Get ready to impress your family and friends with these delightful Pumpkin Dinner Rolls shaped like adorable little pumpkins! Perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving dinners, or any cozy meal, these rolls not only look stunning on your table but also boast a warm, comforting flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can create these festive treats that are sure to become a seasonal favorite. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to bring a touch of autumn to your dining experience!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 rolls
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 egg for egg wash
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and active dry yeast. Let sit for 5-7 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Add pumpkin puree, melted butter, sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk thoroughly to combine all ingredients until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Gradually add flour to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm, draft-free area for approximately 1 hour or until the dough doubles in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a round ball.
- To create pumpkin shape, tie kitchen twine around each dough ball at 4-5 intervals to create pumpkin-like segments. Leave a small portion of twine at the top to simulate a stem.
- Place shaped rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each roll. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush each roll with egg wash to create a golden, shiny surface.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until rolls are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove from oven, let cool for 10 minutes. Carefully cut and remove the twine before serving.
Tips
- Activate the Yeast: Make sure your milk is warm but not too hot (around 110°F or 43°C) to properly activate the yeast. If it's too hot, it may kill the yeast, preventing your rolls from rising.
- Knead Well: Kneading the dough for the recommended time is crucial. This develops the gluten, giving your rolls that perfect soft and fluffy texture.
- Create the Pumpkin Shape: When tying the twine around the dough balls, ensure that the segments are evenly spaced to achieve a beautiful pumpkin appearance.
- Let Them Rise: Be patient during the rising times. A warm, draft-free environment will help the dough to rise nicely, resulting in light and airy rolls.
- Egg Wash for Shine: Don’t skip the egg wash! It not only gives the rolls a beautiful golden color but also adds a lovely shine that makes them visually appealing.
- Serve Warm: These rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Serve them warm with butter for an irresistible treat that complements any meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
