Dinner rolls are a classic staple of any meal, bringing warmth and comfort to the table with their soft, fluffy texture and deliciously buttery taste. These delightful little buns are perfect for sopping up sauces, complementing a hearty soup, or simply enjoyed on their own with a pat of butter. Pumpkin is the quintessential ingredient that defines the essence of fall, perfectly capturing the cozy warmth and flavors associated with the season. As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, there’s an undeniable yearning for dishes that embody the spirit of autumn—and what better way to do so than by incorporating pumpkin into your recipes? Adding pumpkin puree to your dinner rolls is a fantastic way to infuse your regular dinner rolls with a seasonal twist, creating moist and flavorful pumpkin rolls. Whether served at a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, these dinner rolls add a touch of homemade goodness that everyone loves. With their golden-brown crust and golden pillowy interior, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Step-by-step: Pumpkin dinner rolls
Dough
Yeast mixture – In the bowl of a stand mixer, with the hook attachment, combine warm milk (110 F), yeast, sugar, pumpkin puree, and butter.Pro tip – if you don’t have an electric mixer you can knead the dough by hand in a mixing bowl. Combine – Add the flour and salt. Combine well on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until all the flour is well incorporated. Knead – Continue to knead on medium speed for 12 to 15 minutes until you have a soft, smooth, and elastic dough. Pro tip – avoid the temptation to add more flour. A soft dough will give lite and airy rolls.
Bowl – When the dough is soft and shiny, but still slightly sticky shape it into a ball. Place the dough in an oiled bowl seam side down. Coat the surface with oil to prevent drying. Cover with a clean kitchen cloth or plastic wrap. Rise – Leave in a warm place. Let rise for 60 to 90 minutes until doubles in volume.Pro tip – in winter you may need 90 minutes or more but in summer the dough may double in 45 minutes. If you can’t attend to it at that moment, de-gas, reshape, and let double in volume again.
Divide
Punch – When the dough is double in volume, transfer it to a well-dusted floured surface but avoid adding too much flour. Punch down and reshape into a ball. Then roll it into a small log.Pro tip – if you cannot attend to the dough now, you can place it back in the bowl and let it proof for another 30 to 45 minutes Divide – Using a dough scraper divide this log into three portions and then each of those portions into 3 again. This should give you 9 dinner rolls.Pro tip – the odd number 9 is because we are using a square baking pan. you can also divide into 8 medium or 12 small rolls, use an 8-inch round or quarter sheet pan.
Shape & Proof
Shape – Hold each piece of dough in your hand and gather all the seams together. Pinch the seams at the bottom, then place the ball on a non-flour surface while still holding it in your hand.Loosen the grip on the dough and roll it back and forth into a tight circle against the work surface. You will feel the dough become tight and smooth.Pro tip – the goal is to create a tight, smooth ball. If you overdo the rolling you will rip the top surface so be careful. Tray – Grease or spray a 9 x 9 square baking pan. Place the rolls in the pan. Proof – Cover with a clean kitchen cloth or plastic wrap and leave in a warm place for about 45 minutes until almost double in size.Pro tip – in summer the dough may be proofed quicker than 45 minutes so look for the size rather than the time.
Bake
Oven – When the rolls are almost double in volume, after about 30 minutes, preheat the oven to 375°F 190°C/ Gas Mark 5 Eggwash – Brush the rolls with egg wash.Pro tip– Egg wash is a full egg with 2 tbsp of water. An egg wash will give a nice golden color. If you can’t use egg, milk or cream will work just as well. Do not use oil or butter as it will create a crust. Bake for about 20 to 22 minutes until lightly golden on top. When baked, brush with melted butter.Pro tip – Butter is optional but adds a nice flavor and keeps the top crust soft. Cool – Take them out of the pan and cover them with a clean kitchen cloth for at least 5 minutes to keep them soft.Pro tip – do not leave them in the pan for more than 10 minutes otherwise the steam on the bottom will cool making them soggy. These will keep at room temperature for 3 to 4 days.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
First and foremost, it’s crucial to pay attention to the yeast. Yeast gives bread its rise and airy texture, so make sure it’s alive and active. By proofing the yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar, you can ensure it’s ready to work its magic in your dough. When it comes to the pumpkin puree, opt for homemade if you have the time. Homemade puree adds a depth of flavor that is unmatched and adds a touch of sweetness to your rolls. However, if you’re short on time, store-bought puree works fine too. Incorporating the right amount of flour is key to achieving the perfect texture. Start by adding the recommended amount in the recipe, but be prepared to adjust. Depending on your pumpkin puree’s humidity and moisture content, you may need to add a little more or a little less flour to achieve the desired dough consistency. Don’t shy away from spices to enhance the flavor profile of your rolls. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are classic choices that complement the pumpkin beautifully. Experiment with different ratios to find the perfect balance that suits your taste buds. Lastly, don’t forget the importance of patience. Allowing your dough to rise properly will result in light and airy rolls. Follow the recommended rise times in the recipe, and don’t rush the process. The reward will be well worth the wait.
Frequently asked questions
Creative variations
One way to add a burst of flavor to your pumpkin dinner rolls is by incorporating different spices. Consider sprinkling some ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough, or even adding a pinch of ginger for a subtle kick. These aromatic spices will not only enhance the taste but also infuse your rolls with a tantalizing aroma that will have everyone asking for seconds. For those looking to add a touch of sweetness, try incorporating a handful of raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates into the dough. As the rolls bake, these little bursts of natural sweetness will add a delightful surprise to each bite, elevating the overall taste experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with savory variations. Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a handful of chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage to create a savory twist on the classic pumpkin dinner rolls. These additions will bring an extra layer of complexity to the flavor profile and make your rolls the star of any meal.
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