Pumpkin Dinner Rolls Recipe with Honey Butter Tips

The aroma of freshly baked pumpkin dinner rolls wafting through the kitchen is pure comfort. Soft, fluffy, and lightly sweetened with a touch of honey butter, these rolls are the perfect addition to any meal, whether it’s a cozy fall dinner or a festive holiday gathering. I first stumbled upon the idea of adding pumpkin to my favorite dinner roll recipe during a crisp autumn evening when I had leftover puree from making pie. Let me tell you, it was a game changer! The pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness and golden hue, while keeping the rolls irresistibly moist and tender. If you’re looking for a dish to wow your family or just want to treat yourself, this pumpkin dinner rolls recipe is a must-try.

Not only are these rolls delicious, but they’re also surprisingly easy to make. With simple ingredients and a little patience, you’ll be rewarded with pillowy-soft baked perfection. Whether paired with a hearty soup, roasted turkey, or enjoyed on their own with a generous smear of honey butter, these rolls are guaranteed to impress. Plus, they’re a wonderful way to incorporate pumpkin into your meals beyond the usual pie or lattes. So, grab your apron and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s nothing quite like homemade bread, and these pumpkin dinner rolls take the experience to a new level. Here’s why they deserve a spot in your recipe repertoire:

• Easy to Make: Don’t let the idea of homemade bread intimidate you – this recipe is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require fancy techniques.
• Perfect Texture: These rolls are delightfully soft and fluffy, with just the right amount of chewiness.
• Seasonal Flavor: The pumpkin puree adds a delicious fall-inspired twist, making these rolls perfect for autumn gatherings.
• Honey Butter Magic: The combination of warm rolls with creamy honey butter is absolute perfection.
• Versatile: These rolls work beautifully with savory dishes but are just as delightful with a cup of tea or coffee.
• Impressive Yet Simple: They look bakery-worthy, but you can make them easily at home – no special equipment required.

Unlike traditional dinner rolls, these pumpkin rolls have a subtle sweetness and a gorgeous golden color that makes them stand out. They’re comforting, delicious, and a unique addition to your bread basket. Plus, they’re perfect for Thanksgiving dinner or a cozy Sunday brunch with family.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create the most heavenly pumpkin dinner rolls. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour: The base for your rolls; you can substitute half with whole wheat flour if you’d like to add some extra fiber.
• Instant yeast: Helps the rolls rise quickly and gives them that soft, fluffy texture.
• Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
• Salt: Balances the flavors perfectly.
• Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient! Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling).
• Milk: Warm, whole milk creates a tender crumb. Feel free to use a plant-based milk as a substitute.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the rolls. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Egg: Adds structure and fluff to the rolls.
• Honey: For the honey butter topping – it’s the secret to the unbeatable flavor.

These ingredients come together to create rolls that are not only delicious but also packed with a little extra nutrition thanks to the pumpkin. You can even make substitutions based on your dietary needs, like using gluten-free flour or dairy-free milk.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need a fancy setup to make these pumpkin dinner rolls – just a few basic tools:

• Large mixing bowl: For combining your ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy is key for baking!
• Mixing spoon or spatula: A sturdy tool will make mixing easier.
• Stand mixer: Optional, but helpful for mixing and kneading the dough.
• Clean kitchen towel: For covering the dough while it rises.
• Baking sheet: A rimmed sheet works best to prevent any spillovers.
• Pastry brush: To spread the honey butter on the rolls.

If you don’t have a stand mixer, no worries! You can knead the dough by hand – just be prepared to put in a little extra elbow grease. I’ve done it both ways, and while the mixer saves time, there’s something so satisfying about kneading dough with your hands.

Preparation Method

Follow these steps to make your own batch of comforting pumpkin dinner rolls:

1. Prepare the yeast: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup (240 ml) of warm milk (around 110°F/43°C) with 2 teaspoons of sugar and 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) of instant yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix the dough ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine 3 ¾ cups (470 g) all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons (25 g) sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ cup (120 g) pumpkin puree, 3 tablespoons (42 g) softened unsalted butter, and 1 large egg. Add the frothy yeast mixture and mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough: Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a stand mixer until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add small amounts of flour – a tablespoon at a time.
4. First rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the rolls: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12-14 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Second rise: Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they’re puffy.
7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18-22 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top.
8. Make honey butter: While the rolls are baking, mix 3 tablespoons (42 g) of softened unsalted butter with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of honey until smooth.
9. Brush with honey butter: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush them with the honey butter for a glossy finish and irresistible flavor.

Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. Trust me, it’ll be hard to wait, but the honey butter melts beautifully when the rolls are still warm!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure your pumpkin dinner rolls come out perfect every time:

• Warm liquid matters: Make sure your milk is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast properly – too hot and you’ll kill the yeast.
• Don’t over-flour: It’s tempting to add extra flour if the dough feels sticky, but too much can make the rolls dense. The dough should be slightly tacky but manageable.
• Let it rise in a warm spot: If your kitchen is chilly, place the dough near a warm oven or wrap the bowl in a damp towel to speed up the rise.
• Use fresh yeast: Expired yeast can lead to flat rolls, so always check the date.
• Double the honey butter: You may want extra honey butter for serving because it’s so good!

These tips are based on my personal experience – believe me when I say I’ve had my share of dense rolls and uneven rises. But with a little care, this recipe is foolproof!

Variations & Adaptations

Want to switch things up? Here are some fun variations and adaptations to try:

• Gluten-free option: Use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend and double-check that your yeast is gluten-free.
• Dairy-free option: Substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter for a completely dairy-free version.
• Spiced pumpkin rolls: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the dough for a flavorful twist.
• Savory rolls: Skip the honey butter and brush with garlic-herb butter instead for a savory version.
• Mini rolls: Make smaller rolls for bite-sized servings – perfect for appetizers or parties.

I once tried adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the honey butter, and let me tell you – the sweet and salty combo was incredible. Feel free to experiment and make these your own!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These pumpkin dinner rolls are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but they’re also incredibly versatile:

• Serving: Serve the rolls warm with extra honey butter on the side, or pair them with soups, stews, or roasted meats for a comforting meal.
• Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To freshen up rolls, wrap them in foil and warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave them for 10-15 seconds.
• Flavor development: The pumpkin flavor becomes more pronounced after a day, making leftovers even tastier!

Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or reheated the next day, these rolls never fail to impress.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s what you’ll get from these pumpkin dinner rolls:

• Calories: Approximately 120 calories per roll
• Carbohydrates: A great source of energy, with about 18 grams per roll
• Fiber: Pumpkin adds a boost of fiber and nutrients like vitamin A and potassium.
• Low fat: These rolls have a moderate amount of fat, primarily from the butter and egg.
• Dietary considerations: Easily adaptable for gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan diets.

These rolls are not just delicious – they also deliver some added nutrition from the pumpkin, making them a slightly healthier option than traditional dinner rolls.

Conclusion

Comforting, delicious, and visually stunning, these pumpkin dinner rolls with honey butter are a treat worth trying. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just looking to add a little extra special something to your weeknight meal, these rolls fit the bill perfectly. The pumpkin puree gives them a golden color and tender texture, while the honey butter takes the flavor to the next level. Personally, I love making these during the fall – they’re like a warm hug on a chilly day.

I’d love to hear how you make these rolls your own! Do you add spices, get creative with the toppings, or pair them with a favorite dish? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family. Let’s spread the joy of baking together!

Now, go grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and enjoy the delicious aroma of homemade pumpkin dinner rolls filling your kitchen. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Can I freeze the rolls?

Yes, these rolls freeze beautifully. Store them in an airtight bag or container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

What can I use instead of honey in the butter?

If you’re avoiding honey, you can use maple syrup or agave syrup for a similar sweetness.

Why did my rolls turn out dense?

If your rolls are dense, it could be due to inactive yeast or adding too much flour. Make sure to use fresh yeast and keep the dough slightly sticky for the best results.

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