Soft & Savory: Easy Homemade Pumpkin Dinner Rolls Recipe

Elevate your side dish game this fall with this recipe for **Easy Pumpkin Dinner Rolls**. These rolls are incredibly soft, fluffy, and delicately flavored with pumpkin spice. Looking for classic rolls? Check out my recipe for homemade dinner rolls.

Homemade bread is a must for any gathering. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a fall dinner party, or you’re simply in the mood for some delicious autumnal carbs, this recipe is perfect.

The emphasis here is on simplicity. Combine, mix, proof (easy, I promise!), bake, and enjoy!

These pumpkin dinner rolls aren’t just a side dish; they’re a celebration of the season. Your taste buds will be thanking you.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Rolls

• Simple ingredients. This recipe uses only 9 simple ingredients.
• Subtle pumpkin flavor. These rolls feature a subtle, savory pumpkin flavor.
• Soft and fluffy texture. They boast a wonderfully soft and fluffy texture that’s hard to resist.
• Foolproof yeast recipe. If you’re nervous about working with yeast, this is the perfect recipe. It uses instant (rapid-rise) yeast, so you can simply mix everything in one bowl.
• Perfect for make-ahead baking. They can be made ahead of time, making holiday baking a breeze.

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious pumpkin rolls:

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of your rolls, providing the ideal balance of protein and starch for a soft crumb.
• Whole milk, warmed to 110°F: Activates the yeast and encourages a perfect rise.
• Pumpkin puree: Offers natural sweetness and autumnal flavor.
• Egg, at room temp: Ensures even distribution in the dough.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Enriches the rolls with tenderness and buttery flavor. Brushing melted butter on top adds a beautiful golden crust.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast, aiding in fermentation and creating that perfect rise. Plus, it adds a hint of sweetness.
• Pumpkin pie spice: Captures the essence of fall in every bite. If you don’t have any on hand, mix equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
• Instant (rapid rise) yeast: Doesn’t require proofing; add it directly to the dry ingredients.
• Kosher salt: Enhances flavor, regulates yeast, and balances sweetness. You can substitute with ¼ teaspoon of table salt.
• Cooking spray: Prevents sticking in your baking dish. You can also use butter.
• Large-flake sea salt, for topping (optional): Adds a decorative touch and elevates the flavor.

See the recipe card for exact quantities.

How to Make Savory Pumpkin Dinner Rolls: Step-by-Step

These are savory rolls with a hint of pumpkin flavor. It was important that these rolls feel at home on your dinner plate and not like a dessert item.

When it comes to dinner rolls, the texture is just as important as the flavor. I like mine to be soft, fluffy, and airy, and these pumpkin rolls deliver on all fronts.

1. Make the dough: In a stand mixer with a dough hook, combine 1 cup flour, milk, pumpkin, egg, butter, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, yeast, and salt. Mix on low until incorporated, then medium for 2 minutes. Add ½ cup flour and mix, then add the final ¾ cup flour and mix until the dough forms a ball. It should be sticky but pulling away from the bowl sides. Add more flour if needed.
2. Knead and rest: Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rest in a warm place for one hour.

3. First rise: After an hour, the dough will have doubled in size and be filled with air bubbles.

4. Shape the rolls: Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. A kitchen scale is helpful for even sizing but not essential. Cover the pan and let it rest in a warm place for 30 minutes.

5. Butter and salt: Generously brush with melted unsalted butter for flavor and a golden brown color. Sprinkle with large-flake sea salt.

6. Bake: Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.

Making these dinner rolls ahead of time is great for warm, freshly baked rolls whenever you want. This is especially helpful for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

For refrigerating yeast rolls: After preparing the dough, cover the pan and refrigerate for 12-24 hours to slow yeast activity and enhance flavor. Before baking, let the rolls reach room temperature for about 30 minutes and bake as directed.

You can also freeze the unbaked rolls for up to a month. The day before you want to bake them, remove the shaped rolls from the freezer and arrange them in a greased baking pan. Cover and let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator. The next day, let the dough rise on the counter. Bake the rolls at the same temperature and length of time noted in the recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Rolls

Looking for even more pumpkin goodness? Try these savory recipes:

• 30-Minute Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
• Pumpkin Turkey Chili
• Thai Coconut Pumpkin Soup
• Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

Craving more? Subscribe to Just a Taste to get new recipes, meal plans, and a newsletter delivered straight to your inbox! And stay in touch on Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest, and Instagram for all the latest updates.