Pumpkin-Shaped Dinner Rolls (Bread Machine)

Pumpkin-shaped dinner rolls are one of my favorite ways to bring a festive touch to my fall table. I love how these soft, buttery rolls look like little pumpkins — golden, fluffy, and irresistibly cute. Even better, they contain no pumpkin at all! The bread machine handles the hard work, leaving me to shape and bake these adorable rolls that are perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or any autumn gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, reliable, and turns out beautiful every time. The bread machine makes the dough perfectly soft and elastic, so all I have to do is shape it into pumpkins before baking. The rolls come out light and tender, with a subtle buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with any meal. They’re just as delicious as they are charming — a true seasonal showstopper that always gets compliments.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Wet ingredients:

• Milk

• Unsalted butter, melted and cooled

Dry ingredients:

• All-purpose flour

• Instant potato flakes

• Granulated sugar

• Kosher salt

• Instant yeast

Decoration:

• Kitchen twine

• Pretzel twists or small rosemary sprigs (for the stems)

Directions

1. I start by adding the wet ingredients (milk and melted butter) to the bread machine pan, followed by the dry ingredients — flour, potato flakes, sugar, salt, and yeast.

2. I select the dough cycle and let the machine knead and rise the dough until it’s soft, smooth, and ready to shape.

3. Once the dough cycle is complete, I transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.

4. I divide it into 12 equal pieces (about 2.3 ounces each) and roll each into a smooth, tight ball.

5. I cut four pieces of kitchen twine per roll (8–10 inches each) and arrange them in a crisscross pattern like a star.

6. I place a dough ball smooth side down in the center and gently tie the twine around it to form pumpkin sections, trimming off any extra twine.

7. I place six rolls per baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rise in a warm spot for about 30 minutes.

8. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20 minutes, until golden brown.

9. After baking, I cool them for about 15 minutes, then carefully snip and remove the twine.

10. I finish by pressing half of a pretzel twist or a small rosemary sprig into the top of each roll to form the “pumpkin stem.”

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 12 dinner rolls, serving about 6 people.

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Dough cycle and rising: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Baking time: 20 minutes

• Total time: About 2 hours

Variations

Sometimes I brush the warm rolls with melted butter for a glossy finish. For a slightly sweet version, I add a drizzle of honey butter or cinnamon sugar on top. When I want something savory, I mix garlic powder and herbs into the dough or brush the baked rolls with garlic herb butter. These rolls also make the cutest little slider buns for leftover turkey.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5. To reheat, I warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes until soft and fresh again. The rolls also freeze beautifully — I let them cool completely, wrap them well, and thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Do these rolls have pumpkin in them?

No, the name refers only to their shape! They’re made from a classic buttery yeast dough, soft and rich without any pumpkin flavor.

Can I make the dough without a bread machine?

Yes. I mix and knead the dough in a stand mixer or by hand, then let it rise until doubled in size before shaping.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often bake them a day or two in advance and warm them before serving — they stay soft and fluffy.

What can I use instead of twine?

I recommend using food-safe kitchen twine, but silicone baking bands work too. Just be sure to remove them carefully after baking.

Can I use a different dough recipe?

Yes, any soft roll or dinner roll dough will work beautifully with this shaping method — even store-bought dough.

Conclusion

Pumpkin-shaped dinner rolls are the perfect blend of fun and flavor. I love how easy they are to make, how beautifully they bake, and how festive they look on the table. Soft, golden, and buttery, these charming little rolls make any meal feel special. Whether for a holiday feast or a cozy fall dinner, they always bring warmth and a touch of seasonal magic.

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