Soft Pumpkin Rolls Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a comforting and irresistibly tender treat, these Soft Pumpkin Rolls will quickly become your new favorite. Bursting with warm autumnal spices and the natural sweetness of pumpkin purée, these rolls boast a pillowy texture that feels like a cozy hug in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or a weekend breakfast, Soft Pumpkin Rolls combine simple ingredients and heartfelt technique to create a truly unforgettable experience that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role in building the perfect Soft Pumpkin Rolls. From the yeast that gives life to the dough, to the pumpkin that adds both moisture and a beautiful hue, every component is essential for that charming balance of flavor and texture.

• Water: Warm water activates the yeast, kickstarting the rise.
• Sugar: Just a pinch to feed the yeast and promote bubbling activity.
• Active dry yeast: The magic behind the soft, airy dough.
• Pumpkin purée: Adds moisture, subtle sweetness, and that lovely orange tint.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that complements the pumpkin’s earthiness.
• Eggs: Two eggs divided, with one for enriching the dough and the other for a shiny glaze.
• Butter (melted and softened): Melted helps tenderize the dough, softened is whipped with sugar and spices for a decadent spread.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the structure, with extra for adjusting the dough’s consistency.
• Brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel note to the spiced butter.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness in the spice butter.
• Ground cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cloves: A warming medley of spices that embody fall in every bite.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by warming the water to a cozy 105°F to 115°F, which is ideal for waking up your yeast. Add the pinch of sugar and active dry yeast, and stir lightly. Give it around 5 minutes to bubble up and foam. This bubbling is your yeast coming to life, essential for those perfectly soft pumpkin rolls to rise beautifully.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients and Flour

In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix together the pumpkin purée, honey, melted butter, one beaten egg, and the activated yeast mixture. Once these well-loved ingredients are combined, add your flour and salt. The dough hook does the hard work here, starting to bring the dough together.

Step 3: Knead the Dough Until Soft and Stretchy

Using the dough hook, mix for about five minutes, scraping the bowl sides when needed. If your dough feels too sticky and refuses to shape into a ball, sprinkle in flour one tablespoon at a time. You want a soft, stretchy dough that’s tender yet holds its shape nicely. A few gentle kneads on the counter will perfect the texture.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer the dough into a greased bowl, then lightly oil the surface to prevent drying out. Cover it with cling film or a towel and place it in a warm spot for an hour to an hour and a half. During this time, watch as it swells to nearly double its size, soft and full of promise.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls and Second Rise

Prep a 9×13 inch baking dish by spraying with non-stick spray. Punch your dough down gently to release excess air and divide into 12 equal parts, shaping each into a neat ball. Arrange these doughy orbs in your dish, cover, and let them rise again for 30 minutes. This second rise is key to that signature softness.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Whisk the remaining egg and brush it over the tops of the rolls—this creates a glowing golden crust. Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until they are beautifully browned and cooked through. Let them cool briefly before the best part: enjoying!

Step 7: Prepare the Whipped Spice Butter

While the rolls bake, whip together softened butter with brown sugar, kosher salt, and the warming spices: cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves. Whip for 2 to 3 minutes until light, fluffy, and utterly luscious. This butter can be made ahead and refrigerated—just bring it to room temperature before serving your Soft Pumpkin Rolls.

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Rolls

Garnishes

A dollop of the spiced whipped butter melting atop warm Soft Pumpkin Rolls is divine, but feel free to sprinkle a little powdered sugar or finely chopped toasted pecans for crunch. These simple touches add that extra layer of texture and visual charm to your presentation.

Side Dishes

Serve your Soft Pumpkin Rolls alongside a creamy latte or a hot cup of spiced cider to fully immerse your taste buds in cozy flavors. They also pair wonderfully with a smooth cream cheese spread or even a savory soup if you’re going for a brunch vibe. The versatility is part of why these rolls are so beloved.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re elevating your brunch table, arrange the Soft Pumpkin Rolls in a decorative basket lined with a festive cloth. Alternatively, slice them horizontally and fill with your favorite jams or mascarpone cheese to create indulgent breakfast sandwiches that wow your guests and keep things fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Soft Pumpkin Rolls tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Kept at room temperature, they stay tender for up to two days. For longer life, refrigeration is an option, though be sure to warm them gently before eating to revive their softness.

Freezing

Soft Pumpkin Rolls freeze beautifully. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture, or warm them gently from frozen.

Reheating

To bring your rolls back to that fresh-baked softness, warm them in the oven at 300°F for 10 to 15 minutes wrapped in foil, or microwave individually for shorter bursts, covered with a damp paper towel. Top with a bit more whipped spice butter for a little extra love.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh pumpkin for canned pumpkin purée?

Absolutely! If using fresh pumpkin, cook and puree it thoroughly first, then drain any excess water to avoid making the dough too wet. The flavor will be just as rich and vibrant.

What if I don’t have all the spices listed?

No worries—cinnamon and nutmeg alone will still make these rolls delicious, but mixing in all the spices creates that signature soft pumpkin rolls flavor that’s perfectly balanced and cozy.

Can I use this dough for cinnamon rolls instead?

This dough is soft and slightly sweet, with pumpkin notes, so it’s fantastic for cinnamon rolls! Just add your usual cinnamon and sugar filling before rolling it up. Expect a slightly denser but very moist cinnamon roll.

How important is the egg wash on top?

The egg wash gives the rolls a lovely golden color and a subtle sheen, making them look inviting and professional. It’s not mandatory, but definitely worth the extra step if you want that perfect finish.

Is the whipped spice butter necessary?

While the rolls are delicious on their own, the whipped spice butter adds layers of sweetness and spice that truly elevate each bite. It’s the perfect companion and highly recommended to complete the Soft Pumpkin Rolls experience!

Final Thoughts

Soft Pumpkin Rolls are one of those magical recipes that feel like a warm embrace from the first bite. With their pillowy texture, cozy spices, and the heavenly whipped butter, they’re sure to become a cherished staple in your baking repertoire. I can’t wait for you to try these and see how easily they turn an ordinary day into one filled with fall-inspired joy.

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