Welcome the cozy season with these delightful pumpkin-shaped rolls that are soft, fluffy, and filled with a rich, smooth nut cream at the center. These charming bread rolls are carefully crafted to resemble small pumpkins, making them a perfect fit for any autumn-inspired table. Made with a tender yeast dough, each roll hides a sweet, creamy surprise inside, making them a delightful treat not only for their looks but also for their delectable taste. Baked to a golden hue and adorned with a cute pumpkin-like shape, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This:
These pumpkin-shaped rolls are the perfect combination of festive fun and delicious flavor. The process of shaping them into mini pumpkins is not only easy but also adds a creative and charming touch to your baking. Each roll is incredibly soft, thanks to the yeast dough, while the smooth nut cream filling adds a layer of richness that elevates every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying this for the first time, the recipe is approachable and rewarding, giving you beautifully shaped and irresistible treats that are guaranteed to impress. Plus, these rolls aren’t just for looks — the creamy filling paired with the warm, fluffy bread makes them simply unforgettable.
Perfect Occasion:
These rolls are ideal for fall-themed events, making them the perfect choice for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or any autumn dinner party. Their pumpkin shape fits perfectly with seasonal décor, and they’re a fun addition to any harvest spread. Serve them as a delightful breakfast treat, at brunch, or alongside your favorite soups and stews for a cozy meal. They also make a great conversation starter at potlucks or family gatherings, where their unique shape and delicious filling are bound to leave a lasting impression.
Decoration Tips:
To truly enhance the pumpkin look, consider adding a small piece of pretzel or a cinnamon stick to the top of each roll after baking to mimic the pumpkin’s stem. You can also lightly brush them with a bit of melted butter once they’re out of the oven to give them a soft sheen. For an added touch of sweetness and festivity, dust them lightly with powdered sugar or add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate glaze. Placing them on a platter surrounded by autumn leaves or small decorative pumpkins will make them the highlight of any fall table.
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 250 ml milk, warmed
- 7g instant yeast
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 500 g flour
- A pinch of salt
- 1 egg yolk
- 100 ml oil
For the filling:
- About 200 g nut cream spread
For brushing:
- Egg and milk mixture
You will also need kitchen string for shaping the pumpkin rolls.
Instructions:
- Begin by placing the nut cream spread in the freezer for about 10 minutes. This step helps it firm up, allowing you to shape it into balls more easily. Once the spread has hardened slightly, form it into small balls and return them to the freezer for an additional 30 minutes to maintain their shape.
- While the filling firms up, prepare the dough. Warm the milk slightly, then mix the yeast and sugar into the milk until dissolved. Add this yeast mixture to the flour, salt, egg yolk, and oil, and knead everything together until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
- After the dough has risen, divide it into 9 equal pieces, each weighing approximately 100g. Flatten each dough ball gently with your hands, and place a frozen nut cream ball in the center. Fold the dough around the filling, making sure to pinch the edges tightly so the filling is fully enclosed.
- To create the pumpkin shape, take a piece of kitchen string and loosely wrap it around the dough ball, crossing it over itself until the ball is divided into sections like a pumpkin. Tie it off gently — don’t make the string too tight, as the dough will expand while baking. Place the tied dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush each dough ball generously with the egg and milk mixture, ensuring an even coating for a beautiful golden finish.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the rolls for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully baked.
- Once the rolls have cooled slightly, carefully cut and remove the kitchen string to reveal the pumpkin-like shape. If desired, add a small piece of pretzel or cinnamon stick to the top of each roll to mimic the stem of a pumpkin.
Enjoy your festive pumpkin-shaped rolls filled with creamy nut goodness, perfect for any autumn occasion!
