With fall in the air, I want to share my pumpkin dinner rolls recipe with you today, with a recent update. I love making dinner rolls, so I used my popular no-fail dinner roll recipe and swapped some of the milk for 100% pumpkin puree.
They turned out fabulous! Now, if you like pumpkin spice flavor, you could add a bit of that spice too. I opted not to add it. I can guarantee you, I spread a lot of butter on these dinner rolls instead. Life is good with real butter.
When Mark and I lived in Salt Lake City, Utah, there was a place called the “Lion House.” I must admit, I loved their dinner rolls. When they served them at the table, they had plenty of butter to spread as much as you wanted, darn it.
The “Lion House” had a pioneer theme, since it was where Brigham Young lived and ate so many years ago. The servers were dressed in pioneer dresses, aprons, and bonnets. It’s funny how these memories stick with you.
They were famous for their “Lion House Rolls.” I’m not sure they are open for meals anymore, but we loved that place.
Let me tell you what I love about this recipe: no bread mixer is needed. It’s so easy to make these pumpkin dinner rolls at the last minute. Start to finish is less than 2 hours.
You can mix them, shape them, let them rise, and then bake them. They are super soft and fluffy, with a subtle pumpkin flavor!
As long as you have FRESH ingredients, anyone can make these. Please don’t store your yeast or dough enhancer in your pantry. It must be stored in the refrigerator or the freezer. In case you missed this post, Easy To Make Soft Dinner Rolls.
Easy To Make Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
Ingredients
- Milk: Due to its fat content, milk helps produce a softer bread and enriches the flavor; it also browns the dough while cooking.
- Pumpkin Puree (not pie filling): Acts as a sweetener, softens the dough, and adds additional fat for delicious flavor!
- SAF Instant Yeast: A leavening agent that helps to produce a needed gas that causes the bread to rise; feeds on the sugar that is added, which expels carbon dioxide in the rising process.
- Dough Enhancer: Makes your bread and rolls light and fluffy; helps strengthen their texture.
- Salt: added to help tighten the gluten; acts as a preservative.
- Sugar: When used in yeast bread, it provides food for the yeast. Helps to speed up the rise time in the rolls. Used to maintain moisture, creating a softer loaf.
- Egg: A Great source of protein that helps bind the dough together. Increases browning in the bread. Adds a deliciously rich flavor and extends the life of the rolls.
- Oil: Helps keep rolls from crumbling; prevents water from evaporating, creating a moist, soft roll.
- Water: helps hydrate the dough, keeping the bread soft and moist; it also strengthens the gluten.
- All-Purpose Flour (I use bread flour!): All-purpose flour has a lower protein content. Bread flour has a higher protein and gluten content, which helps hold the rolls’ shape.
Kitchen Items You May Need:
- Large Mixing Bowl
- 11-inch Danish Whisk (I prefer the 11-inch whisk because it fits inside a wide-mouth quart mason jar) or dough hook
- Dough Scraper
- 10-Inch Cake Pan
- Measuring Cup
- Measuring Spoons
Step One: Gather Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients so you’re ready to make these yummy pumpkin rolls.
Step Two: Combine the Ingredients
Grease a 10-inch round cake pan with cooking spray and set it aside. Grab a bowl and a Danish Whisk. Dump everything in a large greased bowl. Stir until mixed thoroughly.
Step Three: Add More Flour if Needed
Add more flour to the dough if it’s too sticky. Don’t add too much; we want the dough to be fluffy.
Step Four: Knead the Dough
Flour your countertop, then scoop the dough onto it. Knead for about 3-4 minutes.
Step Five: Cut the Dough
Shape the dough so you can cut it into eight evenly spaced sections.
Step Six: Make the Dinner Roll Balls
Take the eight equal dough pieces (never stretch your dough), mound each one into a ball, and place the eight balls in the lightly greased pan.
Step Seven: Cover with Plastic Wrap
Cover with plastic wrap or a warm, wet towel.
Step Eight: Let Rise and Then Bake
Let rise for about an hour. Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until slightly brown.
Finished Product
Lightly butter the tops after baking for a softer dinner roll.
I use a baggie slathered with butter to spread the butter on the warm rolls. Let cool. Store in bags to keep the dinner rolls soft. Enjoy!
Pumpkin Dinner Rolls Recipe
Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 1 teaspoon SAF Instant yeast (this is what I use)
- 1 teaspoon Dough Enhancer (optional-it makes the rolls fluffy)
- 1/2 scant teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 4 tablespoons water
- 1-3/4 to 2 cups white all purpose flour (I use bread flour)
Instructions
-
1. Grease a 10-inch round cake pan and set it aside. 2. Grab a bowl and a Danish Whisk. 3. Dump everything in a large greased bowl or bowl of a stand mixer. Stir until mixed thoroughly. 4. Add additional flour if needed to the dough if the dough is too sticky. Don't add too much, we want the dough fluffy. 5. Flour your countertop or work surface and scoop the dough out. Knead for about 3-4 minutes. 6. Cut the dough into 8 equal pieces (never stretch your dough). 7. Take each section and mound into a smooth ball and place the eight balls in the greased pan. 8. Cover with plastic wrap or a warm wet towel. 9. Let rise for about an hour. Preheat the oven to (350°F) = (176°C) degrees. 10. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until slightly golden brown. Slightly brush melted butter over the tops after baking if you want a softer dinner roll. Or use a baggie slathered with butter to spread on the warm rolls. 11. Let cool. Store in bags to keep the dinner rolls soft. Enjoy.
How do I store these pumpkin dinner rolls after baking?
I store mine in freezer bags to keep them soft and moist for 2-3 days.
Can I freeze the baked pumpkin dinner rolls?
Yes, you can freeze these in an airtight freezer bag for 1-2 months.
Can I freeze the pumpkin dinner rolls before baking them?
I’ve never tried that, so I can’t recommend it. I’m pretty sure it would work fine if you thaw out the rolls first. Try it and see.
Would these pumpkin dinner rolls taste good topped with honey butter?
These pumpkin dinner rolls would taste absolutely amazing topped with either butter, honey, or honey butter! Jams are great too.
What is the difference between using all-purpose flour and bread flour in this recipe?
The most significant difference between all-purpose flour and bread flour is that bread flour has a higher protein content (11-13%) than all-purpose flour. This higher protein is needed to help bind the gluten.
This allows the loaf or rolls to hold their shape, whereas all-purpose flour would give the bread a lighter feel and a smaller loaf or roll. The flavor would be the same regardless of the flour used.
Would these pumpkin dinner rolls taste good if I added a spice, such as cinnamon or pumpkin spice?
I really love the recipe as is, but you are welcome to add a little cinnamon or pumpkin spice. Either spice would taste delicious!
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
I like to use instant yeast because it eliminates unnecessary steps. Instant yeast can be added directly to the dry ingredients, whereas active dry yeast needs to be dissolved in warm water before adding it to the dry ingredients. It’s all about simplicity, right?
Could I use a baking sheet or a square baking pan to cook these pumpkin dinner rolls?
I really love the look that the 10-inch round baking pan creates with these pumpkin rolls! You really could serve them directly in the pan if desired! If you are interested in using something other than the round baking pan, a square pan would work as well. I don’t recommend using a baking sheet.
This wouldn’t give the effect that we are looking for. The rolls would be dense and flat. We want a plump, tight roll, which the baking pan provides, since the rolls are allowed to rise in the pan before baking!
Would these pumpkin dinner rolls taste good served at a Thanksgiving dinner or gathering?
These pumpkin rolls are a great addition to serve at a Thanksgiving dinner or gathering! I love to serve them with some butter or honey butter, as mentioned above!
Could I add a nut to this pumpkin roll recipe, such as a pecan?
These pumpkin dinner rolls would taste delicious with a nut, such as a pecan! This recipe is very versatile! That’s what I love about it! If you do decide to add a pecan, it would be really fun to add it to the pumpkin dinner roll to create a “stem” right before cooking.
Sauté one pecan for each roll in a bit of butter. Make a slight indentation where the “stem” would be and push the pecan in. Such a fun alternative to this delicious recipe!
Cozy Meals to Serve with Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
If you’re baking up a batch of soft, golden pumpkin dinner rolls, you’re already halfway to the perfect fall meal. These slightly sweet, fluffy rolls pair beautifully with comforting soups, hearty roasts, and seasonal sides.
Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or just craving cozy comfort food, here are the best meals to serve with pumpkin dinner rolls that will make your table unforgettable.
1. Roasted Turkey or Chicken
There’s no better match for pumpkin rolls than classic roasted turkey or chicken. The rolls soak up rich gravies and pan drippings perfectly, adding a subtle sweetness that complements savory poultry. Add cranberry sauce for a burst of tart flavor, it’s a fall feast dream come true!
2. Hearty Beef Stew or Pot Roast
When the weather turns chilly, a steaming bowl of beef stew or pot roast is pure comfort. The tender beef, root vegetables, and rich gravy pair perfectly with pumpkin rolls, which are great for dipping or sopping up every last drop.
Pro Tip: Make extra rolls: they taste even better with leftover stew the next day!
3. Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Soft pumpkin dinner rolls are the ideal companion to creamy soups. The combination of chicken, wild rice, and mushrooms in a silky broth creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. These rolls add just the right amount of sweetness to complement the savory soup base.
4. Butternut Squash or Pumpkin Soup
If you’re a true pumpkin lover, double up on the flavor! Serve your rolls with butternut squash or pumpkin soup for a cozy, autumn-inspired meal. The creamy soup highlights the rolls’ soft texture and enhances their subtle pumpkin flavor.
Bonus: Garnish your soup with roasted pumpkin seeds for an extra crunch.
5. Glazed Ham with Maple or Brown Sugar
A juicy baked ham with a maple glaze is another great partner for pumpkin rolls. The sweet-and-salty combination brings out the rolls’ natural sweetness, making every bite irresistible. Leftover ham and rolls also make fantastic mini sandwiches for next-day lunches.
6. Baked Ziti or Lasagna
Bring a little Italian comfort to your fall table! Pumpkin dinner rolls go surprisingly well with pasta dishes like baked ziti or lasagna; the richness of tomato sauce and melted cheese pairs beautifully with the rolls’ soft, buttery crumb.
Serving Tip: Add a side salad with balsamic dressing to balance the flavors.
7. Herb-Crusted Pork Loin
A tender herb-crusted pork loin served with pumpkin rolls creates an elegant yet hearty dinner. The herbs and garlic in the pork blend beautifully with the light sweetness of the rolls. Add roasted vegetables for a complete, wholesome meal.
Side Dishes to Pair with Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
Round out your meal with sides that complement both the rolls and your main dish:
- Garlic mashed potatoes: creamy and classic
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon: adds crunch and saltiness
- Autumn apple salad with pecans and feta: light and fresh
- Honey-glazed carrots: bright, sweet, and buttery
- Creamed spinach: rich and velvety
Sweet Endings
Don’t forget dessert! After your meal, treat guests to something warm and comforting:
- Pumpkin pie with whipped cream
- Apple crisp with vanilla ice cream
- Pecan pie bars or mini cheesecakes
In case you missed this post:
- Pumpkin Muffin Recipe-Only Two Ingredients
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
- Pumpkin Cookies-A Family Favorite
- 50 Pumpkin Recipes For Any Occasion
- Pumpkin Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
- Best Zucchini Carrot Pumpkin Cookies Ever
Final Word
I hope you enjoyed my post today on how to make pumpkin dinner rolls. Oh my gosh, Thanksgiving is coming in a few weeks, my friends! It is truly one of my favorite holidays and a good time to share a beautiful meal with family and friends. Please take time for yourself and stay healthy and safe.
Pumpkin dinner rolls are more than just a side; they’re a fall staple that enhances every meal. From roasted meats to creamy soups and hearty stews, these rolls bring a touch of sweetness and warmth to your table. Serve them at Thanksgiving, a cozy Sunday dinner, or anytime you want to celebrate the flavors of autumn. May God bless this world, Linda
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