Pumpkin Cloverleaf Rolls

Fall is here, and all I can think about is pumpkin and cranberries. I found this recipe in the newest addition of Family Fun Magazine and thought that they sounded good and thought I would give them a try. The verdict...they were ok. I think sweet, cinnamon and nutmeg with pumpkin. These are not very sweet at all. The only sweetener is honey in this recipe, so these would be good if you wanted to serve them at the dinner table. Now, my kids loved them with a little pad of butter on them. I did sprinkle a little sugar cinnamon mix on the top before baking, but I think next time I will add a little pumpkin pie spice to them.

Pumpkin Cloverleaf Rolls
By: Family Fun Magazine

3 3/4 cup all purpose flour, plus more for sprinkling
1 package or 2 1/4 tsp instant or bread machine yeast
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup canned or frozen and thawed pureed pumpkin
1 large egg
1/2 cup warm water
1/4 cup (1 stick) butter

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, yeast, and salt, and set it aside.

Pour the milk into a microwave-safe bowl or 4-cup glass measuring cup and microwave on high for 30 seconds. Whisk in the honey, pumpkin, egg and water. (The liquid mixture should be less then 110 degrees, anything hotter will kill the yeast.)

With a fork, blend the pumpkin mixture into the flour mixture until you have a soft dough. cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Two hours before baking, turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead lightly. Melt the butter and set it aside in a small bowl. Divide the dough in half, then divide each half into 6 portions. Divide each portion into 3 pieces. With floured hands, roll each piece into a ball and dip it into the melted butter. Place 3 balls in a muffin cup. Continue until 12 muffin cups are filled.

Drizzle or brush each roll with 1/2 tsp of the leftover butter. Let the rolls rise in a warm spot until they are doubled in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. The 3 balls of dough will rise together to form a cloverleaf shape.

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake the rolls until golden, about 15-17 minutes.