Go Back
To make pillowy pumpkin dinner rolls, you need a few simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating soft and fluffy rolls. Here’s what you will need: - 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus additional for dusting - 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade) - 1/4 cup warm milk (approximately 110°F) - 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon active dry yeast - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 egg (for egg wash) Each ingredient adds flavor and texture. The pumpkin puree gives the rolls a rich color and moistness. The warm milk helps the yeast wake up and grow. Applesauce adds sweetness and keeps the rolls soft. The spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger—create a warm, cozy flavor. Finally, the butter adds richness. You can find the full recipe to guide you through the steps to make these delightful rolls. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! 1. Start by combining warm milk and sugar in a small bowl. 2. Sprinkle active dry yeast over the mixture and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. 3. You want it to froth. This shows the yeast is alive and ready. 1. In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, applesauce, and melted butter. 2. Add the frothy yeast mixture to this bowl. Blend until smooth and well combined. 1. In a separate bowl, mix all-purpose flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. 2. Gradually add the dry mixture to the pumpkin mixture. 3. Stir gently until just combined. 4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes. 5. If the dough feels sticky, add a bit more flour while kneading. 1. Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. 2. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. 3. Once risen, punch the dough down gently. 4. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. 5. Shape each piece into a ball. 1. Place the dough balls on a greased baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced out. 2. Cover with a towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. 3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 4. Beat an egg in a small bowl and brush it over the tops of the rolls. 5. Bake the rolls for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. 6. Once baked, let them cool slightly before serving. If you want to explore this tasty recipe in full detail, please check the Full Recipe. Kneading is key for soft and fluffy rolls. It helps develop gluten, which gives dough its strength. Knead for about 5 to 7 minutes until smooth. Don't rush this step. The rising environment matters too. Find a warm spot, like near a sunny window or an oven set to low. Cover the dough with a towel to keep it warm and moist. This helps the dough rise well. You can enhance flavor with extra spices. Try adding a pinch of allspice or cloves for warmth. A touch of maple syrup can also add sweetness. Experiment to find your perfect mix. Serving ideas are fun, too! These rolls are great with butter or honey. A sprinkle of sea salt or cinnamon on top makes them even more special. Watch for signs of over-proofed dough. If the dough looks too puffy or collapses when you poke it, it’s over-proofed. This means it won’t rise well in the oven. Underbaking is another common issue. Check for a golden-brown color on top. If the rolls feel soft and doughy inside, they need more time. Trust your senses; they guide you well! {{image_4}} You can make your pumpkin dinner rolls even sweeter. Consider adding chocolate chips for a delightful surprise. Aim for about 1/2 cup of chips mixed into the dough. Dried fruit also works well, like raisins or cranberries. They add a nice chewiness and burst of flavor. Spices can change the taste of your rolls too. Try adding a pinch of cardamom or a hint of vanilla extract. These additions can give your rolls a fun twist. Remember, experimenting with flavors is part of the fun! Want to turn these rolls into a savory treat? Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough. A tablespoon of chopped herbs should do the trick. This adds a lovely aroma and flavor. Cheese is another great addition. You could fold in shredded cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella. Alternatively, try a cheese topping before baking. It melts beautifully and adds richness. If you need gluten-free rolls, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Make sure the blend has xanthan gum to help with structure. You can replace the butter with a plant-based option for a vegan version. Use almond milk instead of regular milk. For the egg wash, brush the tops with almond milk or a bit of coconut milk. These swaps keep the rolls soft and tasty without any animal products. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide on making these delicious rolls. Enjoy your baking adventure! To keep your rolls fresh at room temperature, place them in a bread box or a large zip-top bag. Make sure they are completely cool before sealing. This helps keep the moisture in while preventing them from getting soggy. If you need to refrigerate them, wrap each roll in plastic wrap, then place them in a sealed container. This keeps them fresh for a few days. For long-term storage, freezing is the best option. Let the rolls cool completely, then place them in a zip-top bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, take out the rolls and let them thaw at room temperature. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will revive their soft, fluffy texture. When stored correctly, these rolls can last about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. In the fridge, they can last for up to a week. However, if you notice any mold, an off smell, or a dry texture, it's best to toss them. Always trust your instincts about food safety. Enjoy these pillowy delights while they are at their best! Yes, you can prepare these rolls ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Make the dough: You can mix and knead the dough a day ahead. - First rise: Let it rise in the fridge overnight instead of at room temp. - Shape the rolls: After the first rise, shape them into balls. - Second rise: Let them rise at room temp before baking. This way, you save time on baking day. You can use several alternatives for pumpkin flavor: - Butternut squash puree: This gives a similar texture and taste. - Sweet potato puree: It adds a sweet flavor that works well. - Carrot puree: This option offers a different twist to the rolls. Look for these signs to know your rolls are done: - Color: They should be golden brown on top. - Size: The rolls will puff up and look fluffy. - Tap test: Tap the bottom; it should sound hollow if they are done. Absolutely! You can double the recipe: - Ingredients: Just use twice the amount of each ingredient. - Mixing: You might need a larger bowl for mixing. - Baking time: Keep an eye on baking time; larger batches may need extra time. These rolls go well with many meals: - Soups: Try them with a warm bowl of pumpkin or minestrone soup. - Salads: They complement fresh salads, adding a nice touch. - Roasted meats: They pair beautifully with turkey, chicken, or ham. Yes, you can use whole wheat flour: - Mix it: Try a mix of half all-purpose and half whole wheat flour. - Hydration: Whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid; add a bit more milk if needed. - Texture: The rolls will be denser but still delicious. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. Enjoy baking! In this post, we covered how to make delicious pumpkin dinner rolls from scratch. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and valuable tips for perfecting your rolls. We also explored tasty variations and proper storage to keep them fresh. Remember, baking is fun, and a little practice makes you better. Don’t fear mistakes; they help you learn. Enjoy baking these soft, flavorful rolls and share them with friends and family!

Pillowy Pumpkin Dinner Rolls

Indulge in the warmth of fall with these pillowy pumpkin dinner rolls! Easy to make and irresistibly soft, these rolls are packed with pumpkin flavor and spices, making them perfect for any meal. Discover how simple ingredients come together to create a delightful side dish that will impress your family and friends. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy the best pumpkin rolls of the season!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus additional for dusting

1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)

1/4 cup warm milk (approximately 110°F)

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 tablespoon active dry yeast

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions
 

In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the liquid and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy on top. This indicates that the yeast is active.

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, applesauce, melted butter, and the frothy yeast mixture until everything is well combined and smooth.

      In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Gradually add this dry mixture to the pumpkin mixture, stirring gently until just combined.

        Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed while kneading.

          Form the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm environment for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

            Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and divide it into 12 equal-sized pieces. Shape each piece into a ball.

              Arrange the dough balls on a greased baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart. Cover the baking sheet with a towel and allow the rolls to rise again for approximately 30 minutes.

                Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

                  In a small bowl, beat the egg and then brush it generously over the tops of the rolls to give them a beautiful glossy finish.

                    Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed.

                      Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving.

                        Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 1 hr 30 mins | Makes 12 rolls

                          - Presentation Tips: Serve these warm, topped with a pat of butter and a light sprinkle of cinnamon to add an extra layer of flavor and warmth. They make a delightful addition to any meal or gathering! Enjoy!