Fall is in the air, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a batch of homemade Pumpkin Rolls? 

 

 

These soft and fluffy rolls are infused with the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin and spices, making them the perfect accompaniment to any meal. 

Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or simply want to add some seasonal flair to your everyday meals, pumpkin rolls are sure to delight.

The perfect blend of pumpkin flavor makes these rolls perfect for fall or Thanksgiving dinner.

Pumpkin dinner rolls are easy to shape into cute pumpkin shapes, making them a fun and festive addition to any meal.

The rolls are soft, fluffy, and buttery, making them a delicious side dish or snack with the perfect amount of sweetness.

Leftovers of the original recipe can be easily reheated and enjoyed for several days.

These pumpkin bread rolls can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a crowd making it the perfect fall treat.

 

 

What Ingredients are in Pumpkin Rolls?

To make pumpkin rolls this pumpkin season, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Active dry yeast: Used to help the dough rise and become fluffy.
• Whole milk: Used to hydrate the yeast and to provide moisture to the dough.
• White sugar: Used as a sweetener and also to feed the yeast.
• Butter: Used to add richness and flavor to the dough.
• Canned pumpkin puree: Used to add pumpkin flavor and moisture to the dough.
• Large eggs: Used to add structure and moisture to the dough.
• Salt: Used to enhance the flavor of the dough.
• All-purpose flour: Used as the main dry ingredient for the dough.
• Sliced pecan pieces: Used as a garnish for the rolls to create the “stem” of a pumpkin shape.

Pro Tips:

• Make sure the milk is warm but not too hot, or it will kill the yeast.
• Optional: dash with a bit of powdered sugar on top for a fun white topping.
• I don’t recommend adding pumpkin pie spice. It makes the pumpkin a little overwhelming.

 

 

How to Make Pumpkin Shaped Dinner Rolls

This easy pumpkin roll recipe makes a beautiful presentation and is the perfect side dish for your holiday season!

For a full step-by-step recipe, see the full printable recipe below. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Mix: Combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients and knead into dough.
2. Rise: Let the dough rise until doubled in size.
3. Shape: Divide the dough into equal pieces and shape into balls.
4. Cut: Cut slices around each ball and create a space for the “stem”.
5. Bake: Bake the rolls and place a pecan piece into the indentation of each roll.
6. Eat: Don’t forget the most important step! Gobble them up!

Pro Tips:

• Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place to help it double in size.
• Flatten the dough balls slightly before cutting the pumpkin shape to prevent the rolls from becoming too puffy.
• Use the wooden end of a small utensil or your finger to make the indentation in the center of each roll for the “stem.”
• Brushing the rolls with an egg mixture before baking will give them a shiny, golden-brown finish.
• Prepare cookie sheet with parchment paper or nonstick spray to help the rolls to not stick.
• Cover the dough roll shape with a cotton kitchen towel while they rise so they don’t dry out.
• If you use an electric mixer, you may need to wipe down the bowl of a stand mixer occasionally.

 

 

How to Reheat Pumpkin Rolls

If you’ve prepared the pumpkin rolls in advance, you may want to reheat them before serving, though they’re good cold too.

To reheat pumpkin rolls, simply wrap them in foil and place them in a preheated 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until warmed through.

You could also use the microwave to reheat in 10-15 second intervals.

For a lot of pumpkin rolls though, it’ll probably be better to reheat them in the oven.

Don’t forget to always keep your dinner rolls shaped like pumpkins in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve them!

 

 

What to Do with Pumpkin Rolls

This homemade pumpkin roll recipe is a versatile addition to your table.

Serve them warm with butter and honey for breakfast or alongside your favorite soup or stew for lunch or dinner. 

They also make a delicious snack on their own, especially when paired with a cup cocoa.

To make them into pumpkin desserts, serve with this recipe for Cream Cheese Frosting and a little cinnamon. Yum!

 

 

 

What to Eat with Pumpkin Rolls

This great recipe is a classic fall side dish that pairs well with a variety of dishes, including:

• Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
• Onion Cheese Soup
• Instant Pot Tortellini Soup
• One Pot Cheeseburger Soup
• Zucchini Chili
• Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe
• Crock Pot Beef Stew
• Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup
• Black Bean and Corn Chowder
• Potato Soup Recipe
• Cowboy Soup
• Mexican Street Corn Soup
• Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin
• Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

 

 

How to Warm Up Leftover Pumpkin Rolls

To warm up leftovers of the best pumpkin roll recipe, you can simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or until they are warm.

Alternatively, you can wrap them in aluminum foil and heat them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.

I recommend the oven as you’ll get a more even heating in the oven, though if you’re short on time, the microwave will work.

 

 

Can You Freeze Pumpkin Rolls?

Yes, you can freeze this classic pumpkin roll recipe. 

First, bake and cool the rolls to room temperature. 

Then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. 

They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Then you can pull out these rolls and totally dazzle family with all your hard work during the holidays!

How to Thaw Frozen Pumpkin Rolls

To thaw frozen pumpkin rolls, remove them from the freezer and place them in the refrigerator overnight. 

Alternatively, you can leave them on the counter at room temperature for a few hours until they are thawed. 

Once thawed, you can reheat them using one of the methods mentioned below.

 

 

Whether you’re serving them as a side dish or enjoying them as a snack, these pumpkin rolls are a treat that everyone will love. 

 

Originally Published: October 14, 2014

Updated: September 14, 2017

Photos & Text Updated: October 17, 2023

Adapted From Handle The Heat

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