Pumpkin-Shaped Bread Rolls Recipe
Pumpkin-shaped bread rolls are a delightful addition to any fall gathering or Thanksgiving feast. These golden treats not only look adorable, but also bring a delicious and comforting taste to the table. The soft and fluffy texture of these rolls is reminiscent of traditional dinner rolls, but with a twist. The unique pumpkin shape adds an element of fun and whimsy to the dining experience. These bread rolls boast a subtly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with autumnal dishes like roasted turkey or creamy soups. This recipe for pumpkin-shaped bread rolls is relatively simple, making it accessible even for novice bakers. With just a touch of creativity in forming the dough into pumpkin-like shapes and adding a cute pecan stem on top after baking, these delightful bread rolls are sure to impress both young and old alike at your next casual gathering or holiday celebration.
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Set of measuring tools.
- 1 Wooden spoon for mixing.
- 1 Baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 1 Kitchen scissors or sharp knife (for shaping details).
Ingredients
Proofing the Yeast
- 1 cup lukewarm water.
- 2 ¼ tsp dry active yeast.
- 2 tbsp sugar.
Bread Dough
- Proofed yeast mixture as above.
- ½ cup lukewarm water.
- 1 ½ tsp salt.
- 2 tbsp sugar.
- 2 tbsp melted butter.
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour.
Instructions
Preparing the Yeast Mixture
- Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. If you're adding any additional ingredients for flavor variations, like cheese or herbs, now is the time to toss them in as well.
Combining the Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture and melted butter and the extra 1/2 cup of water. Mix everything together until a shaggy dough forms.
Kneading the Dough
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you prefer to use a stand mixer, you can also use the dough hook attachment and let it do the work for you.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
Dividing and Rounding the Dough
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into equal portions depending on how many bread rolls you want.
- Take each portion and roll it into a smooth ball by cupping it with your hand and gently rotating your hand in a circular motion on the countertop.
Creating the Pumpkin Shape
- To shape the dough into pumpkin shapes, flatten each ball slightly with your palm. Using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, make 5 vertical cuts around the sides of the dough, leaving the center intact.
Adding Details Like Pumpkin Ridges
- To make the pumpkin ridges more defined, you can use the handle end of a wooden spoon or your finger like I did to press gently down the center of each section. This is where the halved pecan stems will be.
Proofing the Pumpkin-Shaped Bread Rolls
- Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave enough space between them for expansion!
- Cover them with a clean kitchen towel and let them proof for about an hour, or until they double in size. This step is crucial for achieving light and airy puffy pumpkin-shaped rolls.
Applying an Egg Wash for a Glossy Finish
- Whisk together an egg and a tablespoon of water, then generously brush this mixture over the risen rolls just before baking. This will give them that irresistible golden sheen that will have everyone drooling and reaching for seconds.
Baking the Pumpkin-Shaped Bread Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and slide those rolls in. Now sit back and relax for the next 15-20 minutes while the magical aroma of freshly baked bread fills your home!
Adding the Halved Pecan Stems
- After the pumpkin-shaped rolls have come fresh out of the oven, gently press one halved pecan into the center of each roll. This creates a festive and cute little edible pumpkin stem!