Rosemary pumpkin dinner rolls

If you’re looking for a warm and inviting addition to your dinner table, you’ve found it in these delicious Rosemary pumpkin dinner rolls! These little gems are soft, buttery, and infused with the delightful flavors of pumpkin puree and fragrant rosemary. Perfect for cozy family gatherings or even busy weeknights, these rolls will bring a comforting touch to any meal. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is simply irresistible!

Each bite offers a hint of cardamom and the richness of brown butter, making them a standout side dish. Whether you serve them alongside a hearty soup or as part of a festive spread, they are bound to become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have fresh rolls ready to impress your loved ones.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these flavorful rolls—perfect for any age!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake them just before serving.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and rosemary creates a unique taste that pairs beautifully with many dishes.
• Great for Special Occasions: Elevate your holiday dinners or special events with these delightful rolls.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Gather them up and let’s get rolling!

For the Dough

• 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

For the Egg Wash

• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp milk or water

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients.

• Add some cheese: Fold in grated cheese like cheddar or parmesan for an extra savory twist.
• Herb mix-up: Swap out rosemary for other herbs like thyme or sage to match your main dish.
• Sweeten it up: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for a hint of sweetness.
• Spice it up: Throw in some cinnamon or nutmeg along with the cardamom for added warmth.

How to Make Rosemary pumpkin dinner rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Brown Butter

Start by melting the butter in a pan over medium heat. Using a light-colored pan helps you see the butter as it browns. Stir constantly until it turns golden brown and smells nutty—this step adds depth to your rolls that you won’t want to skip! Once browned, pour it into a heat-proof container and let it cool.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

In the bowl of your 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 you see bubbles forming on the surface. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!

Step 3: Mix the Dough

Now it’s time to add all those wonderful ingredients! Toss in the brown butter, flour, egg, pumpkin puree, salt, dried rosemary, and cardamom into the bowl. Knead on medium-low speed for about 20-25 minutes. At first, it might seem too wet but don’t worry; as you knead, it will come together beautifully and pull away from the sides of the bowl—a sign that it’s ready!

Step 4: Let It Rise

Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it proof in a warm spot for about 45 minutes to an hour until doubled in size. This step is crucial because it allows air bubbles to develop in the dough.

Step 5: Shape Your Rolls

Once risen, lightly flour your surface and turn out the dough. Divide it into 8 equal pieces and shape each into smooth balls. Place them evenly spaced in a greased baking tin—this gives them room to grow together as they bake.

Step 6: Second Proofing

Cover your baking tin with a towel and let those rolls rise again for another 45 minutes to an hour until they puff up nicely. Preheat your oven to 375°F during this time so it’s hot when you’re ready to bake.

Step 7: Add an Egg Wash

Beat together one egg with milk or water to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the tops of each roll before putting them in the oven; this gives them that beautiful golden color when baked.

Step 8: Bake Them Up!

Pop those rolls into your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped. Let them cool slightly before removing from the tin—then serve warm!

Enjoy every bite of these Rosemary pumpkin dinner rolls at your next meal!

Pro Tips for Making Rosemary Pumpkin Dinner Rolls

Baking can be a joyful experience, and with a few simple tips, you can create the fluffiest, most flavorful dinner rolls imaginable!

• Use fresh rosemary: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor of your rolls significantly. If possible, opt for fresh rosemary instead of dried to achieve a more vibrant taste.
• Check yeast freshness: Always ensure your yeast is active before starting. If it doesn’t foam in the milk mixture, it may be expired. Fresh yeast leads to perfectly risen rolls.
• Knead properly: Kneading the dough until it passes the windowpane test ensures that you develop enough gluten for a light and airy texture. Don’t rush this step!
• Monitor proofing time: Proofing times can vary due to room temperature. Keep an eye on your dough and look for it to double in size rather than strictly following the clock.
• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to customize your rolls by adding ingredients like cheese or nuts. These additions can enhance flavors and textures for a delightful twist.

How to Serve Rosemary Pumpkin Dinner Rolls

These delightful rolls are not just a side dish; they’re an integral part of any meal! Their warm, inviting aroma will entice anyone at the table.

Garnishes

• Flaky sea salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just before baking adds a burst of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the soft texture.
• Olive oil drizzle: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil after baking enhances richness and gives an appealing sheen.

Side Dishes

• Roasted root vegetables: A medley of carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized pairs wonderfully with these rolls while adding nutrition and color to your plate.
• Creamy butternut squash soup: This velvety soup complements the pumpkin flavor in the rolls, creating a cozy meal perfect for cooler evenings.
• Mixed green salad: A fresh salad with tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the rolls.
• Herbed quinoa: Fluffy quinoa seasoned with herbs mirrors the aromatic notes in the bread while providing additional protein and fiber.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your rosemary pumpkin dinner rolls are sure to impress and become a favorite at your dining table! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These rosemary pumpkin dinner rolls are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week. Their delightful flavor and soft texture make them an excellent addition to any meal.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the rolls to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped rolls in a freezer bag or airtight container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Just label your bags with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, remove the desired number of rolls and thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 15-20 seconds until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making rosemary pumpkin dinner rolls:

Can I use fresh rosemary instead of dried in rosemary pumpkin dinner rolls?

Yes, you can use fresh rosemary! Just chop it finely and use about three times the amount compared to dried (around 4-5 teaspoons). Fresh herbs will provide a lovely vibrant flavor.

How should I serve rosemary pumpkin dinner rolls?

Rosemary pumpkin dinner rolls are delicious served warm with butter, alongside soups, or as part of a festive meal. They also make great sandwiches when sliced!

Can I make rosemary pumpkin dinner rolls without an electric mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. Just be prepared to put in some extra elbow grease during the kneading process, which usually takes around 10-15 minutes.

How do I know when my rosemary pumpkin dinner rolls are done baking?

Your rolls are ready when they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of around 190°F (88°C) is another good indicator they’re cooked through!

Final Thoughts

These rosemary pumpkin dinner rolls truly shine as a comforting side dish or snack that can elevate any meal. With their soft, buttery texture and fragrant flavors, they’re sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. I hope you enjoy making these delightful rolls just as much as I do—happy baking!