Description
These delightful Pumpkin Shaped Rolls are perfect for fall gatherings and festive meals. Made from Rhodes Frozen Dinner Rolls, they are easily transformed into charming pumpkin shapes with simple cuts and an egg wash for a golden finish. Optionally, they can be enhanced with a buttery pumpkin spice sugar coating and topped with pecan halves for a warm, aromatic touch. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and visually appealing, making them a wonderful addition to your holiday table or seasonal celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 Rhodes Frozen Dinner Rolls
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tbsp milk
- 6 pecan halves
Optional Coating
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 Tbsp pumpkin spice
Instructions
- Thaw and Prepare Rolls: Thaw the frozen dinner rolls completely. Using a sharp knife, cut 7 slits around each roll, slicing all the way through the dough but leaving the center intact to form a pumpkin shape. Poke a small hole in the center of each roll. Cover the rolls and let them rise until doubled in size to ensure a soft, fluffy texture.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to prepare for baking the rolls at the correct temperature for even cooking.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Whisk together the large egg and milk to create an egg wash, then brush it evenly over each roll. Bake the rolls for 15 to 18 minutes until they turn golden brown, indicating they are fully cooked and beautifully crisp on the outside.
- Optional Pumpkin Spice Coating: While the rolls are baking or immediately after removing them from the oven, melt the butter in a bowl. Mix the sugar and pumpkin spice in a separate small bowl. Dip each baked roll first into the melted butter, then into the sugar and pumpkin spice mixture to coat evenly and add a sweet, spiced flavor.
- Add Pecan Stems: Cut each pecan half into two smaller pieces. Insert one half of a pecan into the small hole in the center of each roll to mimic the pumpkin stem, adding both texture and decorative appeal.
Notes
- Ensure rolls are fully thawed before shaping to avoid tearing the dough.
- Letting the rolls rise after slicing helps keep the pumpkin shape intact during baking.
- The egg wash adds a lovely golden color and sheen but can be skipped for a lighter crust.
- The butter and pumpkin spice sugar coating is optional but enhances the autumnal flavor significantly.
- Use pecan halves as pumpkin stems, or substitute with slivered almonds or pumpkin seeds if preferred.
