Pumpkin Dinner Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love these Pumpkin Dinner Rolls because they combine the comforting texture of homemade bread with the warm, earthy flavor of pumpkin. They’re soft, pillowy, and just the right amount of sweet—perfect for soaking up gravy, pairing with soup, or serving alongside a Thanksgiving spread. Plus, they’re easy to make and look stunning on any table.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
• Active dry yeast
• Warm milk
• Pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• Brown sugar or honey
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Egg
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional, for a hint of spice)
• Melted butter (for brushing after baking)

Directions

1. Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C). In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and brown sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Stir in the pumpkin puree, melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix until smooth.
3. Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, stirring until a soft dough forms.
4. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12–15 equal pieces. Shape each into a ball and place on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet or in a greased 9×13-inch pan.
7. Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes, until puffy.
8. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
10. Brush the warm rolls with melted butter before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12–15 rolls.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Baking time: 18 minutes
Total time: about 2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

• Honey Butter Rolls: Brush with honey butter after baking for extra sweetness.
• Savory Pumpkin Rolls: Add chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme for an herby flavor.
• Whole Wheat Version: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier roll.
• Spiced Pumpkin Rolls: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice for a sweet-savory twist.
• Cheesy Pumpkin Rolls: Fold in shredded cheddar cheese into the dough before baking for a cheesy upgrade.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds until warm. Brush with melted butter after reheating for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly—just make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the dough and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise before baking.

How can I tell if my dough has risen enough?

It should double in size and feel airy when gently pressed with your finger.

Can I make these rolls dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based milk and vegan butter instead of dairy.

Can I knead the dough with a mixer?

Absolutely—use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5–6 minutes.

Why are my rolls dense instead of fluffy?

Over-flouring or under-rising can cause dense rolls. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky before baking.

Can I freeze the rolls before baking?

Yes, shape the rolls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Thaw and rise before baking.

Do I have to add spices?

No, they’re optional. Leaving them out gives the rolls a more neutral flavor for savory meals.

Can I use this dough for other recipes?

Yes, it makes great pumpkin dinner buns, sliders, or even pumpkin cinnamon rolls.

What should I serve these rolls with?

They’re perfect with soups, stews, roasted meats, or as a side for holiday dinners.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Dinner Rolls are the ultimate cozy side dish—soft, golden, and slightly sweet with just a hint of pumpkin flavor. They’re easy to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect for everything from Thanksgiving feasts to weeknight dinners. Once you try these tender rolls fresh out of the oven, they’ll quickly become a seasonal favorite you’ll want to bake year after year.

Pumpkin Dinner Rolls

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Pumpkin Dinner Rolls are soft, golden, and slightly sweet yeast rolls made with pumpkin puree for a tender, flavorful texture. Perfect for fall dinners, Thanksgiving, or holiday gatherings, these fluffy rolls add a beautiful seasonal touch to any meal.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 12–15 rolls
• Category: Bread, Side Dish
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
• ¾ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing after baking)

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Instructions

1. Warm the milk to 110°F (43°C). In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and brown sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Stir in pumpkin puree, melted butter, egg, and salt until smooth.
3. Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
4. Transfer to a floured surface and knead 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
6. Punch down dough and divide into 12–15 pieces. Shape into balls and place on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet or in a greased 9×13-inch pan.
7. Cover and let rise 30–40 minutes until puffy.
8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Bake 15–18 minutes or until golden brown on top.
10. Brush warm rolls with melted butter before serving.

Notes

• Use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Add herbs or cheese for savory rolls, or cinnamon for a sweet twist.
• The dough should be soft and slightly tacky—avoid adding too much flour.
• To make ahead, refrigerate dough overnight and bake the next day.
• Brush with honey butter after baking for extra flavor.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 25mg