Pumpkin Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are the perfect fall treat that combines creamy, spiced pumpkin pie filling with rich, slightly sweet cream cheese wrapped in buttery, flaky crescent roll dough. This easy recipe creates a delightful twist on classic pumpkin pie and is perfect for autumn breakfasts, desserts, or snacks. It’s a simple recipe that delivers big on flavor, with a blend of warm spices and creamy textures that’s sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Crescent Roll Dough:
- 8 oz. refrigerated crescent rolls (1 package)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 5 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Pumpkin Pie Filling:
- ¾ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 2 tablespoons packed light-brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For Brushing:
- 2 ½ tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a small mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.
- Prepare the Pumpkin Pie Filling:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, corn starch, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until well-blended and smooth. The cornstarch will help thicken the filling and prevent it from becoming too runny during baking.
- Assemble the Crescent Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles.
- On each crescent roll triangle, spread about 1 teaspoon of cream cheese filling, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Add a small dollop (about 1 tablespoon) of pumpkin filling on top of the cream cheese, spreading it slightly to avoid spilling over the edges.
- Roll Up the Crescents:
- Starting at the wider end of the triangle, carefully roll up each crescent roll, enclosing the filling. Place each roll, point-side down, on the prepared baking sheet to prevent them from unrolling while baking.
- Brush with Melted Butter:
- Lightly brush the tops of each roll with melted butter to give them a golden, crisp finish.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and fully cooked.
- Serve:
- Let the rolls cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving platter. Enjoy them warm!
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Roll):
- Calories: 180-200 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Vitamin A: 60% DV
- Calcium: 4% DV
Note: Nutritional values are estimated and may vary based on exact ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use homemade crescent roll dough instead of refrigerated?
- Yes, you can make your own dough if you prefer a homemade touch. Just roll it out into triangles and proceed with the filling as directed.
Q2: What can I use if I don’t have pumpkin puree?
- You can make pumpkin puree by roasting fresh pumpkin and mashing it. Alternatively, substitute it with butternut squash puree or sweet potato puree for a similar texture and taste.
Q3: Can I make these rolls in advance?
- While they’re best fresh, you can prepare the fillings a day in advance and refrigerate them. Assemble and bake the rolls just before serving for the best results.
Q4: Can I freeze these crescent rolls?
- Yes, you can freeze them after baking. To reheat, simply bake in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Q5: Can I add extra spices to the pumpkin filling?
- Feel free to customize the spice blend to your taste. Adding a pinch of cloves or cardamom can give a unique depth to the flavor.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
- Use Cold Dough: Crescent roll dough can become sticky if it’s too warm. Keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble to make handling easier.
- Avoid Overfilling: It may be tempting to add extra filling, but overfilling can cause the filling to spill out during baking. Stick to a small amount to ensure the rolls stay intact.
- Rolling Technique: Start rolling from the wide end, and roll tightly without pressing down too hard. This will help prevent gaps and make sure the filling stays enclosed.
- Adding a Sugar Coating: For extra flavor, sprinkle the tops of the rolls with a little cinnamon-sugar mix before baking.
- Serve Warm: These rolls are best enjoyed warm from the oven, when the cream cheese and pumpkin filling are at their creamiest.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They can be enjoyed cold or warmed up slightly in the oven before serving.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the baked rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
- Reheating Tips: Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soft. Instead, use an oven or toaster oven to restore the crispy texture.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are an autumn-inspired treat that’s sure to become a favorite! The combination of tangy cream cheese, spiced pumpkin filling, and flaky crescent dough makes each bite rich and satisfying. Not only are these rolls quick and easy to make, but they’re also wonderfully versatile and can be adjusted to suit different flavor profiles or dietary needs. Perfect for a holiday breakfast, dessert table, or afternoon snack, these delightful rolls capture the warmth and coziness of fall in every bite. So go ahead and indulge in these creamy, flaky, pumpkin-spiced treats—you deserve it!