Measure the milk into a jug or bowl and microwave for 30-40 seconds. The milk needs to be 40°C/110°F to activate the yeast. No thermometer? Test the temperature by dipping your finger into the milk, it should feel like warm bathwater.
80 millilitre Milk
Pour the warm milk into the bowl of your electric mixer fitted with a dough hook. Sprinkle the dried yeast over the milk. Leave for 1 minute.
1 packet Fast-action dried yeast
Add the melted butter, sugar, whole egg, egg yolk and pumpkin puree. Use a wooden spoon to mix the ingredients together.
50 grams Unsalted butter, 50 grams White caster sugar, 1 medium Egg, 1 medium Egg yolk, 150 grams Canned pumpkin puree
Stir the bread flour, pumpkin spice and salt together in a bowl to combine. Then, add the ingredients to the bowl of your stand mixer and use a wooden spoon to mix them into a rough dough.
460 grams Strong white bread flour, 2 tablespoons Pumpkin spice, 1 teaspoon Salt
Turn the mixer to medium speed and knead for 8-10 minutes. The dough should look smooth, shiny and spring back if pressed with your finger. If it doesn't spring back, continue kneading for an additional 1-2 minutes. No mixer? Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for 10-15 minutes. Place the dough in a large bowl that's been greased with oil or cooking spray. Loosely cover with clingfilm and a warm kitchen towel.
Place the bowl in the warmest spot of your home (I put mine next to a radiator or in the airing cupboard) and leave to prove for 1-1.5 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size. It helps to take before and after photos to compare the difference.