When autumn arrives, nothing captures the cozy flavors of the season better than the combination of pumpkin and cream cheese. Add in the buttery, flaky layers of crescent dough, and you’ve got a dessert that feels festive, indulgent, and wonderfully simple to prepare. This Crescent Pumpkins Cream Cheese recipe is more than just a treat—it’s the perfect balance of creamy, spiced filling wrapped in golden pastry that looks impressive yet requires minimal effort. Whether you’re planning a Halloween party, a Thanksgiving dessert table, or a cozy fall family night, this recipe is destined to become your seasonal favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes this recipe both delicious and customizable:
- 1 package crescent roll dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh roasted pumpkin)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sugar (white or brown for deeper flavor)
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or mix cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar, caramel drizzle, or cinnamon sugar
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use mascarpone cheese for a richer, silkier filling.
- Replace sugar with maple syrup or honey for a natural sweetness.
- Make it gluten-free with gluten-free crescent dough.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine pumpkin puree, softened cream cheese, sugar, pumpkin spice, and vanilla. Blend until smooth.
- Prepare the dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles.
- Add the filling: Place a spoonful of the pumpkin-cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each triangle.
- Shape into pumpkins: Roll up carefully, tucking edges to create a rounded, pumpkin-like shape. Use a knife to score light lines (to resemble pumpkin ridges).
- Egg wash: Beat the egg and brush lightly over the tops for a golden finish.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and flaky.
- Cool & serve: Let them cool slightly before adding optional garnishes like powdered sugar or caramel drizzle.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 210
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 11g
- Sugar: 10g
Tips for Best Results
- Chill the dough for a few minutes before shaping—it’s easier to work with.
- Don’t overfill; a heaping teaspoon of filling per roll works best.
- To avoid sogginess, bake on the middle rack and let cool on a wire rack.
Variations & Creative Twists
- Sweet Tooth Upgrade: Add chocolate chips or drizzle with melted white chocolate.
- Savory Version: Replace sugar with herbs and garlic cream cheese, creating a festive appetizer.
- Mini Pumpkins: Use smaller dough portions for bite-sized party treats.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to keep the pastry crisp.
- Make ahead: Prepare the filling a day in advance and assemble right before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these crescent pumpkins with:
- A pumpkin spice latte or chai tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
- Mulled cider at a fall party.
- A Thanksgiving dessert spread alongside pies and tarts.
FAQs
Q: Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?
Yes! Just make sure it’s well-drained so the filling isn’t watery.
Q: Can I freeze Crescent Pumpkins Cream Cheese?
Absolutely. Bake, cool completely, then freeze in an airtight bag. Reheat at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes.
Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, by using dairy-free cream cheese and crescent dough alternatives.
Expert Tips from Bakers
- Scoring the dough before baking helps the rolls keep their pumpkin-like appearance.
- A light caramel drizzle not only enhances flavor but makes presentation stunning.
- Serving them warm enhances the creaminess of the filling.
Conclusion
This Crescent Pumpkins Cream Cheese recipe is the ultimate way to celebrate fall. With its flaky pastry, velvety pumpkin filling, and endless variations, it’s a treat that looks bakery-quality but is easy enough for any home cook. Whether you serve them at a festive gathering or enjoy them with a warm drink on a chilly evening, they’ll bring seasonal comfort and joy with every bite.
🍂 Ready to bake? Try this recipe and let it become your family’s new autumn tradition.
