Pumpkin Pie Crescent Rolls: Easy Recipe & Baking Tips

Pumpkin pie crescent rolls: the delightful autumn treat you didn’t know you needed! Imagine biting into a warm, flaky crescent roll, only to be greeted by the comforting, spiced sweetness of pumpkin pie filling. It’s like a mini Thanksgiving celebration in every bite, and trust me, you’ll want to celebrate often!

While the traditional pumpkin pie has deep roots in American Thanksgiving celebrations, dating back to the early colonial days, these pumpkin pie crescent rolls offer a modern, convenient twist on a beloved classic. Think of them as the pumpkin pie’s fun, younger cousin, ready to party at any gathering, big or small.

What makes these little rolls so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The buttery, flaky pastry gives way to a smooth, creamy pumpkin filling, infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, making them ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu get-togethers. Plus, who can resist the charm of a perfectly golden-brown, bite-sized treat? Get ready to experience pumpkin pie in a whole new, utterly addictive way!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 1 package (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)

Preparing the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Filling

Okay, let’s get started with the heart of these delicious crescent rolls – the pumpkin cream cheese filling! This is where all the magic happens, and trust me, it’s super easy to whip up.

1. Soften the Cream Cheese: This is crucial! You want your cream cheese to be nice and soft so it blends smoothly with the other ingredients. If you forget to take it out of the fridge ahead of time, you can microwave it in 15-second intervals, checking and stirring each time, until it’s soft but not melted. We’re aiming for a consistency that’s easy to work with.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, add the softened cream cheese, pumpkin puree, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
3. Mix Until Smooth: Using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer), beat all the ingredients together until they are completely smooth and well combined. You don’t want any lumps of cream cheese lurking in there! If you don’t have an electric mixer, you can use a whisk, but it will require a bit more elbow grease. Make sure everything is fully incorporated for the best flavor and texture.
4. Taste Test (Optional but Recommended!): Give the filling a little taste. This is your chance to adjust the sweetness or spice levels to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter filling, add a little more sugar. If you want more of a spicy kick, add a pinch more cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg. Remember, a little goes a long way!
5. Set Aside: Once the filling is perfect, set it aside while you prepare the crescent roll dough.

Assembling the Crescent Rolls

Now for the fun part – assembling the crescent rolls! This is where you get to transform those plain crescent roll triangles into pumpkin-filled delights.

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your crescent rolls will bake evenly and come out golden brown and perfectly cooked.
2. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the crescent rolls from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the baking sheet instead.
3. Unroll Crescent Roll Dough: Carefully unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean, flat surface. You should have 8 individual triangles.
4. Spread the Filling: Take a spoonful (about 1-2 tablespoons) of the pumpkin cream cheese filling and spread it evenly over each crescent roll triangle. Be careful not to overfill them, or the filling might ooze out during baking. Leave a little space around the edges.
5. Roll Up the Crescent Rolls: Starting at the wide end of each triangle, gently roll it up towards the point. Make sure to roll them tightly to keep the filling inside.
6. Place on Baking Sheet: Place the rolled-up crescent rolls on the prepared baking sheet, with the point facing down. Leave a little space between each roll to allow for even baking.

Baking and Finishing Touches

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake these beauties and add the final touches that will make them irresistible.

1. Brush with Melted Butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the tops of the crescent rolls with the melted butter. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and a rich, buttery flavor.
2. Sprinkle with Sugar: Sprinkle the tops of the buttered crescent rolls with the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. This will create a delightful sweet and crunchy topping.
3. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and cooked through. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
4. Cool Slightly: Once the crescent rolls are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from sticking and allow them to cool evenly.
5. Serve and Enjoy!: These pumpkin pie crescent rolls are best served warm, but they are also delicious at room temperature. Enjoy them as a breakfast treat, a snack, or a dessert. They are perfect for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or simply a cozy night in.

Tips and Variations

Want to take your pumpkin pie crescent rolls to the next level? Here are a few tips and variations to try:

• Add Chocolate Chips: For a chocolatey twist, sprinkle a few mini chocolate chips over the pumpkin cream cheese filling before rolling up the crescent rolls.
• Use Different Spices: Experiment with different spices to customize the flavor. Try adding a pinch of allspice, cloves, or cardamom.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the pumpkin cream cheese filling for added texture and flavor.
• Make a Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze over the cooled crescent rolls for an extra touch of sweetness. To make a glaze, whisk together powdered sugar with a little milk or cream until smooth.
• Use Puff Pastry: For a flakier and more decadent treat, use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough.
• Make Mini Crescent Rolls: Cut the crescent roll triangles in half before adding the filling to make mini crescent rolls. These are perfect for parties and gatherings.
• Caramel Drizzle: After baking and slightly cooling, drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness and indulgence.
• Maple Syrup: Serve with a side of maple syrup for dipping. The maple flavor complements the pumpkin spice perfectly.
• Cream Cheese Only: If you prefer a less pumpkin-y flavor, you can omit the pumpkin puree and just use sweetened cream cheese filling.
• Brown Sugar: Substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar in the filling for a richer, molasses-like flavor.

Storage Instructions

If you happen to have any leftover pumpkin pie crescent rolls (which is unlikely!), here’s how to store them:

• Room Temperature: Store the cooled crescent rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, store the cooled crescent rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: To freeze the crescent rolls, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat the pumpkin pie crescent rolls:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the crescent rolls on a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Microwave the crescent rolls for 15-30 seconds, or until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat them, or they may become soggy.
• Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the crescent rolls in the air fryer basket and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through.

Enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Pie Crescent Rolls!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another recipe; it’s your new go-to for a quick, easy, and utterly delightful fall treat. These Pumpkin Pie Crescent Rolls are a must-try because they capture all the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin pie in a fun, portable, and incredibly simple format. Forget spending hours slaving over a traditional pie crust – with just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a batch of these golden-brown beauties ready to devour in under 30 minutes. The flaky, buttery crescent roll dough perfectly complements the creamy, spiced pumpkin filling, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more.

But the best part? The versatility! While these Pumpkin Pie Crescent Rolls are fantastic on their own, there are endless possibilities for customization. For a truly decadent experience, try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts adds a delightful crunch, while a drizzle of caramel sauce elevates them to dessert-worthy status. Feeling adventurous? Experiment with different spices in the pumpkin filling – a pinch of cardamom or ginger can add a unique and unexpected twist.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Breakfast Treat: Enjoy them with your morning coffee or tea for a sweet and satisfying start to the day.
* Party Appetizer: These are perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing treat.
* Kid-Friendly Snack: Kids will love the fun shape and delicious flavor of these crescent rolls.
* Chocolate Chip Addition: Mix mini chocolate chips into the pumpkin filling for a chocolatey surprise.
* Cream Cheese Glaze: Drizzle a simple cream cheese glaze over the baked rolls for an extra touch of sweetness and tang.
* Spiced Sugar Topping: Before baking, brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.

I truly believe that once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your baking repertoire. It’s the perfect solution for those times when you’re craving pumpkin pie but don’t have the time or energy to make a full-sized pie. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover pumpkin puree!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of these Pumpkin Pie Crescent Rolls. I’m confident that you’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious they are.

And now, for the most important part: I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did you think? Share your photos, comments, and suggestions in the comments section below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help. I’m excited for you to discover how wonderful these little treats are! Don’t forget to rate the recipe once you’ve tried it! Your feedback helps others discover this easy and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of fall.