PUMPKIN SHAPED ROLLS RECIPES

Steps:

• Shape each dinner or Texas roll into a slightly flat ball.
• Using scissors, make 6 to 8 cuts, equally spaced, around the outside of each ball about 1/2- inch deep.
• Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke a deep hole into the top of each pumpkin shaped roll.
• Place on a sprayed baking sheet and cover with sprayed plastic wrap.
• Allow to rise until almost double.
• Remove wrap and re-poke stem hole.
• Bake at 350°F 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
• Remove from oven and brush with butter.
• Insert pecan pieces into pumpkin rolls for stems.

Steps:

• Combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon honey in a bowl. Cover and set aside until foamy, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together flour, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon; set aside.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine yeast mixture with 1 cup of the flour mixture, egg, butter, and remaining tablespoon of honey. With the paddle attachment, beat on low until mixture is well combined and smooth, about 1 minute. Add remaining flour mixture and beat on low until just incorporated. Switch the paddle attachment for the dough hook (or knead by hand), and increase speed to medium-high and allow dough to knead until the dough is stretchy and smooth, about 7 minutes. Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover with a towel until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.
• Cut dough mass into quarters, and then cut each quarter into thirds, leaving 12 pieces of dough. Shape into a smooth ball by pulling each corner of dough under the ball, creating a smooth round surface. Place onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Pick up each ball and use a pair of kitchen shears to snip 6 evenly spaced cuts (about 1/4-inch deep) running vertically around the ball. Return to baking sheet and use the bottom of a wooden spoon handle to press a hole into the top center of the roll and press all the way to the bottom, encouraging the dough to take on a pumpkin shape. Repeat with remaining rolls. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise at room temperate until puffed, about 1 hour.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Use the wooden spoon again to press a hole in the center of each puffed roll. Place a pecan half standing vertically into each of the holes. Bake until well browned all over, about 20 mins. Brush with melted honey butter if desired and serve.