Pumpkin Crescent Roll Dumplings Recipe
If you’re searching for a cozy, sweet treat that’s bursting with fall flavors, this Pumpkin Crescent Roll Dumplings Recipe is just what you need. I first made this on a chilly afternoon when I wanted something warm and comforting, and it quickly became one of my go-to desserts whenever I crave pumpkin goodness with an easy twist. The combination of buttery crescent rolls, creamy pumpkin, and the delightful crumbly topping makes it feel like a hug in food form.
What’s really great about this Pumpkin Crescent Roll Dumplings Recipe is how effortlessly it comes together, yet the final result feels like something special enough to impress guests or make a casual family night a little more festive. Whether you’re baking it for a Halloween party or a Thanksgiving brunch, this recipe hits that sweet spot between nostalgic comfort and unique flavor. Plus, you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps — just some simple pantry staples and a little hands-on time.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients: Uses easy-to-find items like crescent rolls and canned pumpkin for a no-fuss dessert.
- Perfect Texture: The golden, flaky crescent dough pairs beautifully with a creamy pumpkin center for a delightful contrast.
- Flavor Balance: Brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice add just the right amount of sweetness and warmth.
- Effortless Assembly: Minimal prep time with simple rolling and topping – perfect for busy days.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Crescent Roll Dumplings Recipe is carefully chosen to bring out the best fall flavors while keeping things simple. When you pick your ingredients, opting for quality pumpkin puree and fresh crescent rolls will really make a difference in the final taste and texture.
- Crescent rolls: Refrigerated crescent rolls offer a flaky, buttery base that’s quick and easy to work with—no dough from scratch needed.
- Pumpkin puree: Use pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) for natural sweetness and that classic autumn vibe.
- Butter: Cutting cold butter into the brown sugar mixture creates a crumbly topping that adds wonderful texture.
- Light brown sugar: Adds both sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor that enhances the pumpkin spice.
- Pumpkin pie spice: The warm, aromatic blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves takes the flavor from good to irresistible.
- Cream cheese: A small piece tucked inside each roll adds a creamy surprise and balances the sweetness.
- Apple juice: Pouring apple juice over the top before baking gives a subtle fruity glaze and helps keep everything moist.
Make It Your Way
One of the things I love about the Pumpkin Crescent Roll Dumplings Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with fillings or spices to make it your own—these dumplings are a fantastic base for all kinds of cozy flavors.
- Variation: I sometimes swap cream cheese for mascarpone for a richer, silkier filling that feels extra indulgent.
- Dietary Flex: If you need to avoid dairy, try using a vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter alternatives in the topping mixture.
- Seasonal Twist: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and a lovely autumn touch.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Crescent Roll Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Mix the Topping
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing an 8-inch square baking dish so nothing sticks. Then, mix the brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice in a small bowl, and cut the cold butter in with a fork until the mixture looks crumbly. This topping sets the stage for those perfect crunchy bits on top, so don’t skip this simple step!
Step 2: Assemble the Dumplings
Separate your crescent roll dough into 8 triangles. On the widest end of each triangle, place about a tablespoon of pumpkin puree, a tablespoon of that brown sugar mixture, and a piece of cream cheese. Roll them up tightly from the wide end, then tuck the ends underneath so they hold their shape—this also helps catch all those gooey fillings inside.
Step 3: Build the Layers & Bake
Arrange your rolled dumplings snugly in the baking dish, then sprinkle the remaining brown sugar crumble on top. Finally, carefully pour the apple juice over everything—it’ll steam as it bakes and add fantastic flavor. Bake for about 28-30 minutes until golden brown. When it comes out, give it a 10-minute breather before serving so the filling firm ups a bit.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Butter Temperature Matters: Use cold butter for the crumb topping to achieve that perfect crumbly texture without melting too early in the oven.
- Don’t Overfill: Keep your pumpkin and cream cheese portions balanced to avoid leakage and messy rolls.
- Tuck the Ends Well: Folding the small ends underneath helps keep the rolls neat and prevents spillage while baking.
- Rest Before Serving: Let your dumplings cool for 10 minutes to let the filling set—otherwise, you’ll have a lava flow on your plate!
How to Serve Pumpkin Crescent Roll Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a little powdered sugar or drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the top right before serving—it adds a lovely finishing touch without overpowering the pumpkin flavor. Toasted pecans also bring a nice crunch that complements the soft dumplings.
Side Dishes
This pumpkin treat pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, making it an easy dessert for dinner parties. For brunch, serve alongside a hot cup of spiced chai or your favorite coffee blend to round out the warm fall vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve arranged these dumplings in a wreath shape on a festive platter, garnished with small cinnamon sticks and fresh rosemary sprigs for an elegant autumn centerpiece. It’s both beautiful and functional—guests love digging in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually let any leftovers cool completely, then store them covered in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, and while the crescent rolls soften a bit, reheating helps bring back some of that fresh-baked magic.
Freezing
Freezing is a great option if you want to prep these dumplings ahead of time. After assembling but before baking, I place the tray in the freezer until the rolls are firm, then transfer them to a sealed container or bag. They bake up beautifully from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the dumplings into a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes. This brings back their flaky texture while warming the filling perfectly. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that fresh-baked crust.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade crescent roll dough for the Pumpkin Crescent Roll Dumplings Recipe?
Absolutely! If you enjoy making dough from scratch and want to customize the flavor, homemade crescent roll dough works wonderfully. Just be sure it’s rolled thin and cut into triangles similar in size to store-bought dough for even baking.
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What can I substitute for pumpkin puree in this recipe?
If pumpkin puree isn’t handy, canned sweet potato puree is a great substitute with a similar texture and sweetness. Just make sure to adjust spices slightly if needed to maintain that classic pumpkin flavor.
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Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet?
Yes! You can reduce the brown sugar slightly in both the filling and crumb topping or use a sugar substitute that bakes well. I recommend tasting the pumpkin puree with spices before assembly so you can adjust sweetness to your liking.
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Can I prepare the dumplings ahead and bake later?
Definitely. Assemble the rolls, cover them tightly, and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Then bake them as directed when you’re ready—allow a few extra minutes if baking straight from chilled.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Crescent Roll Dumplings Recipe feels like a warm, cozy secret that I’m so happy to share with you. It’s one of those dishes that brings family together around the table and sparks smiles with every bite. If you want a simple yet impressive way to enjoy pumpkin season, this recipe is your new best friend—I promise you’ll enjoy every flaky, spiced, creamy mouthful.
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
Pumpkin Crescent Roll Dumplings are a delightful autumn-inspired treat featuring crescent roll dough filled with pumpkin puree, cream cheese, and a spiced brown sugar crumble. Baked to golden perfection and topped with a splash of apple juice, these dumplings offer a comforting blend of sweet and fragrant flavors perfect for fall gatherings or cozy desserts.
Ingredients
Dough and Filling
- 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 oz cream cheese
Spiced Brown Sugar Topping
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
Finishing
- 3 tablespoons apple juice
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Make Brown Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice. Cut in the butter with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture becomes crumbly, then set aside.
- Prepare Crescent Rolls: Separate the crescent roll dough into 8 triangles. At the widest end of each triangle, place 1 tablespoon of pumpkin puree, 1 tablespoon of the brown sugar mixture, and a piece of cream cheese.
- Roll the Dumplings: Starting from the widest end, roll up each crescent dough piece, tucking the small end underneath to seal. 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 top of the rolls. Pour the apple juice over the entire dish to add moisture and glaze.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the dumplings are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the dumplings to cool for 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors set and avoid burns. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- You can substitute canned pumpkin puree with homemade pumpkin puree if preferred.
- For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and cream cheese substitutes.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Ensure the apple juice is evenly poured to keep the crumb topping moist and flavorful.
- Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg