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These simple pumpkin dinner rolls are the perfect accompaniment to any winter or fall meal, and are topped with toasted pepitas!

Pumpkin Dinner Rolls with Toasted Pepitas

Prep Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 48 minutes
Servings 12 rolls

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon dry active yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 3/4 cup canned pumpkin
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 2 tablespoons white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • Cooking spray
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup pepitas or pumpkin seeds

Equipment:

  • Standing mixer or a mixing bowl if making rolls by hand
  • Bench scraper or sharp knife
  • Parchment paper
  • 9 x13 baking dish

Instructions

  1. Place the yeast and warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer, stir to combine, and let sit until dissolved. Add canned pumpkin, milk, egg, oil, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl and whisk to combine. Add pumpkin mixture to the yeast and stir until combined. Add all the flour and stir until it forms a shaggy dough.
  2. Knead dough on low speed or by hand against the counter until smooth but slightly tacky (it should spring back when poked), about 8 to 10 minutes.
  3. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  4. Line a 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
  5. To create rolls, dust work surface with a little all-purpose flour. Transfer dough to the work space. Using a knife, divide the dough into 12 equal portions. To shape into rolls, tuck the edges underneath to form a plump little package, then roll the dough against the counter or between your palms until round.
  6. Arrange the rolls inside the baking dish so that they are spaced a little apart. Let the rolls rise until they look pillowy and fill the pan, about 30 to 40 minutes. Meanwhile, arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  7. Melt the butter and brush it over the risen dinner rolls. Sprinkle the top of each roll with pepitas. Bake the rolls in the heated oven until golden-brown, about 15 to 18 minutes. Grasping the parchment paper, lift the rolls from the baking dish to a wire rack and let sit until cool enough to handle.

Recipe Notes

Original roll recipe adapted from The Kitchn.