Pumpkin Crescent Roll Dumplings Recipe
I can’t wait to share this Pumpkin Crescent Roll Dumplings Recipe with you—it’s one of those easy, comforting treats that feels like a warm hug on a plate. When the air gets a little chillier and the pumpkin spice craving kicks in, these dumplings hit the spot perfectly. They blend the flakiness of crescent rolls with the cozy richness of pumpkin, brown sugar, and cream cheese, creating a bite that’s sweet but not overly so.
This recipe works wonders for brunches, holiday gatherings, or even a relaxing weekend snack. Trust me, once you try these pumpkin crescent roll dumplings, you’ll find all sort of ways to enjoy them, from breakfast to dessert. Plus, it only takes about 40 minutes from start to finish, which makes it one of those no-fuss recipes you’ll want to keep in your rotation.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have these pantry staples, making it super convenient.
- Comfort Food Vibes: The combo of pumpkin, brown sugar, and cream cheese creates cozy, familiar flavors with a twist.
- Minimal Prep, Big Impact: Less than 10 minutes to prep—perfect if you’re short on time but want impressive results.
- Versatile Serving: Great for breakfast, dessert, or a tasty snack anytime.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The ingredients in this Pumpkin Crescent Roll Dumplings Recipe come together so beautifully because they offer the right balance of sweetness, spice, and creaminess—all wrapped up in buttery crescent roll dough. When you’re shopping, look for good-quality refrigerated crescent rolls and pure pumpkin puree for best results.
- Crescent rolls: They bake up golden and flaky, offering a soft but sturdy vessel for the filling.
- Pumpkin puree: Use canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) for a smooth, natural pumpkin flavor.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create that delicious crumbly brown sugar texture.
- Light brown sugar: Brings sweetness with subtle molasses notes that complement pumpkin perfectly.
- Pumpkin pie spice: The warm spices elevate the flavor, giving it that classic autumn feel.
- Cream cheese: Its tangy creaminess balances out the sweetness and adds a lovely softness inside.
- Apple juice: A little liquid sugar and moisture go a long way to keep the top moist and caramelized during baking.
Make It Your Way
What I love about the Pumpkin Crescent Roll Dumplings Recipe is how easy it is to make your own tweaks. Whether you want to amp up the spice, add a nutty twist, or make it a little healthier, there’s room to experiment. Don’t be shy about putting your personal stamp on these dumplings!
- Variation: I sometimes swap the apple juice for a splash of maple syrup or honey for a slightly different sweetness and deeper flavor.
- Nutty Upgrade: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking gives it a wonderful crunch that I’m obsessed with.
- Diet-Friendly Option: For a lighter version, try reduced-fat cream cheese and less butter—you’ll still get that pumpkin goodness without the extra richness.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Crescent Roll Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Bakeware and Spice Mixture
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish with nonstick spray. I like lining the dish with parchment paper to make cleanup even easier. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice. Then cut the butter into that mixture using a fork or pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. This crumbly topping is going to add a wonderful texture and flavor to our dumplings.
Step 2: Fill and Roll Your Crescent Rolls
Separate the crescent roll dough into 8 triangles. On the widest end of each triangle, spoon in about 1 tablespoon of pumpkin puree, 1 tablespoon of your brown sugar mixture, and a small piece of cream cheese. The combination of gooey cream cheese and sweet pumpkin inside the flaky crescent roll is pure magic. Roll the dough tightly from the wide end, making sure to tuck the small end underneath so nothing spills out during baking.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake Your Dumplings
Place each rolled crescent seam-side down in your greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar crumble evenly over the top, then pour the apple juice gently over everything—this keeps the tops moist and gives a caramelized finish. Pop it in the oven for 28 to 30 minutes, or until your dumplings are a gorgeous golden brown. Let them cool for about 10 minutes before digging in—this is key because the filling is hot and gooey!
Tips from My Kitchen
- Don’t Overfill: I learned the hard way—too much filling and your crescent rolls can burst open while baking.
- Chill the Filling: If your pumpkin puree is very runny, try draining excess moisture before filling to avoid soggy dough.
- Golden Crust Alert: Keep an eye near the end of baking; once they’re golden and firm on top, they’re done.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the dumplings cool a bit helps the filling set so you don’t burn your mouth—patience really pays off.
How to Serve Pumpkin Crescent Roll Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top these pumpkin crescent roll dumplings with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple glaze—it adds just the right touch of sweetness without overwhelming the pumpkin flavors. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans also works wonderfully for a little crunch and nutty aroma.
Side Dishes
They’re perfect alongside a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai for a cozy breakfast, or even served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a dollop of whipped cream for dessert. I’ve found they also pair nicely with roasted autumn vegetables or a simple green salad if you want to turn the meal savory-sweet.
Creative Ways to Present
For Thanksgiving or holiday brunch, I like to arrange the dumplings on a festive platter around a bowl of spiced cream cheese dip. You can also place them in mini muffin tins before baking to create personal-sized dumplings that look adorable and encourage easy sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pumpkin crescent roll dumplings keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend reheating them gently in the oven or toaster oven to bring back that fresh-baked texture instead of microwaving, which can make the dough a bit soggy.
Freezing
If you want to freeze these dumplings, I suggest assembling and rolling them but not baking. Freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time—this keeps them fresher and tastier.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the dumplings in a 325°F oven for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through and slightly crispy again. This technique really helps maintain the flaky exterior and melty, creamy filling that makes this Pumpkin Crescent Roll Dumplings Recipe so delightful.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade crescent roll dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade crescent roll dough will work beautifully and can add an extra-special touch. Just make sure it’s rolled out thinly enough to hold the filling without tearing.
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Is it possible to make these dumplings vegan?
Yes! Substitute the crescent rolls with your favorite vegan crescent dough, use vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives, and opt for a plant-based sweetener if needed. The flavor is still deliciously comforting.
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Can I prepare the pumpkin mixture ahead of time?
For sure—mix the brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice with the butter crumble in advance and store it refrigerated. Just be sure to assemble and bake the dumplings fresh for the best texture.
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What should I do if my crescent rolls tear during rolling?
Try patching small tears by pinching the dough together, or adjust the amount of filling so there’s less pressure inside. Also, make sure your dough is cold but pliable to prevent tearing.
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How can I add extra flavor to the pumpkin filling?
Consider mixing in a splash of vanilla extract or a handful of mini chocolate chips with the pumpkin puree for a fun twist. A sprinkle of toasted cinnamon sugar on top before baking also amps up the aroma.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Crescent Roll Dumplings Recipe is one of those kitchen gems I’ve come back to time and again because it’s simple, flavorful, and just plain fun to make. I love how it brings a little sweetness and spice to otherwise ordinary crescent rolls, turning them into a comforting treat that feels special without a lot of fuss. I’m confident you’ll enjoy baking (and eating) these as much as I do—so go ahead, get cozy, and whip up a batch for yourself or to share with loved ones. You’re going to love it!
PrintPumpkin Crescent Roll Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious pumpkin crescent roll dumplings featuring a sweet pumpkin puree and cream cheese filling, topped with a spiced brown sugar crumble and baked to golden perfection. A perfect fall-inspired dessert or snack that’s easy to prepare and sure to delight.
Ingredients
Dumpling Filling
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 oz cream cheese
Dough and Topping
- 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 3 tablespoons apple juice
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- Make brown sugar crumble: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice. Cut in the butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture is crumbly. Set aside this crumbly topping.
- Fill crescent rolls: Separate the crescent roll dough into 8 triangles. On the widest end of each triangle, place 1 tablespoon of pumpkin puree, 1 tablespoon of the brown sugar and spice mixture, and a piece of cream cheese.
- Roll dumplings: Roll each crescent dough triangle up, starting from the wide end and folding the smaller end underneath to secure the filling. Place the rolled dumplings seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Add topping and apple juice: Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar crumble mixture evenly over the dumplings in the dish. Pour the apple juice over the top to create moisture and help the topping caramelize.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the crescent rolls turn golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Allow the dumplings to cool for 10 minutes before serving to let the filling set slightly. Enjoy your pumpkin crescent roll dumplings warm.
Notes
- Use refrigerated crescent rolls for convenience and perfect flaky dough.
- For a stronger pumpkin flavor, add a pinch more pumpkin pie spice or a drop of vanilla extract to the filling.
- Apple juice helps keep the dumplings moist during baking and adds a subtle fruity sweetness; substitute with apple cider or orange juice if preferred.
- Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
- Make sure to tuck the ends underneath when rolling to prevent leakage during baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg