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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise for another 45 minutes to 1 hour until puffy and nearly doubled in size.
- 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