Name: Rosemary Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Unsalted butter; Active dry or instant yeast; Granulated sugar; Lukewarm milk; All-purpose flour; Egg; Pumpkin puree; Salt; Dried rosemary; Ground cardamom

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These Rosemary pumpkin dinner rolls are the perfect addition to your dinner table. Their soft, buttery texture combined with the warm flavors of pumpkin and rosemary makes them ideal for any occasion. Whether it’s a family gathering, holiday feast, or a cozy weeknight dinner, these rolls will impress your guests and elevate your meal. The unique combination of ingredients, including brown butter and cardamom, sets this recipe apart as a must-try for bread lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The blend of pumpkin puree and fragrant rosemary creates a savory taste that complements any dish.
Soft Texture: These rolls are incredibly soft and fluffy, making them delightful to eat.
Versatile Uses: Enjoy them as a side dish, appetizer, or even for breakfast with butter and jam.
Simple Ingredients: You likely have most ingredients already in your pantry, making it easy to whip up these rolls.
Perfect for Sharing: With eight rolls in one batch, they’re great for sharing with family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

To make these rosemary pumpkin dinner rolls successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer with dough hook
Light-colored pan for browning butter
Baking tin
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer with dough hook: Makes kneading the dough easier and ensures proper gluten development.
Light-colored pan: Helps you monitor the browning process of the butter for that perfect nutty flavor.

Ingredients

These soft, buttery bread rolls are made with pumpkin puree and flavored with fragrant rosemary and cardamom. Brown butter adds extra richness for the perfect savory dinner roll!

Ingredients:
– 2 tbsp (26g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
– 2 1/4 tsp active dry or instant yeast (1 standard packet)
– 1 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (60g) lukewarm milk
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 egg
– 1/2 cup (100g) pumpkin puree
– 3/4 tsp salt
– 1 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
– 3/4 tsp ground cardamom
– 1 egg
– 1 tbsp milk or water

How to Make Rosemary Pumpkin Dinner Rolls

Step 1: Prepare Your Brown Butter

Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Ideally, use a light-colored pan so you can see the butter browning. Stir the butter constantly. The butter will foam and sizzle before turning golden brown with a strong nutty smell. Immediately remove it from heat and pour it into a heat-proof container. Let it cool before using it in the dough.

Step 2: Activate Your Yeast

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, mix together the yeast, sugar, and lukewarm milk. Let this sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. If there are no signs of yeast activity after this time, your yeast may be inactive; discard it and start again.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the brown butter, flour, egg, pumpkin puree, salt, dried rosemary, and cardamom into the bowl. Knead on medium-low speed for 20 to 25 minutes. Initially, the dough will be wet but will eventually tighten up as it kneads. Check periodically to see if it passes the window pane test.

Step 4: First Proofing

Cover the bowl and let the dough proof for about 45 minutes to an hour or until it has doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Grease your baking tin. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into eight equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them evenly in your baking tin.

Step 6: Second Proofing

Cover the tin again and let proof for another 45 minutes to an hour. When you press your finger into one of the rolls, it should bounce back halfway. Preheat your oven to 375°F towards the end of this period.

Step 7: Egg Wash & Bake

Beat together an egg and milk to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the tops of each roll before baking them for about 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and sounding hollow when tapped.

Step 8: Cool Before Serving

Allow them to cool in the tin for a few minutes before removing them to serve warm.

Enjoy these delightful rosemary pumpkin dinner rolls as part of your next meal!

How to Serve Rosemary pumpkin dinner rolls

Rosemary pumpkin dinner rolls make a delightful addition to any meal. Their soft texture and savory flavor pair well with various dishes and can elevate your dining experience.

With Soup

Creamy Tomato Soup – The rich flavors of tomato soup complement the herbaceous notes of the rolls.
Butternut Squash Soup – A perfect match during fall, enhancing the pumpkin flavor in the rolls.

As a Side Dish

Roasted Vegetables – The rolls serve as a great accompaniment to a medley of roasted seasonal vegetables.
Salad – Pair with a light salad for a balanced meal; arugula or spinach work wonderfully.

For Breakfast

Eggs Benedict – Swap out traditional English muffins for these rolls for a unique twist on this classic dish.
Butter and Jam – Enjoy them warm with butter and your favorite jam for a delightful breakfast treat.

With Dips

Hummus – The rolls can be dipped in hummus for an easy appetizer.
Spinach Artichoke Dip – Use them to scoop up this creamy dip at your next gathering.

How to Perfect Rosemary pumpkin dinner rolls

Perfecting your rosemary pumpkin dinner rolls is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure success:

Use Fresh Ingredients – Ensure your yeast is active and your pumpkin puree is fresh for optimal flavor.
Knead Properly – Knead the dough until it passes the window pane test. This ensures a good rise and texture.
Monitor Proofing Time – Keep an eye on the dough while it proofs; warmer environments may shorten proofing time.
Brush with Egg Wash – For a beautiful golden-brown finish, don’t skip the egg wash before baking.

Best Side Dishes for Rosemary pumpkin dinner rolls

The versatility of rosemary pumpkin dinner rolls means they pair well with many side dishes. Here are some excellent options to consider:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy potatoes infused with garlic create a comforting side that complements the rolls.
Green Bean Almondine – Sautéed green beans with almonds add crunch and freshness, balancing out the bread’s richness.
Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad adds crispness, making it an ideal side for your dinner rolls.
Braised Greens – Collard greens or kale cooked down provide a hearty, flavorful contrast to the fluffy rolls.
Stuffed Acorn Squash – A seasonal dish that pairs beautifully with the flavors of rosemary and pumpkin.
Cheesy Broccoli Casserole – The creaminess of this casserole enhances the overall meal experience when served alongside the rolls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making rosemary pumpkin dinner rolls, a few common pitfalls can affect the final result. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Ignoring yeast activity: If your yeast doesn’t foam after mixing with sugar and milk, it may be dead. Always check this step to ensure your rolls rise properly.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is precise, so use a kitchen scale or measuring cups correctly. Incorrect measurements can lead to dense or overly wet dough.
Skipping the proofing time: Proofing allows the dough to rise and develop flavor. Don’t rush this process; the dough should double in size for best results.
Using cold ingredients: Ensure that liquids like milk and eggs are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can hinder yeast activity, affecting the texture of your rolls.
Neglecting egg wash: Brushing your rolls before baking gives them a beautiful golden color and shine. Don’t skip this step for visual appeal!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Duration: Store rosemary pumpkin dinner rolls in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Containers: Place them in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

Freezing Rosemary pumpkin dinner rolls

Duration: You can freeze these rolls for up to 3 months.
Containers: Use a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible before sealing.

Reheating Rosemary pumpkin dinner rolls

Oven: Preheat at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 20-30 seconds. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat with a lid. Heat for about 5 minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about rosemary pumpkin dinner rolls:

Can I use fresh rosemary instead of dried?

Yes, you can use fresh rosemary! Use about three times more fresh herbs than dried for the same flavor impact.

How do I know when my dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size and feel slightly puffy. A gentle poke should leave an indentation that slowly bounces back.

What if I don’t have cardamom?

You can substitute cardamom with cinnamon or nutmeg if needed. Adjust according to your taste preferences.

How can I customize my rosemary pumpkin dinner rolls?

Feel free to add cheese, garlic, or other herbs to enhance flavor. These rolls are versatile and allow for personal creativity!

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough, shape into rolls, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.

Final Thoughts

Rosemary pumpkin dinner rolls are soft, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Their unique combination of savory herbs and sweet pumpkin makes them a delightful addition to your table. Feel free to experiment with different flavors or toppings to make them your own!