Pumpkin Rolls

Prep: 30 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Pumpkin Rolls are soft, flavorful bread rolls infused with pumpkin and warm spices, making them perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy breakfasts. Their tender texture and subtle sweetness appeal to both bread lovers and those seeking a seasonal treat, offering a delightful aroma and comforting taste.

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Ingredients

  • 4 1/2 to 4 3/4 cups flour
  • 1 package active yeast
  • 1 1/4 cups milk
  • 2 tablespoons shortening
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Combine 2 cups of flour and yeast in a mixing bowl.
  2. In a saucepan, heat milk, shortening, sugar, and salt until warm.
  3. Add the warm mixture to the dry ingredients and mix.
  4. Add the egg and canned pumpkin to the mixture.
  5. Beat at low speed for 1/2 minute.
  6. Beat for 3 minutes on high speed.
  7. Stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor of your pumpkin rolls, consider adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. If you don’t have shortening, you can use vegetable oil or melted butter as a substitute. For a sweeter roll, increase the sugar slightly or add a drizzle of honey. Ensure your milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.

Serving Suggestions

Pumpkin rolls are delicious served warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese spread. They pair beautifully with soups and salads, making them a perfect side for any meal. For a festive touch, you can serve them alongside Rhubarb Cream Pie for dessert, or enjoy them as a breakfast treat with coffee or tea.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover pumpkin rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pumpkin Rolls contains roughly 515 calories, with 4g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 704mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).

515 kcal 26% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.5g 9% DV
Total Fat 38.1g 49% DV
Carbs 41g 15% DV
Fiber 1.5g 5% DV
Sugar 1.9g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 703.9mg 31% DV
Potassium 281.8mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 127mg 42% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 34.7mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 6.9mg 8% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 108.2mg 8% DV
Iron 1.3mg 7% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned. Just ensure to cook and mash the pumpkin until smooth, and measure out 1/2 cup for the recipe. Fresh pumpkin may require adjustments to moisture content, so watch the dough consistency.

How can I make these rolls vegan?

To make vegan pumpkin rolls, substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water), use almond or soy milk instead of regular milk, and replace butter and shortening with plant-based alternatives.

What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise?

If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast or a too-cool environment. Ensure your yeast is fresh and the milk isn’t too hot. Try placing the dough in a warm, draft-free area to encourage rising. If it still doesn’t rise, consider starting over for the best results.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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