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Pumpkin Shaped Dinner Rolls

by Jessie Daye

First published: November 19, 2023 | Updated: June 10, 2026
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Pumpkin Dinner Rolls

(Qty: 24)

Ingredients (for pumpkin Dough)

3/4 cup whole milk, boiling

6 tablespoons butter, room temp.

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup white sugar

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1 teaspoon salt

1 egg

2 packages active dry yeast (1/2 ounces) plus 1 teaspoon white sugar

1/4 cup lukewarm water

5 cups all-purpose flour (*I like to use a combo of bread flour and AP flour so the rolls are more dense)

Pecan halves or Cinnamon sticks (for the stems)

Pumpkin Shaped Dinner Rolls

Author: Jessie Daye
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Prep 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook 15 minutes
Total 2 hours 45 minutes
Homemade pumpkin dinner rolls shaped like pumpkins with pecan or cinnamon stick stems.
Servings 24 rolls

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup whole milk boiling
  • 6 tablespoons butter room temperature
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup white sugar
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg
  • 2 packages active dry yeast 1/2 ounces
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar for proofing yeast
  • ¼ cup lukewarm water no more than 110 degrees F
  • 5 cups all-purpose flour or combo of bread flour and AP flour
  • pecan halves or cinnamon sticks for the stems

Method

  1. Pour hot milk into a stand mixer. Add butter and mix to combine.
  2. Add brown and white sugar, pumpkin puree, and salt. Combine well.
  3. In a small bowl proof yeast in lukewarm water (no more than 110 degrees F) with a teaspoon of sugar. When it gets foamy (approximately 8-10 minutes) add to the pumpkin mixture.
  4. Beat in the egg, mix well.
  5. Gradually add the flour and mix with a dough hook in a standing mixer until well combined. The dough will be sticky.
  6. Knead dough into a ball and place in a greased bowl and cover with a cloth. Let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume (about 1 hour).
  7. Take dough from the bowl and place on a floured cutting board. Cut 24 pieces and roll into balls.
  8. Using a paring knife, cut each dough ball on the sides 8 times so it looks like a flat flower OR wrap with string four times until you have a pumpkin shape. Tie string at the bottom and cut. Do not make your string super tight as the bread will expand.
  9. Place the bread 2 inches apart on a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Let them rise again (about 45 minutes).
  10. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 10-15 minutes until barely slightly golden. Do not overcook.

Notes

Using a combo of bread flour and all-purpose flour will make the rolls more dense. Do not over bake the rolls.

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Hi, I'm Jessie. 

Mama to three girls and a lifelong creative who loves making everyday moments feel a little more special. Here, I share whimsical recipes, holiday inspiration, and creative projects designed to bring a little more joy to your day. I hope to inspire you to get creative, celebrate the little things, and make something beautiful. Welcome!

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