These Pumpkin-Shaped Dinner Rolls are as adorable as they are delicious. Made with a simple yeast dough, the rolls are tied with kitchen twine before baking, giving them a plump pumpkin look once they rise and bake to golden perfection. A small pecan or pretzel stick placed on top creates the stem, finishing the festive effect. These rolls are buttery, pillowy-soft, and perfect for serving at Halloween feasts, fall dinners, or Thanksgiving gatherings. They’re a playful addition to any table and guaranteed to impress guests.

Pumpkin-Shaped Dinner Rolls Recipe
These Pumpkin-Shaped Dinner Rolls are soft homemade rolls shaped into pumpkins with twine and topped with pecan or pretzel stems.
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm milk. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in flour, salt, egg, and melted butter. Knead into a smooth dough, about 6–8 minutes.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour until doubled.
- Punch dough down and divide into 12 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a ball. Tie each loosely with kitchen twine in four sections to create a pumpkin shape.
- Place on parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake rolls 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove twine and insert pecan halves or pretzel sticks as stems.
- Serve warm with butter.
Notes
- Brush rolls with melted butter before serving for shine.
- Add pumpkin puree and spices to dough for pumpkin-flavored rolls.
- Can be made ahead and frozen.