Soft Pumpkin Rolls Recipe
If you’re craving a cozy, tender treat that brings the warmth of fall right to your kitchen, these Soft Pumpkin Rolls are exactly what you need. They boast a beautifully soft texture with a subtle pumpkin sweetness, perfectly complemented by a spiced butter that adds layers of flavor and richness. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh from the oven or serving them at a gathering, these rolls feel like a warm hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple ingredients that come together harmoniously to create a soft and flavorful bread experience. Each component plays a crucial role—from the pumpkin purée lending moisture and a lovely orange hue, to the warm spices that elevate the taste beyond a typical roll.
- ½ cup water: Warm water activates the yeast, kick-starting the dough’s rise.
- Pinch sugar: Feeds the yeast, helping it to foam and grow.
- 1 ½ tsp active dry yeast: The leavening agent that gives our rolls their wonderful fluffiness.
- ¾ cup pumpkin purée: Adds moisture, softness, and that classic pumpkin flavor.
- ¼ cup honey: A natural sweetener that deepens the roll’s flavor and tender crumb.
- 2 eggs (divided): One for the dough and one for brushing to create a golden, shiny crust.
- 1 tbsp butter (melted): Infuses richness and aids in creating a tender crumb.
- 1 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra): The structure-builder ensuring soft but sturdy rolls.
- 2 sticks butter (softened): For the whipped spice butter topping, adding luscious creaminess.
- 3 tbsp brown sugar: Sweetens the butter and provides a hint of caramel.
- ½ tsp kosher salt: Brings out savory contrasts in the spiced butter.
- ½ tsp cinnamon: Warm spice that’s essential for that fall-time coziness.
- ½ tsp ginger: Adds a gentle kick and aromatic depth.
- ¼ tsp allspice: Complements the other spices with a rich complexity.
- ¼ tsp nutmeg: A classic pumpkin spice that rounds out flavor perfectly.
- ⅛ tsp cloves: A little goes a long way in adding that signature autumn spice note.
How to Make Soft Pumpkin Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by warming ½ cup of water until it’s comfortably warm at between 105°F and 115°F; this creates the perfect environment for your yeast to wake up. Add a pinch of sugar and your yeast, then stir briefly. Leave this mixture aside for about 5 minutes, allowing it to become bubbly and frothy—the key sign your yeast is ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In your stand mixer bowl, blend together the pumpkin purée, honey, melted butter, one beaten egg, and the activated yeast mixture. This wet mixture is where the flavor foundation begins, delivering moisture and sweetness that make these rolls irresistibly soft.
Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Add the flour and salt to your wet ingredients, then attach your dough hook. Mix gently at first, scraping down the sides to encourage everything to come together. Watch the texture carefully: if it’s too sticky to form a ball, slowly add extra flour one tablespoon at a time—patience is key to achieving the perfect dough.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Keep mixing for about 5 minutes until the dough is soft, stretchy, and elastic. Once mixed, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead lightly just a couple times to smooth it all out into a cohesive ball. This step helps develop the gluten needed for that delightful soft chew.
Step 5: First Rise
Transfer your dough to a greased bowl and drizzle a little oil on top, rubbing it over the surface to prevent drying. Cover tightly with cling film or a clean tea towel, and place in a warm spot. Give it an hour to an hour and a half to rise until it doubles in size — this slow fermentation brings about flavor and superb texture.
Step 6: Shape and Second Rise
Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release excess air, then divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each into a smooth ball and arrange them in a greased 9″ x 13″ baking dish, leaving a little room to expand. Cover again with a tea towel and let rise for another 30 minutes in a cozy spot—get ready for those lovely puffy Soft Pumpkin Rolls.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Whisk the remaining egg and brush it over each roll to help develop a shiny, golden crust. Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until they look beautifully browned and fully cooked through. Allow them to cool just a bit before diving in—you’ll want to savor each bite!
Step 8: Whip Up the Spice Butter
While the rolls bake, combine softened butter with brown sugar, kosher salt, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves in a mixing bowl. Whip this mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy—this spiced butter is what takes these Soft Pumpkin Rolls over the top. You can prepare it ahead and keep it chilled until serving.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Once the rolls are warm and the butter is whipped to perfection, smear the spice butter generously over each roll and enjoy the perfect balance of soft bread and spiced richness. These rolls are truly melt-in-your-mouth delights.
How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Rolls
Garnishes
Fresh herbs such as a small sprinkle of finely chopped sage or rosemary can add a surprising but wonderful hint of earthiness. A light dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness or a drizzle of maple syrup pairs beautifully with the spiced butter for added decadence.
Side Dishes
Soft Pumpkin Rolls are fantastic alongside hearty soups like butternut squash bisque or creamy tomato basil. For breakfast or brunch, serve them with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a fruit salad packed with tart berries to balance the richness of the rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking them in a basket lined with a cozy cloth napkin for a rustic presentation. Alternatively, cut them in half and use them as sandwich buns filled with turkey and cranberry sauce during autumn gatherings. You can even lightly toast leftover rolls and spread your favorite jam or cream cheese for a delightful snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Soft Pumpkin Rolls in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft and ready to be enjoyed without losing any of their freshly baked charm.
Freezing
These rolls freeze wonderfully! Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to a month. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and warm slightly for that fresh, just-baked feel.
Reheating
To bring back the softness and warmth, reheat rolls in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave briefly covered with a damp paper towel. Adding a bit of butter during reheating helps restore that melt-in-your-mouth texture and enhances the spice butter flavor.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin purée for Soft Pumpkin Rolls?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin purée works perfectly and is a great time-saver while providing consistent texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have all the spices for the spiced butter?
Don’t worry! You can simplify the spice blend to just cinnamon and nutmeg and still get a lovely warm flavor. The key is balancing sweet and spice.
Can I make the dough by hand instead of a stand mixer?
Yes, you can! Mix the wet and dry ingredients in a bowl, then knead on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
How do I know if the yeast is still active?
If the yeast bubbles up and foams after being combined with warm water and sugar, it’s active. If it doesn’t, it’s best to start with fresh yeast to ensure a good rise.
Are Soft Pumpkin Rolls suitable for freezing after baking or only before baking?
They freeze well both ways. For best texture, freeze baked rolls tightly wrapped and thaw before reheating. You can also freeze the raw dough balls to bake fresh later.
Final Thoughts
Getting to enjoy Soft Pumpkin Rolls fresh from your oven is one of those simple pleasures that feels like a seasonal celebration in every bite. Their tender texture, cozy pumpkin flavor, and that irresistible spiced butter topping make them a must-try. Invite some friends over or make a batch just for yourself—you’ll quickly discover why these rolls might just become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
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Soft Pumpkin Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft Pumpkin Rolls are tender, fluffy yeast rolls made with pumpkin puree and warm spices, perfectly complemented by a whipped spiced butter. These rolls offer a delightful autumn-inspired twist on classic dinner rolls, ideal for holiday meals or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Dough
- ½ cup water
- pinch sugar
- 1 ½ tsp active dry yeast
- ¾ cup pumpkin purée
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 eggs (divided)
- 1 tbsp butter (melted)
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra as needed)
Whipped Spice Butter
- 2 sticks butter (softened)
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ginger
- ¼ tsp allspice
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp cloves
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Heat ½ cup of water to between 105°F and 115°F, add a pinch of sugar and 1 ½ teaspoons of active dry yeast. Stir briefly and set aside for about 5 minutes until the yeast is bubbly and has risen.
- Combine Dough Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine ¾ cup pumpkin purée, ¼ cup honey, 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1 beaten egg, and the activated yeast mixture. Add 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt, then attach the dough hook.
- Mix the Dough: Mix with the dough hook until the dough starts to come together, scraping down the sides occasionally. If sticky, add more flour one tablespoon at a time until manageable.
- Knead the Dough: Continue mixing for about 5 minutes until the dough is soft, stretchy, and forms a smooth ball. Remove from the bowl and lightly knead on a floured surface to bring it together.
- First Rise: Transfer dough to a greased bowl, drizzle lightly with oil and rub over the dough. Cover with cling film or a tea towel and set in a warm place to rise for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
- Shape Rolls: Spray a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with non-stick spray. Punch down the risen dough, divide into 12 equal portions, shape each into a small ball, and place in the prepared dish. Cover again and let rise for 30 minutes in a warm spot.
- Preheat and Brush: Preheat oven to 375°F. Whisk the remaining egg and brush it over the surface of the rolls to give them a golden finish.
- Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from oven and let cool briefly.
- Prepare Whipped Spice Butter: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 sticks of softened butter, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ginger, ¼ teaspoon allspice, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ⅛ teaspoon cloves. Whip for 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy. This butter can be made ahead and chilled; bring to room temperature before serving.
- Serve: Serve the warm pumpkin rolls with the whipped spiced butter spread generously on top for a cozy and flavorful treat.
Notes
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a different sweet flavor.
- Ensure water for yeast activation is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Additional flour may be required depending on humidity and pumpkin puree moisture.
- The spiced butter can be stored in the refrigerator up to one week.
- These rolls freeze well; thaw and warm before serving.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll with spiced butter (approx. 50g roll + 15g butter)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: pumpkin rolls, soft dinner rolls, pumpkin bread rolls, spiced butter, autumn bread recipe, yeast rolls
