Pumpkin Shaped Dinner Rolls

These Pumpkin-Shaped Dinner Rolls are not only pleasing to the eyes but also a perfect way to celebrate pumpkin flavors. They are buttery and have a subtle flavor of pumpkin, pumpkin spice, and sweetness that goes perfectly with any savory dish. This recipe will make you an expert on these beautiful and tasty rolls.

Fall is all about coziness, from the snug embrace of a knitted sweater to the rich, comforting flavors that define the season. Pumpkin, a quintessential symbol of autumn, not only adds a burst of color but also brings a hint of sweet, earthy flavor to dishes. By incorporating pumpkin-shaped bread rolls into your meal, you’re infusing your gathering with the essence of fall. These charming rolls aren't just a treat for the taste buds; they create an inviting and festive atmosphere that echoes the season's spirit. Fluted pumpkin leaves can be used for egusi pumpkin leaves soup.

Pumpkin Shaped Dinner Rolls Ingredients

For Pumpkin Spice

Cinnamon Powder: Cinnamon powder gives the spice deep, sweet, and earthy flavor. It is also super aromatic.

Ginger Powder: Ginger powder has intense pepper zing and a hint of sweetness.

Nutmeg: Nutmeg has citrusy notes that also give a nutty taste with a subtle sweetness.

Cloves: Cloves have a strong aroma and a richer flavor than all the other ingredients. Their flavor is subtle, sweet, and bitter, and the bitterness really complements the overall taste of the spice mixture.

For Pumpkin Shaped Dinner, Rolls

Dry Ingredient: All-purpose flour is the base of the dinner rolls. It gives them a little chew and a soft, fluffy texture.

Wet Ingredients: The only thing you need to knead the dough is Warm water. Some recipes call for milk, too, but milk makes the dough too heavy for dinner rolls.

Flavoring: Pumpkin Spice, Pumpkin puree, and sugar will give the dinner rolls a deep fall, pumpkin and sweet flavor. I am adding salt to enhance the sweetness. Honestly, a teaspoon of salt can do wonders in such dishes.

Poofing Agent: Instant yeast is all you need to make these dinner rolls. The yeast will not only help raise the dough but also give the rolls an earthy flavor. You can also use active dry yeast.

Butter: The butter gives the dough a smooth and soft consistency and a buttery flavor.

Egg: The egg is the binder and also makes the dinner soft and golden upon baking.

How to make these Pumpkin Shaped Dinner Rolls

Make the Dough

• Activate the yeast: In a mixing bowl, pour warm water, yeast, and sugar. Mix well. Now add flour, pumpkin spice, salt, egg, pumpkin puree, and butter to the yeast mixture.
• Knead to form a dough: Now knead the dough. It will be soft yet a little sticky but okay to handle. Form a ball and put it in a bowl.
• Cover and rest the dough: Cover the dough with a plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Place the bowl in a warm place. Rest the dough to rise for an hour or an hour and 30 minutes. The dough should double in size.
• Take the dough out: Gently push the dough to release some air bubbles and transfer it to a clean work surface.

Shape the Rolls

• Divide the dough: Dust the dough and divide it into 8-10 or equal pieces. Form small balls by rolling them under the hand over the surface.
• Prepare Twine: Cut 4 equal pieces of twine, each about 10 to 12 inches per ball, and soak them in oil.
• Place the Twine: Place the four pieces of twine so that the center of each piece intercrosses and looks like an 8-sided star. Please make sure each side is of equal length.
• Shape the balls into Pumpkins: Place the ball over the point of twine intersection. Tie the ends of one twine over the ball. Repeat with the rest of the three twine.
• Trim off the extra twine: Trim any extra twine for a clean finish.
• Repeat: Repeat making all the balls like Pumpkin with the twine. (Please watch video below).

Bake the Rolls

• Prepare the baking sheet: Prepare your baking sheet or tray by placing parchment over it.
• Place the rolls: Place the rolls over the baking sheet, twine tied side up.
• Proof again: Cover the rolls with a clean towel and let them rise for the second time for 30 minutes.
• Brush and bake: Brush the risen rolls with egg wash. Bake them in the preheated oven at 350 F for 30 minutes.
• Remove the twine: Cut the twine with the help of the scissors. Brush the rolls with butter.
• Decorate: Decorate by placing cloves, cinnamon sticks, or pretzels as stems over the pumpkin-shaped rolls.
• Serve: Serve them warm.

Cooking Tips

• Use lukewarm water: Use lukewarm water or water that is warm to the touch. Hot water will kill the yeast, and thus, the rolls will not rise.
• Use room-temperature eggs: We always recommend using room-temperature eggs for baking because they mix well into the batter and help the dough rise more.
• Use room-temperature butter: Room-temperature butter will incorporate well and give you a soft and smooth dough. If you are using hard butter, it will form pockets in the dough, giving it a crumbly and flake texture upon baking.
• If using a standing mixer fitted or hand mixer: If you are using both electric appliances, make sure that you don't overmix the batter. Overmixing might knock out the air from the batter, making it dense.
• Soak the twine: Before using it, soak it for at least an hour. You can also cut it and spray oil over it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pumpkin pie filling for the Rolls?

We will not recommend pumpkin pie filling for two reasons: first, it will make the dough watery and sticky. You might have to add more flour to balance the texture, but it will ruin the original flavor. Second, it's too sugary, and the spice may overtake the taste of the main dishes. The rolls should be slightly sweet and must complement the main dishes.

Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?

Yes you can swap white sugar with brown sugar with the same measurements. But it will give the rolls a strong flavor. You will taste the dark molasses-like flavor and it might also change the texture.

How can I store the Pumpkin rolls?

Yes, you can store the pumpkin dinner rolls in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze the leftover rolls in a ziplock bag for three months. Thaw them at room temperature and reheat them in the oven at 300 F for 4 to 5 minutes.

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