tops (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (110°F/45°C), active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, remaining sugar, egg, melted butter, and salt until well combined. Add the activated yeast mixture and stir. Gradually incorporate 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour along with the optional cinnamon and nutmeg until the dough is soft but not sticky, adding more flour as needed up to 4 cups.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead by hand for 5-7 minutes or use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls: Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Divide it into 12 to 16 equal portions and shape each piece into a smooth ball. Place the dough balls onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet or into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes in a warm place until they have puffed up.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Brush with Butter and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush the tops with melted butter if desired. Allow them to cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor and texture.
- The optional cinnamon and nutmeg add a lovely autumnal spice but can be omitted if desired.
- Ensure the milk is warm (not hot) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Adjust flour amount as needed to achieve a soft but manageable dough consistency.
- These rolls freeze well—cool completely before freezing, then reheat in the oven or microwave.
