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Pumpkin Dinner Rolls are a comforting, flavorful twist on traditional dinner rolls. With a soft, pillowy texture and a subtle hint of pumpkin and cinnamon, these rolls are perfect for any occasion—from casual family dinners to holiday feasts. The pumpkin puree gives the rolls a beautiful golden color and adds moisture, creating a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. The cinnamon and brown sugar elevate the flavor, giving these rolls a warm, cozy taste that pairs wonderfully with any main dish.

Whether you’re serving them with a Thanksgiving turkey, enjoying them as a side to a hearty soup, or simply having them as a snack with butter, these Pumpkin Dinner Rolls are bound to become a favorite. Not only do they bring the comforting flavors of fall to your table, but they also offer a slight sweetness that makes them unique compared to regular dinner rolls. What’s more, the addition of pumpkin puree adds nutritional benefits such as vitamin A and fiber, making these rolls a tasty and somewhat healthier choice for your bread basket.

The best part about this recipe is how easy it is to make homemade dinner rolls. With a bit of patience during the rise times, you can enjoy fresh, fluffy, and aromatic rolls that you made from scratch. The dough itself is simple to prepare, and the results are nothing short of delicious. If you’ve never baked homemade rolls before, this recipe is a great place to start. Let’s dive in and learn how to make these soft, slightly sweet Pumpkin Dinner Rolls.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Dough:

1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp or 7g)
1/2 cup lukewarm milk (110°F/43°C)
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting

1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp salt
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1/4 cup softened butter, plus extra for brushing after baking

1/4 cup lukewarm milk (for the dough mixture)

For the Topping:

Melted butter (for brushing after baking)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast and 1/2 cup of lukewarm milk. Stir gently and let it rest for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial to ensure the yeast is active and will help the dough rise properly.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir them together to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
Add Wet Ingredients: To the dry ingredients, add the activated yeast mixture, eggs, softened butter, and an additional 1/4 cup of lukewarm milk. Stir until the mixture starts to come together into a dough.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes soft, a bit sticky, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this process. Be patient during the kneading, as this helps to develop the gluten, giving the rolls their soft texture.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

First Rise: Once the dough is kneaded, transfer it to an oiled bowl, making sure to coat the surface of the dough with oil as well to prevent it from drying out. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
Resting Time: Allow the dough to rise for about 90 minutes in a warm area (such as your oven with the light on) or until it has doubled in size. This step is essential to achieve soft, fluffy rolls.

Step 3: Divide and Shape the Dough

Flour the Surface: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Then, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.

Cut the Dough: Use a sharp knife or dough scraper to divide the dough into 15 equal pieces. You can adjust the size of the pieces depending on how big or small you want the rolls to be.
Shape the Rolls: Take each piece of dough and roll it into a ball by cupping your hands around it and rotating. This will give the rolls a smooth, round shape. Place the shaped dough balls on a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking pan lined with parchment paper. Arrange them in neat rows, but allow a little space between each roll so they have room to expand as they rise.

Step 4: Let the Rolls Rise Again

Second Rise: Cover the pan with a piece of greased plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let the rolls rise at room temperature for another hour. The dough should rise and fill out the pan, with the rolls just touching each other.

Preheat the Oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), so it’s hot and ready for baking.

Step 5: Bake the Rolls

Bake: Once the rolls have risen and filled the pan, transfer them to the preheated oven. Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.
Brush with Butter: After baking, immediately brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter to give them a shiny, soft finish. This also enhances the flavor and adds a rich, buttery touch.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes before serving. These Pumpkin Dinner Rolls are best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven, with a pat of butter or as a side to your favorite dishes. They also make an excellent base for sandwiches if you have leftovers.

Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time

Prep Time: 45 minutes (excluding resting times)
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including resting and rising times)
Servings: Makes about 15 rolls

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 150 kcal

Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 4g

Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 150mg

Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 6g

Why This Recipe is Timeless

Pumpkin Dinner Rolls have an enduring appeal because they combine familiar, comforting ingredients with the seasonal charm of pumpkin. The flavor of cinnamon and brown sugar evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia, while the pumpkin provides a slight sweetness and moisture that makes these rolls particularly tender. The versatility of this recipe also makes it timeless—whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or a casual dinner, these rolls are sure to enhance your meal. Moreover, homemade bread has a special place in many cultures and homes, where the act of baking is often seen as a labor of love.

Pumpkin Dinner Rolls can be enjoyed throughout the fall and winter months, but they are so delicious that you’ll likely find yourself making them year-round. The combination of sweet and savory elements allows these rolls to pair perfectly with a wide variety of main dishes, making them a staple in any kitchen.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree? Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to use plain pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices).
Can I make these rolls ahead of time? Yes! After shaping the rolls and placing them on the baking pan, you can refrigerate them overnight (covered with plastic wrap). Let them rise at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before baking.

Can I freeze these rolls? Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked dough after shaping it. Place the shaped dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze them until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, let the rolls thaw and rise for 1-2 hours before baking as directed.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Rolls

Temperature of milk: Make sure the milk is lukewarm (around 110°F/43°C), as this helps activate the yeast. If it’s too hot, it could kill the yeast.
Kneading: If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour on the work surface, but be careful not to add too much as it could make the rolls dense.

Room temperature eggs and butter: Ensure that the eggs and butter are at room temperature to allow for better mixing and a smoother dough.

Storage Tips

Store leftover Pumpkin Dinner Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the rolls for up to 3 months. Simply let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To reheat, wrap the rolls in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds, or bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Conclusion

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen, and these Pumpkin Dinner Rolls deliver that and more. The combination of rich, buttery flavor and the comforting warmth of pumpkin and cinnamon make them an irresistible addition to any meal. They’re a celebration of fall, nostalgia, and the joy of baking.

Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or a casual dinner, these rolls will bring smiles to the table. Their timeless appeal lies in their versatility, ease of preparation, and the way they embody the essence of home cooking. Make a batch, share with loved ones, and create memories that last a lifetime.

Happy baking! 🍂