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Soft Pumpkin Dinner Rolls

Soft Pumpkin Dinner Rolls


  • Author: Anthony
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x
  • Diet: Plant-Based Friendly

Description

Soft Pumpkin Dinner Rolls are tender, fluffy rolls infused with warm autumn spices and rich pumpkin flavor. Perfectly soft with a beautiful orange hue, these rolls are ideal for cozy gatherings or complementing your favorite soups and salads. Made with simple pantry ingredients and plant-based alternatives, they offer a comforting texture and inviting aroma that will delight every bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup warm almond milk (plant-based) (110°F to 115°F)
  • 2 tablespoons plant-based butter (plant-based), softened
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or half all-purpose and half whole wheat flour for variation)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (natural)
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (natural)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent

For Serving and Topping (Optional)

  • Smoked turkey bacon, roasted and finely chopped
  • Plant-based butter (plant-based), melted for brushing
  • Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • Roasted pumpkin seeds for topping
  • Maple syrup (natural) for glaze
  • Cinnamon sugar (natural) for garnish
  • Smoked turkey slices for stuffing

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture: Warm the almond milk to about 110°F to 115°F. Stir in the granulated sugar and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is activated.
  2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, apple cider vinegar (natural), softened plant-based butter (plant-based), and the activated yeast mixture until smooth and well combined.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, sea salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and natural gelling agent to evenly distribute the spices and achieve a soft texture.
  4. Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring continuously. Once a dough forms, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but manageable.
  5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size, allowing a soft and airy crumb to develop.
  6. Shape the Rolls: Gently punch down the dough to release air. Divide it into equal portions and shape each one into a smooth ball. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving space between them for expansion.
  7. Second Rise: Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise for another 45 minutes to 1 hour until puffy and nearly doubled in size.
  8. Bake and Finish: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Brush the tops of the rolls with melted plant-based butter (plant-based) and bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the tops are lightly browned. Remove from oven and brush again with butter for extra shine and softness.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and optimal yeast activation.
  • Do not skip the natural gelling agent; it creates a moist, tender crumb without altering texture.
  • Let the dough rise in a warm, consistent environment for better fluffiness.
  • Knead the dough just right to avoid dense or tough rolls.
  • Brush the tops with plant-based butter (plant-based) for a shiny, soft crust.
  • For variations, try adding roasted pumpkin seeds on top, drizzling maple glaze, or stuffing with cinnamon sugar or smoked turkey slices.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days or freeze wrapped individually for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat rolls wrapped in foil in a 300°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes or microwave with a damp paper towel for 20 to 30 seconds.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: pumpkin dinner rolls, soft rolls, autumn bread, plant-based rolls, pumpkin spice rolls