These soft pumpkin rolls are warm, fluffy, and full of cozy pumpkin spice flavor. Topped with a sweet spice butter, they’re perfect for any fall gathering!
Honestly, these rolls are so good that you’ll want to eat them straight out of the oven! I love serving them with chili or just enjoying as an afternoon treat. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Use real pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. If fresh pumpkins are available, you can roast and puree them yourself! Canned puree works great too if you’re pressed for time.
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect for these rolls, but if you need a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture will be slightly different but still tasty!
Yeast: Active dry yeast is key for fluffy rolls. If you have instant yeast, you can use it as well, just omit the step of activating it in warm milk—mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlled seasoning. If you want to cut back on dairy, try using coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute in your recipe.
How Do You Get Soft, Fluffy Rolls?
To make your pumpkin rolls light and fluffy, it’s essential to follow a few key techniques:
- Activate Your Yeast: Make sure your milk is warm, not hot. If the yeast doesn’t foam after 5 minutes, it may be expired—try again with fresh yeast!
- Knead the Dough: Kneading helps develop gluten, which creates that soft texture. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour as you knead.
- Allow for Rising: Letting the dough rise until it doubles in size is crucial. This can take longer if your kitchen is cool. If possible, place it in a warm spot, like near the oven.
- Don’t Skip the Second Rise: Shaping the rolls and letting them rise again ensures they are airy. They should be puffy before they go into the oven.
Following these steps leads to deliciously soft pumpkin rolls that everyone will love!
Soft Pumpkin Rolls with Spice Butter
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pumpkin Rolls:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves or allspice
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup warm whole milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Spice Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of ground cloves or allspice
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, followed by 2 hours for the dough to rise (including two different rising phases). You’ll spend about 20-22 minutes baking the rolls, making it a total of around 2 hours and 35 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm whole milk and active dry yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until it’s foamy. This step is essential for ensuring the yeast is alive and ready to help your rolls rise.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves or allspice. Mixing these dry ingredients first combines the flavors and ensures even distribution.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, melted unsalted butter, and the large egg until smooth. This mixture adds moisture and flavor to the rolls.
4. Make the Dough:
Now, add the activated yeast mixture and the pumpkin mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir everything together until combined. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour until it forms a soft, slightly sticky dough.
5. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. You want the dough to become smooth and elastic; this helps create those lovely fluffy rolls.
6. First Rise:
Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, which should take about 1 to 1.5 hours. Keep an eye on it; the warmer the area, the faster it will rise!
7. Shape the Rolls:
After the first rise, punch the dough down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, making sure the rolls are close but not touching.
8. Second Rise:
Cover the pan with a towel and let the rolls rise again until they have doubled in size once more, which should take about 45 minutes. This second rising phase will make your rolls extra fluffy!
9. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. Keep an eye on them, as all ovens vary slightly!
10. Prepare Spice Butter:
While the rolls are baking, mix the softened butter, honey (or maple syrup), ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until it’s all smooth and creamy. This delicious butter will complement your rolls perfectly!
11. Serve:
Once the rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and immediately brush the tops with the spice butter. Serve warm, and don’t hesitate to bring out extra spice butter for guests to slather on their rolls—it’s a real treat!
Your soft pumpkin rolls will be beautifully golden with a tender, fluffy inside, enriched by the delightful flavors of pumpkin and warm spices, and the melting spice butter will take them over the top. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Substitute Fresh Pumpkin for Canned Pumpkin Puree?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just make sure to roast and puree it before measuring. You’ll need about 1/2 cup of cooked and pureed pumpkin to replace the canned version.
What Should I Do If My Dough Isn’t Rising?
If your dough isn’t rising, it might be due to inactive yeast or a cool environment. Make sure your yeast is fresh and activated properly. If your kitchen is cool, try placing the dough in a warmer spot, like an oven with the light on or near a heating source.
How Can I Store Leftover Pumpkin Rolls?
Store any leftover pumpkin rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving!
Can I Use Different Spices for the Spice Butter?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix up the spices in the butter according to your taste. Try adding a hint of ginger or vanilla for a different flavor profile. You can adjust the sweetness with more or less honey or maple syrup if desired.
