Homemade Pumpkin Dinner Rolls

These Homemade Pumpkin Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and subtly sweet with a warm golden color that makes them perfect for fall. I love baking these during the cooler months—they pair beautifully with soups, holiday meals, or just a swipe of butter while they’re still warm from the oven. The pumpkin adds moisture and a hint of flavor that makes them extra special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings a cozy, autumn twist to classic dinner rolls. The pumpkin makes them extra soft and gives them a beautiful color without making them taste like dessert. They’re easy to shape, bake evenly, and hold up well for leftovers. Whether I’m making them for Thanksgiving dinner or just to enjoy with a bowl of chili, these rolls never last long.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F)

• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree

• 1 egg

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)

• 1 tsp salt

• Optional: extra melted butter for brushing after baking

Directions

1. I start by combining warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. I let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it gets foamy—this tells me the yeast is alive and ready.

2. I stir in the pumpkin puree, egg, melted butter, salt, and about 2 cups of the flour. I mix until it starts to come together.

3. I gradually add the remaining flour, a little at a time, until the dough is soft and slightly sticky but pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

4. I knead the dough on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

5. I place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

6. I punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. I shape each into a ball and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

7. I cover the dish and let the rolls rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.

8. I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rolls for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown.

9. While they’re still warm, I brush the tops with a little melted butter for a soft, shiny finish.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 dinner rolls, just right for a family dinner or small gathering.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Rise time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake time: 15–18 minutes
Total time: About 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls

Variations

• I add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra warmth.

• I use whole wheat flour for half the flour amount to make them heartier.

• I shape the rolls into knots or mini pumpkins for a fun presentation.

• I top them with flaky sea salt or pumpkin seeds before baking for a savory crunch.

• I sweeten them slightly more and serve with cinnamon butter for a fall breakfast roll.

Storage/Reheating

I store these rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5–7 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds. They also freeze well—once cooled, I wrap and freeze them for up to 2 months, then reheat straight from frozen in the oven.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, I’ve made these with fresh roasted and mashed pumpkin. I just make sure it’s smooth and not too watery.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge. I bring it to room temperature the next day before shaping and baking.

How do I know when the rolls are done?

I look for a golden brown top and a hollow sound when tapped. I also check that the internal temperature is around 190–200°F.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes! I use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) as substitutes, and they turn out great.

What do these rolls taste like?

They’re mildly sweet with a soft texture and a hint of pumpkin flavor—perfectly balanced to go with both sweet and savory dishes.

Conclusion

Homemade Pumpkin Dinner Rolls are my favorite way to add a cozy, seasonal touch to any meal. They’re soft, flavorful, and easy enough for any home baker to pull off. Whether I’m serving them alongside a holiday feast or just slathering one with butter on a chilly afternoon, they bring warmth and comfort to every bite.