Pumpkin Milk Bread Rolls

Introduction

Pumpkin Milk Bread Rolls are the perfect blend of pillowy softness and sweet autumn flavor, making them a must-have addition to your table any time of year. The infusion of real pumpkin puree not only lends a lovely subtle taste but also ensures every roll stays moist and tender. Their captivating golden hue and slight sweetness make these rolls crowd pleasers—delicious as a snack, side, or sandwich base.

Deliciously Unique Pumpkin Milk Bread Rolls

What sets these rolls apart is the combination of fluffy Japanese milk bread (shokupan) technique with the earthy, comforting flavor of pumpkin. The tangzhong (cooked flour paste) method creates a soft, cloud-like texture, while pumpkin puree adds a boost of nutrition and lightly sweet notes that complement both savory and sweet pairings.

Preparing the Perfect Pumpkin Milk Bread Dough

Begin by making the tangzhong: a quick roux of flour and milk cooked until thickened. This step locks in moisture. Add the tangzhong to a yeasted dough enriched with whole milk, butter, and pumpkin puree. This mix is kneaded until silky smooth, resulting in a dough that’s both workable and ultra tender. The key is to let the dough rise slowly, allowing flavors to develop and ensuring those signature wispy, tear-apart strands.

Shaping and Baking Your Pumpkin Milk Bread Rolls

After the first rise, divide the dough into even pieces and roll each into a ball. Arrange them in a greased baking dish so they’ll bake into soft pull-apart rolls. Brush the tops generously with egg wash (or a little milk for a softer crust) to highlight their stunning color. As they bake, your kitchen will be filled with warm, autumnal aromas—guaranteeing these rolls will disappear quickly at dinner!

Serving Suggestions for Show-Stopping Pumpkin Milk Bread Rolls

Serve warm with salted butter, pumpkin butter, or a drizzle of honey. These rolls make excellent sliders or sandwich buns, and they’re fantastic for soaking up gravies and soups. For an extra touch, sprinkle with flaky sea salt or sesame seeds before baking.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 12 rolls. Each roll contains roughly 120–140 calories, depending on the amount of butter used. They’re low in sugar and high in flavor—a wholesome treat best enjoyed fresh but just as delicious toasted the next day.

Pumpkin Milk Bread Rolls (Recap)

Pumpkin Milk Bread Rolls combine Japanese milk bread’s signature fluffiness with the natural color and subtle taste of real pumpkin. Moist, tender, and irresistible—these rolls will be your new favorite for holidays or any cozy gathering.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Make the tangzhong: In a small saucepan, whisk together 3 tbsp flour and 1/2 cup milk until no lumps remain. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens to a creamy paste (about 2–3 minutes). Cool for 5 minutes.
2. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the bread flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, lukewarm milk, cooled tangzhong, egg, and softened butter. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix until a rough dough forms.
3. Knead: Knead by hand (10–12 minutes) or with a mixer and dough hook (8 minutes) until the dough is very smooth and elastic. If sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time, but dough should remain soft.
4. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 60–90 minutes, or until doubled.
5. Shape the rolls: Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape each into a ball and arrange in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Second rise: Cover and proof rolls for 40 minutes until doubled in size.
7. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush tops with egg wash or milk. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the rolls are golden and sound hollow when tapped.
8. Cool and serve: Let rolls cool slightly before serving—enjoy warm with your favorite accompaniments.

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe is a fantastic addition to your weekly meal prep routine. Save and schedule this recipe to plan exactly when to bake these rolls and generate smart shopping lists that account for all your weekly recipes—no more duplicate purchases or forgotten ingredients.

Planning Benefits:

– Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities across multiple recipes
– Organizes shopping lists by grocery store sections
– Prevents overbuying and omitted items
– Streamlines your baking and meal prep process

Pro tip: Schedule these rolls for a weekend bake and watch how CookifyAI will update your list for everything, even if you plan hearty soups or sandwiches for the same week. Plan ahead in CookifyAI and never miss a step in your kitchen routine!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Bake Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes