Pumpkin-Shaped Dinner Rolls

01Method

1. 1

   Pour warm milk into a large bowl and stir in the yeast, honey, and butter until combined. Mix in the salt and most of the flour, holding a small amount back for dusting, and stir with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough comes together.

2. 2

   Lightly flour a clean work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Knead until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky, incorporating extra flour as needed. The dough is ready when it gently springs back after being poked.

3. 3

   Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with greased foil. Set it somewhere warm and allow it to rise until doubled in volume, approximately 1½ hours.

4. 4

   While the dough rises, cut kitchen string into 48 strands, each 8–10 inches long. Toss all the strands in oil to coat them and set aside.

5. 5

   Punch the risen dough down on your work surface. Pinch off 3–4 tablespoons of dough and set aside for the stems. Divide the remaining dough in half, then cut each half into 6 equal wedges — 12 pieces total. Roll each piece into a smooth ball using a cupped hand and light circular pressure for about 10–15 seconds. Cover loosely and let them rest for 15 minutes.

6. 6

   Heat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C) and line two baking sheets with silicone mats.

7. 7

   Lay 4 oiled strings on the work surface, crossing them at the center to form a star. Set a dough ball smooth-side down on the center, then pull each string up and tie it in a firm knot at the top. Trim the excess string with scissors.

8. 8

   Transfer the tied roll knot-side down to a prepared baking sheet. Repeat with all remaining dough balls and strings.

9. 9

   Allow the shaped rolls to rise for about 30 minutes.

10. 10

    Dust a little flour over the tops of the rolls. Shape the reserved dough into small stems and set them on the baking sheet beside the rolls.

11. 11

    Bake on the center oven rack until lightly golden, 20–25 minutes.

12. 12

    Remove from the oven and let cool until comfortable to handle, about 15 minutes. Snip the strings at the top of each roll and peel them away carefully. Cut a small opening in the top of each roll and press a dough stem into the hole. Arrange the finished pumpkin rolls on a serving platter.