Looking for the perfect side to complete your holiday dinner table? These pumpkin dinner rolls are soft, fluffy, and full of cozy flavor—exactly what your fall menu needs. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a cozy Sunday dinner, or just a craving for something warm and buttery, this recipe delivers.
These rolls are easy to make, freezer-friendly, and trust me—your kitchen is about to smell like pure autumn magic. And if you’re already deep in pumpkin season, you might want to start the day with this Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal — it pairs perfectly with the rolls for a full-on fall feast.
Jump to
- Why You’ll Love These Soft Pumpkin Rolls
- Ingredients for Homemade Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
- How to Make These Pumpkin Yeast Rolls
- Baking Tips for the Best Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
- How to Serve Pumpkin Dinner Rolls Like a Pro
- Variations and Substitutions for This pumpkin dinner rolls
- Can I Make These Ahead or Freeze Them?
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
Why You’ll Love These Soft Pumpkin Rolls
- Fall-inspired flavor: The pumpkin puree adds moisture and subtle sweetness.
- Perfect texture: Light, pillowy, and just the right chewiness.
- Versatile: Great with soups, roasted meats, or even with jam at breakfast.
- Make-ahead friendly: Dough can be shaped and stored overnight or frozen.
Already have extra pumpkin puree? Put it to delicious use in this Healthy No Sugar Pumpkin Banana Bread—it’s a naturally sweet and cozy companion to these rolls.
Ingredients for Homemade Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
Here’s everything you need to whip up a warm batch of these rolls:
- 4½ to 5½ cups all-purpose flour
- 4½ teaspoons instant yeast (or active dry yeast with longer rise)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F to 115°F)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 5 tablespoons softened butter
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
How to Make These Pumpkin Yeast Rolls
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine 3 cups of flour with the yeast, sugar, salt, pumpkin, milk, spice, butter, and egg. Mix on low until everything is well combined.
Step 2: Add Flour Gradually
Continue adding the remaining flour, half a cup at a time, until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Step 3: First Rise
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Punch the dough down gently. Divide into 24 equal pieces, shape into balls, and arrange in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan.
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover and let the rolls rise again for about 45 minutes, until they puff up beautifully.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. If they brown too quickly, loosely tent them with foil.
Step 7: Butter Brushing
While the rolls are still warm, brush the tops with melted butter for extra flavor and a gorgeous glossy finish.
Baking Tips for the Best Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
- Warm milk is key: It activates the yeast. Just be sure it’s not too hot.
- Use real pumpkin puree: Not pumpkin pie mix. You want control over sweetness and spice.
- Sticky dough = fluffy rolls: Don’t add too much flour.
- Rise somewhere warm: The inside of your oven with the light on is perfect.
- Weigh your dough balls: Helps get perfectly uniform rolls.
How to Serve Pumpkin Dinner Rolls Like a Pro
These rolls work with nearly everything—think roasted turkey, gravy, stews, or soup. Slather them in butter or honey and they’re heaven on their own. You can even pair them with these Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies for a complete sweet-and-savory fall spread.
Leftovers? Slice one open and make a mini turkey sandwich. Or toast lightly and add jam for a next-day breakfast.
Variations and Substitutions for This pumpkin dinner rolls
- Make it sweet: Add a cinnamon sugar swirl before rolling.
- Make it vegan: Use dairy-free butter and a flax egg.
- Herbed twist: Add fresh rosemary or thyme for a savory spin.
- Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix formulated for yeast baking.
Can I Make These Ahead or Freeze Them?
You sure can.
- Refrigerate overnight: Shape the rolls, cover tightly, and chill overnight. Let them rise at room temperature before baking.
- Freeze pre-baked: Flash-freeze shaped rolls, then thaw and rise before baking.
- Freeze baked: Cool, then store in an airtight bag or container. Reheat gently to serve.
FAQs
Nope—stick with pure pumpkin puree. Pie filling has added sugar and spices that can mess with your dough.
Add more flour a little at a time, just until the dough is manageable but still soft.
Stored in an airtight container, they’re best within 3 days. Freeze for longer storage.
Yes! Try cutting back to ¼ cup if you want them less sweet without affecting the rise.
Pumpkin Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Description
Soft, fluffy, and full of cozy autumn flavor, these Pumpkin Dinner Rolls are buttery, tender, and perfect as a dinner side, with soups, or enjoyed on their own.
Ingredients
- 4 1/2–5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 1/2 teaspoons rapid rise (instant) yeast
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110-115°F / ~43-46°C)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 5 tablespoons softened butter
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- ~2 tablespoons melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine 3 cups flour, yeast, brown sugar, salt, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, warm milk, softened butter, and egg.
- Gradually add remaining flour until dough is soft, slightly sticky, and pulls from sides.
- Cover, let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.
- Punch down dough, divide into 24 equal pieces, shape into rolls.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish or sheet, cover, let rise until doubled again, about 45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
- Remove from oven, brush tops with melted butter, serve warm.
Notes
Measure flour correctly with spoon & level method, keep milk between 110-115°F, and brush rolls with butter after baking for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Final Thoughts
These pumpkin dinner rolls are a seasonal showstopper—soft, golden, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re planning a holiday meal or just craving something warm and homemade, this recipe will come through every time.
And if you’re anything like me, once you’ve got pumpkin on the brain, you’ll want to keep baking. So don’t forget to try out that Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal or whip up a loaf of Pumpkin Banana Bread next. Fall doesn’t last forever—but with recipes like these, it’ll feel like it does.
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