Pumpkin Sage Honey Rolls: A Delicious Fall Baking Recipe

Pumpkin Sage Honey Rolls: Prepare to be transported to autumnal bliss with these incredibly soft, fragrant, and utterly irresistible rolls! Imagine biting into a warm, golden-brown roll, the subtle sweetness of pumpkin and honey dancing on your tongue, perfectly balanced by the earthy notes of fresh sage. It’s a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

The concept of enriched dough, like the one we use for these Pumpkin Sage Honey Rolls, has been around for centuries, with variations found in cultures across the globe. From the brioche of France to the challah of Jewish tradition, adding ingredients like eggs, butter, and honey to bread dough elevates it to something truly special. In this recipe, we’re taking that tradition and giving it a seasonal twist with the addition of pumpkin puree and the aromatic pairing of sage and honey.

But what is it about these rolls that makes them so beloved? It’s the perfect combination of comfort and sophistication. The pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness and moistness, while the sage provides a savory counterpoint that keeps things interesting. The honey glaze adds a touch of decadence, making them perfect for a special occasion or simply a cozy weekend brunch. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake is simply divine! They are soft, pillowy, and incredibly moreish – you won’t be able to stop at just one!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk, warmed to 110-115°F (43-46°C)
• ¼ cup (60ml) water, warmed to 110-115°F (43-46°C)
• ¼ cup (60ml) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• ½ cup (120ml) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• For the Filling:
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh sage
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• For the Honey Glaze:
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon milk
• Pinch of salt

Preparing the Dough:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This helps the yeast activate properly.
2. Activate the Yeast: In a separate small bowl, combine the warm milk, warm water, and yeast. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This step is crucial to ensure your yeast is alive and kicking! If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old, and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture into the large bowl with the dry ingredients. Add the melted butter, egg, and pumpkin puree.
4. Mix the Dough: Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook (or by hand), mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together. Then, increase the speed to medium and knead for 6-8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If you’re kneading by hand, it will take a bit longer, about 10-12 minutes. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is where the magic happens! The warmth helps the yeast do its thing and create those lovely air pockets that make the rolls so fluffy.

Preparing the Filling:

1. Combine Filling Ingredients: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and honey until light and fluffy.
2. Add Flavor: Stir in the chopped fresh sage, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined. The aroma of the sage and spices at this stage is just divine!

Assembling and Baking the Rolls:

1. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Try to keep the rectangle as even as possible for uniform rolls.
2. Spread the Filling: Spread the prepared filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges. This border will help seal the rolls.
3. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.
4. Cut the Rolls: Using a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices. Dental floss is a great trick for getting clean cuts without squishing the rolls!
5. Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy. This second rise is important for achieving that extra-soft texture.
6. Preheat Oven: While the rolls are rising for the second time, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Bake the Rolls: Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. If the tops start to brown too quickly, you can tent them with foil.

Preparing the Honey Glaze:

1. Combine Glaze Ingredients: While the rolls are baking, prepare the honey glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
2. Add Honey and Milk: Stir in the honey, milk, and salt. Heat gently until everything is combined and smooth. Be careful not to boil the glaze.

Finishing Touches:

1. Glaze the Rolls: Once the rolls are out of the oven, immediately brush them with the honey glaze. The glaze will soak into the warm rolls and create a beautiful, sticky, and delicious topping.
2. Cool Slightly and Serve: Let the rolls cool slightly in the baking dish before serving. They are best enjoyed warm!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Pumpkin Sage Honey Rolls are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. From the warm, comforting aroma that fills your kitchen to the first bite of that soft, subtly sweet, and savory roll, you’re in for a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe, especially as the days get shorter and we crave those cozy, autumnal flavors.

Why are these rolls so special? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The pumpkin adds a delicate sweetness and incredible moisture, while the sage provides an earthy, aromatic counterpoint. The honey glaze seals the deal, adding a touch of golden sweetness that complements all the other flavors beautifully. Plus, the texture is simply divine – soft, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth good.

But the best part? These rolls are incredibly versatile! Serve them warm with a pat of butter for a simple yet satisfying breakfast or brunch. They’re also fantastic alongside a hearty soup or stew for a comforting dinner. Imagine them accompanying a Thanksgiving feast – they’d be a total showstopper!

Looking for some variations? You could add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a bit of crunch. Or, for a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey glaze. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even experiment with different herbs – rosemary or thyme would also work wonderfully with the pumpkin and honey. For a vegan option, substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar and use a plant-based butter alternative. The possibilities are endless!

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m so excited for you to try it. I know you’ll love the unique combination of flavors and the comforting warmth that these rolls bring. They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends, or for simply indulging in a little bit of self-care.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these incredible Pumpkin Sage Honey Rolls. I promise you won’t regret it!

And now, for the most important part: I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? What did you think? Did you make any variations? Share your photos and stories with me in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear all about your baking adventures. Happy baking! I am confident that these rolls will become a new family favorite. Don’t forget to let the dough rise properly for the best results! Enjoy!