If you’re on the hunt for a bread recipe that’s as fluffy and flavorful as it is show-stopping, look no further than these Pumpkin Buns. Soft as clouds and gorgeously golden, thanks to pumpkin and a sprinkle of cinnamon, they’re the sort of comforting treat that make even a casual dinner feel a little more festive. Whether you’re piling them into a basket for family dinner, stuffing them with fillings for epic sandwiches, or just enjoying one warm with butter, Pumpkin Buns have a way of turning simple moments into memorable ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes these Pumpkin Buns truly special is just how a handful of everyday ingredients work together to create something magical. Each element brings its own magic: texture, tenderness, a pop of color, or a warm note of spice.

Full Cream / Whole Milk (lukewarm): Gives these buns their rich, pillowy crumb and activates the yeast beautifully.
Brown Sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness and helps to create a lovely soft crust.
Instant Dry Yeast: Lifts the dough into super-soft, airy buns without the fuss.
Egg (room temperature): Adds tenderness and a subtle golden hue.
Canola Oil: Keeps the buns extra moist and gives them a delicate texture.
Mashed Pumpkin or Pumpkin Puree: The star! It infuses the dough with color, flavor, and plenty of moisture.
Bread Flour: Essential for fluffiness and structure; it’s the secret to getting those bakery-style buns.
Fine Table Salt: Balances out the sweet notes and highlights the pumpkin’s taste.
Ground Cinnamon (or Pumpkin Spice): Brings warm, cozy autumn flavors to every bite.
Egg (for egg wash): Gives that shiny bakery finish when brushed on before baking.
Full Cream / Whole Milk (for egg wash): Helps the egg wash go on smooth and even.
Pumpkin Seeds (optional): Add a little crunch and a hint of nuttiness to the gorgeous tops.

How to Make Pumpkin Buns

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Pumpkin

Start by tackling the pumpkin! Peel and cook your pumpkin any way you like—whether steaming, boiling, or roasting in foil in the oven. The key is getting it ultra-soft so it blends beautifully into the dough. Once cooked, mash it until it’s silky-smooth (go ahead and use a blender for extra creaminess), then let it cool to room temperature. This quick step means your Pumpkin Buns will have the perfect color and texture every single time.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine your lukewarm milk, brown sugar, and instant yeast. Give it a hearty whisk, then let it sit for about 10 minutes. Watch for those little bubbles to appear on the surface, a sign that everything’s alive and ready to give your dough a lift. Even if instant yeast doesn’t technically require this, it guarantees you’ll have the fluffiest Pumpkin Buns around—and gives you peace of mind.

Step 3: Mix the Dough

Add your egg, canola oil, and cooled mashed pumpkin into the yeast mixture, followed by the bread flour, salt, and cinnamon or pumpkin spice. With a sturdy spatula, stir everything together until it forms a sticky, rough dough. This is the beginning of something beautiful—don’t worry if it looks a bit shaggy right now.

Step 4: Knead Until Silky Smooth

Attach the dough hook to your mixer and begin kneading on low, then gradually increase to high speed. This dough needs about 15 minutes of kneading so it gets incredibly soft and passes the windowpane test (which simply means it should stretch easily and thinly without tearing). It will still feel a bit tacky, and that’s exactly what you want for irresistible Pumpkin Buns.

Step 5: First Proof

Cover your dough bowl with a clean tea towel (or transfer it to a large greased bowl if you like) and let it rest in a cozy, warm spot. After 1.5 to 2 hours, it should double in size—if you’re not in a rush, let it slowly rise in the fridge overnight for even more depth of flavor.

Step 6: Shape the Buns

Punch down the dough to release the excess air and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Slice it into 12 equal pieces (a kitchen scale helps here for bakery-worthy precision), and shape each into a ball. Flatten the dough a touch, fold the edges in towards the center, then gently roll each one into a tight, round bun. This careful shaping helps give Pumpkin Buns that perfect, even rise and a smooth finish.

Step 7: Second Rise

Arrange your shaped buns on a baking tray (lined with parchment and with space to expand!) and cover them gently with a tea towel. Let them rise again for 45 minutes to an hour. You’ll see them become pillowy and plump—almost ready for the oven!

Step 8: Egg Wash and Topping

Whisk together an egg and a teaspoon of milk to make a glossy egg wash. Carefully brush it over each bun for that irresistible sheen. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds for crunch, if you’d like. It’s a small touch, but it really completes the look and taste of Pumpkin Buns.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 Fahrenheit), and bake your buns for 20 to 22 minutes. You’re looking for puffy, golden perfection. Let them cool on a wire rack so the crust stays delicate and the crumb soft. Once cool, they’re ready for anything—though good luck not eating one right away!

How to Serve Pumpkin Buns

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, pumpkin seeds are a classic, but don’t stop there—you can sprinkle them with flaky salt, sesame seeds, or even a dusting of cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist. A light brush of melted butter after baking imparts a glossy, appetizing shine, making your Pumpkin Buns impossible to resist.

Side Dishes

Pumpkin Buns complement a wide array of meals. Serve them alongside hearty stews, chili, or roasted meats—they’ll soak up every bit of sauce. For breakfast, try them with a pat of salted butter and a drizzle of maple syrup. They also make excellent bases for mini sandwiches or sliders, turning leftovers into something special.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your imagination shine! Arrange Pumpkin Buns in a bread basket with a linen napkin for a homey touch at the table. For festive gatherings, cut them into smaller pieces and serve with dips, or stack them in a tower for a dramatic brunch centerpiece. For a picnic or lunchbox, wrap each bun in parchment and twine—it’s a thoughtful and delightful surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Pumpkin Buns left (which is a rare feat!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and fresh for up to two days. To recapture that just-baked magic, try a quick toast or gentle warm-up before serving.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze Pumpkin Buns individually wrapped in plastic and tucked into a zip-top bag. This keeps them from sticking together and preserves their airy texture. They’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to two months—just remember to label them so you don’t forget what treats await!

Reheating

From frozen, simply thaw at room temperature, then warm in a 150°C (300°F) oven for about 10 minutes. This brings back that irresistible bakery softness and fragrance. For a quick option, a short zap in the microwave (10–15 seconds) works for single servings.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree instead of homemade?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is a fantastic time-saver and works beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor and texture in your Pumpkin Buns.

What’s the best way to ensure my buns are super fluffy?

The two big tricks are: kneading the dough long enough (it should pass the windowpane test) and making sure your yeast is bubbly and alive before mixing. Give your dough time to rise at each stage—this patience delivers irresistibly fluffy Pumpkin Buns.

Can Pumpkin Buns be made vegan?

Yes! Swap the milk for a non-dairy alternative, use a flaxseed “egg” instead of a chicken egg, and opt for a plant-based oil. The texture will change slightly, but you’ll still get deliciously soft, lovely buns.

Why are my buns not rising much?

If your Pumpkin Buns are coming out a bit dense, double-check your yeast (it should be active and bubbly after the first step) and make sure your dough has enough warmth to rise. Cold kitchens can slow things down; a slightly warm oven (turned off) can be a great proofing spot.

How do I make pumpkin buns the same size?

For uniform, bakery-worthy buns, weigh your dough after the first rise and divide by twelve. Use a scale to portion each piece, and shape them well for perfectly even Pumpkin Buns every time.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of these Pumpkin Buns for yourself. Their soft crumb, warm spices, and golden glow are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re baking for a special meal or just to make an ordinary day more delicious. Give them a try and let the comforting aroma fill your kitchen—you’ll want to bake them again and again!

Pumpkin Buns Recipe