Pumpkin-Cinnamon Rolls

⅓ cup milk

1 ½ tablespoons shortening

¼ cup brown sugar

½ teaspoon salt

¼ cup very warm water

1 tablespoon yeast

½ cup pumpkin puree

¼ teaspoon ground ginger

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

2 cups all-purpose flour

4 tablespoons packed brown sugar

3 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons butter

¼ cup chopped pecans, or to taste

2 tablespoons softened butter, or as needed

4 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground ginger

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

¼ cup chopped pecans, or to taste

Combine milk and shortening in a microwave-safe measuring cup and heat in a microwave until milk is warm but not too hot, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Add brown sugar and salt. Pour mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer.

Combine warm water and yeast in the measuring cup and allow to proof until frothy, about 1 minute.

Meanwhile, add pumpkin, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves to the milk mixture in the mixing bowl.

Add proofed yeast mixture to the mixing bowl. Mix in 1 cup flour until fully incorporated. Add another 1/2 cup and mix. Continue adding flour until dough can be touched with your knuckle and it comes out clean. Transfer dough to a greased bowl and cover with a damp cotton towel. Let sit and rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Meanwhile, combine brown sugar, honey, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat for topping. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute. Pour into the bottom of a greased 9-inch square baking pan and sprinkle chopped pecans on top. Set aside.

Transfer risen dough to a clean, floured work surface and punch it down. Knead 10 to 12 times; roll dough out to 1/2- to 3/4-inch thickness. Spread butter for filling over the surface of the dough to the corners. Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves in a bowl and sprinkle over dough. Sprinkle 1/4 cup pecans on top.

Roll dough into a log shape, and use a piece of unflavored dental floss to cut into rolls that are 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick. Place rolls into the baking pan on top of pecans. Cover rolls with a damp towel and allow to rise again for 30 to 45 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Bake risen rolls in the preheated oven until golden, 25 to 30 minutes. Allow to sit in the pan for 3 to 5 minutes before turning out onto a piece of aluminum foil.