Introduction:
As the fall season approaches, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread infused with the cozy flavors of pumpkin and spice. These Pumpkin Spice Dinner Rolls are a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving spread or any fall meal. Lightly sweet with a hint of pumpkin, these golden, soft rolls are as delightful to the taste as they are to the eyes. Their subtle spice notes make them the ideal pairing for a turkey dinner, or even for some fantastic leftover turkey sliders the next day. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will bring warmth and joy to your kitchen this season!
What Are Pumpkin Spice Dinner Rolls?
Pumpkin Spice Dinner Rolls are a flavorful twist on the traditional dinner roll, infused with pumpkin puree and a blend of classic fall spices such as cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet, making them the perfect complement to a savory meal or a comforting addition to your fall brunches. What sets them apart is the touch of pumpkin, which not only adds flavor but also gives them a beautiful golden color and a moist texture.
Origin of Pumpkin Spice Dinner Rolls
The origins of pumpkin spice-flavored baked goods can be traced back to the culinary traditions of autumn in the United States, where pumpkin is a staple ingredient in seasonal recipes. With the advent of pumpkin spice as a popular flavoring for lattes, cakes, and other desserts, it wasn’t long before pumpkin spice began making its way into savory dishes as well. This recipe for Pumpkin Spice Dinner Rolls merges the heartwarming flavors of pumpkin and spice with the classic dinner roll, creating a festive bread that celebrates the essence of fall.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Dinner Rolls
For the Dough:
- ¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk (around 100°F / 38°C)
- 2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar
- ¾ cup (170 g) pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 3¼–3½ cups (410–440 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground allspice (or cloves)
- 4 tbsp (55 g) unsalted butter, softened
For Brushing:
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Optional: 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup mixed in for a light glaze
Step-by-Step Directions & Preparation Method
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, mix the warm milk with the yeast and 1 tsp of the brown sugar. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy. This ensures that your yeast is active and ready to help the dough rise.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl (or a stand mixer with a dough hook), combine the 3¼ cups of flour, the remaining brown sugar, salt, and spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice). Add the yeast mixture, pumpkin puree, egg, and softened butter to the dry ingredients. Mix everything together until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour. The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky, but not overly sticky.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Next, you’ll need to knead the dough. If you’re using a stand mixer, knead it for 8-10 minutes. If kneading by hand, it may take 12-15 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic. Kneading develops the gluten in the dough, which gives your rolls that soft, fluffy texture.
Step 4: First Rise
After kneading, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until the dough has doubled in size. This process is known as the first rise and it’s essential for the dough’s texture.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. You can place them in a 3×4 pattern. If you want a festive touch, you can use kitchen twine to gently tie each ball into a “pumpkin” shape before baking. Just be sure to snip and remove the twine after baking.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up and are nearly doubled in size. This second rise ensures that the rolls will be light and airy.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the rolls for 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden on top and baked through. You can check the internal temperature of the rolls with a kitchen thermometer—it should read around 190°F (88°C).
Step 8: Finish
Once the rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and brush them with melted butter. For an extra touch of sweetness, you can mix in 1 tbsp of honey or maple syrup into the melted butter and brush this glaze on top of the rolls. Serve the rolls warm and fluffy for the best experience.
Tips & Variations
- Sweeten the Dough: If you prefer a sweeter roll, you can add a touch of vanilla extract or maple syrup to the dough. This adds a dessert-like flavor to your rolls.
- Savory Twist: For a more savory version, skip the sugar and spices and add chopped sage or rosemary to the dough. These herbs pair wonderfully with the pumpkin and give the rolls a savory aroma.
- Freezing Rolls: These rolls freeze beautifully. After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer. To reheat, simply place them in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Glazes: Try brushing the rolls with a maple butter or cinnamon-honey glaze for an irresistible finish. This adds an extra layer of flavor and sweetness to the rolls.
FAQs about Pumpkin Spice Dinner Rolls
Q: Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. After kneading, place the dough in a bowl, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, take it out of the fridge and let it rise at room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping and baking.
Q: How can I store leftover rolls?
A: Leftover rolls can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Q: Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin puree?
A: It’s best to use pumpkin puree (without any added spices or sugar). Pumpkin pie filling has added sugar and spices that could alter the taste of your rolls.
Q: Can I make these rolls without yeast?
A: Yeast is essential to achieve the light and fluffy texture of dinner rolls. If you don’t have yeast, consider using a different bread recipe that doesn’t require yeast, such as a quick bread or scone.
Conclusion
These Pumpkin Spice Dinner Rolls are a perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall. Soft, golden, and lightly sweet, they’re infused with cozy spices and a hint of pumpkin that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re serving them as part of your Thanksgiving feast or making them for a cozy fall dinner, they add a touch of warmth and charm to any occasion. With easy-to-follow instructions, a few simple ingredients, and a little patience, you’ll have these irresistible rolls fresh out of the oven, ready to enjoy. Don’t forget to try the variations and glazes to make these rolls uniquely yours. Enjoy the taste of fall in every bite!
Delicious Pumpkin Spice Dinner Rolls – Soft, Golden, and Perfect for Fall
- Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins (including rising time)
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pumpkin Spice Dinner Rolls are a flavorful twist on the traditional dinner roll, infused with pumpkin puree and a blend of classic fall spices such as cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet, making them the perfect complement to a savory meal or a comforting addition to your fall brunches. What sets them apart is the touch of pumpkin, which not only adds flavor but also gives them a beautiful golden color and a moist texture.
Ingredients
🥣 For the Dough:
¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk (about 100°F / 38°C)
2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar
¾ cup (170 g) pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 large egg (room temperature)
3¼–3½ cups (410–440 g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground allspice (or cloves)
4 tbsp (55 g) unsalted butter, softened
🍯 For Brushing:
2 tbsp melted butter
Optional: 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup mixed in for a light glaze
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp of the brown sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
2. Make the Dough
In a large bowl (or stand mixer with dough hook), combine 3¼ cups flour, remaining brown sugar, salt, and spices.
Add yeast mixture, pumpkin purée, egg, and softened butter.
Mix until a soft dough forms. Add a bit more flour as needed — the dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky.
3. Knead
Knead for 8–10 minutes (stand mixer) or 12–15 minutes by hand, until smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces.
Roll each into a smooth ball and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish (3×4 pattern).
For a festive look, use kitchen twine to gently tie each ball into a “pumpkin” shape before baking (snip and remove after baking).
6. Second Rise
Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy and almost doubled.
7. Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden on top and baked through (internal temp ~190°F / 88°C).
8. Finish
Brush warm rolls with melted butter (or honey-butter glaze if using). Serve warm and fluffy!
Notes
Soft, fluffy, and infused with warm autumn spices, these rolls bring the comforting flavors of fall to your table. Serve them with cinnamon butter or a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Pumpkin Rolls, Pumpkin Spice Bread, Fall Dinner Rolls, Pumpkin Spice Bread Rolls, Autumn Dinner Rolls
