Soft, golden, and infused with cozy fall flavor.

These tender, lightly sweet rolls have a gorgeous pumpkin color and a touch of spice - perfect for autumn dinners, Thanksgiving feasts, or anytime you want that warm, cozy sourdough aroma in your kitchen.

🧂 Ingredients

For the dough:

  • 100 g active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
  • 300 g pumpkin purée (unsweetened)
  • 80 g milk or almond milk (room temperature)
  • 40 g unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 70 g brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 500 g bread flour (or all-purpose)
  • 9 g salt (about 1½ tsp)
  • 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

For brushing:

  • 1 egg (for an egg wash) or melted butter for a soft finish

🕒 Instructions

1. Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together your starter, pumpkin purée, milk, melted butter, and brown sugar until smooth.
Add the flour, salt, and pumpkin spice. Stir with a spoon or Danish whisk until a soft dough forms.

💡 Tip: Once the ingredients are mixed, use your hands to bring the dough together into a ball before letting it rest — it will feel a bit firm but should come together easily.

Cover and let sit for 30 minutes (autolyse).

2. Knead the Dough

After resting, knead by hand for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
This dough is on the drier side — avoid adding extra flour, as that can make your rolls dense.

3. Bulk Fermentation

Cover the bowl and let it rise in a warm spot (around 75–80°F / 24–27°C) until doubled — about 4–6 hours, depending on your starter and room temperature.
You’re looking for a puffy, airy dough.

4. Shape the Rolls

Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces (about 75–80 g each).
Shape each one into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath.Arrange in a greased or parchment-lined 9x13" baking dish.

5. Final Proof

Cover and let rise for 1½–2 hours, or until rolls are puffy and just touching.

6. Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Brush with egg wash for a shiny finish or melted butter for soft, golden tops.

Bake 20–25 minutes, until beautifully golden and lightly firm on top.

7. Finish & Serve

Brush warm rolls with butter right out of the oven.
Optional: sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon sugar or flaky salt for a sweet-savory sparkle.

Serving Ideas

  • Serve with cinnamon maple butter or whipped honey butter
  • Perfect with Thanksgiving turkey, soups, or autumn salads
  • Makes excellent slider rolls for leftover turkey or ham

Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
To refresh, warm in the oven at 325°F for 5–10 minutes before serving.

DOWNLOAD the Recipe HERE

🍂 Ready to Bake Like a Pro?

I've gathered all my favorite sourdough tools — from whisks and bannetons to enamel Dutch ovens — to make your baking magical.
👉 Grab Your Sourdough Baking Essentials Here

Want More Seasonal Sourdough Magic?

If you haven’t yet, make sure to check out these other fall favorites on the blog:

Pumpkin Pie Sourdough with Brown Sugar Pecan Filling

Maple Pecan Swirl Sourdough

Savory Sage & Cheddar Sourdough

And don’t forget — I’ve put together everything you need to bake amazing sourdough bread all in one place.

The Magic Behind Every Great Loaf - 5 Essentials Every Sourdough Baker Needs

If you want to make your sourdough journey smoother (and your loaves even more magical), here are 5 essential tools every baker should have.