Ingredients
For the Dough:
½ cup unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk, warm (118 ml)
¼ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar (can use powdered stevia) (55 g)
2 tsp instant yeast
¼ cup vegetable oil (sunflower, coconut, or canola)
1 egg (or flax egg for vegan)
1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
½ cup pumpkin puree, unsweetened (110 g)
3½ cups whole wheat bread flour, sifted (440 g)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
For the Filling:
¼ cup butter, softened (60 g, or vegan butter/coconut oil)
½ cup brown or coconut sugar (100 g)
1 tbsp cinnamon
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (optional)
2 tbsp optional add-ins: raisins, cranberries, walnuts, pecans
For the Glaze (Optional):
2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk
¼ cup powdered sugar (30 g)
1 tsp vanilla bean paste
Instructions
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In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
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In a large bowl, mix oil, egg, vanilla, and pumpkin puree until smooth. Stir in the yeast mixture.
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Gradually add flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until a soft dough forms.
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Knead by hand or mixer for 3–5 minutes until elastic and smooth.
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Form dough into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–2 hours until doubled.
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Roll dough into a 14×16-inch rectangle. Spread butter evenly, then sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture (and optional add-ins). Roll into a log and cut into 12 rolls.
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Place rolls in a greased 9×13 pan, cover, and let rise 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Bake 20–30 minutes until golden brown.
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To make glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together. Drizzle over warm rolls and serve.
Notes
- Use bread flour for soft, airy rolls.
- Ensure milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate yeast.
- Spoon and level flour for accurate measurement to prevent dense rolls.
- Rolls can be made ahead: refrigerate overnight and bake the next day.
- Seal rolled dough edges tightly to prevent unrolling while baking.
- Vegan substitutions: plant-based milk, flax egg, vegan butter.
- Prep Time: 2 hr 30 min
- Cook Time: 30 min