Sourdough Pumpkin Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
These Sourdough Pumpkin Shaped Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, crafted with my trusty active sourdough starter and luscious homemade pumpkin butter (check out my pumpkin butter recipe!). Shaping the rolls like pumpkins using cotton string is a fun, creative step that brings a festive fall vibe right to your kitchen table. Soft, slightly tangy dough wrapped around a cinnamon-spiced pumpkin butter filling makes these rolls a cozy seasonal treat you’ll want to make every autumn!
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 baking sheet.
- 1 roll of 100% cotton string
Ingredients
- ½ cup active sourdough starter
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup warm water
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ cup softened butter
- 1 cup pumpkin butter (homemade or store-bought) My homemade pumpkin butter recipe is linked above.
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- cotton string (for shaping)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- Start with your active sourdough starter. Combine it with flour, water, a pinch of salt, and sugar to create a soft dough. Knead it well until smooth and elastic. Let it rest and ferment until it doubles in size, which usually takes several hours depending on your starter’s activity.
Roll Out the Dough
- Once risen, roll your dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread a generous layer of your homemade pumpkin butter evenly over the dough.
Add the Cinnamon Sugar
- Sprinkle cinnamon and a bit of sugar over the pumpkin butter for that classic cinnamon roll flavor with a fall twist.
Roll and Slice
- Roll the dough tightly from one edge to form a log. Slice into equal pieces about 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
Shape the Pumpkins
- Place each cinnamon roll on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a cotton string, lightly tie around the center of each roll to create that distinct pumpkin shape — think of making “segments” by gently pulling the string snug but not tight enough to squeeze out filling. This shaping step is simple but adds such charming detail!
Final Proof
- Let the shaped rolls proof for another hour or until puffy.
Bake
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Once completely cooled, carefully remove the strings.
Serve and Enjoy!
- Let them cool slightly before serving. These pumpkin-shaped rolls are perfect, warm and fresh, with a little extra pumpkin butter or cream cheese frosting if you want to indulge.