These Pumpkin Crescent Bites are the perfect fall treat! They combine warm, flaky crescent dough with a sweet pumpkin filling, making every bite comforting and delicious.
When I make these, the smell of pumpkin spice fills the kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a few! They’re super easy to whip up, so you can enjoy them anytime. 😍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This is the main outer layer that gives your bites that flaky texture. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free crescent dough or puff pastry.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin is super convenient, but you can easily make your own by roasting and pureeing fresh pumpkin! Just be sure it’s unsweetened; we want the pumpkin flavor to shine.
Cream Cheese: It adds a nice creaminess to the filling. For a dairy-free version, you could use a plant-based cream cheese or even coconut cream, though the flavor will be different.
Brown Sugar: It brings a sweet, molasses flavor to the dish. You can substitute it with white sugar or coconut sugar if you prefer. Just keep in mind the flavor nuances will vary slightly.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: If you don’t have this blend on hand, you can make your own using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice!
How Do I Avoid Soggy Crescents?
To keep your Pumpkin Crescent Bites from getting soggy, the key is to not overfill them with pumpkin mixture. Use only about 1 tablespoon per crescent—this amount works perfectly!
- Make sure to seal the edges by pinching the dough carefully. This helps keep everything inside while baking.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. If they’re getting too brown and still seem soft, you can remove them slightly early and let them cool on the baking sheet.
Following these tips will help you achieve perfectly flaky and delicious Pumpkin Crescent Bites every time! Enjoy baking!
How to Make Pumpkin Crescent Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade, unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
- Optional: pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 12-15 minutes to bake, making it a quick and easy recipe. So, you’ll have warm, delicious Pumpkin Crescent Bites ready in about 25-30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your crescents bake evenly and come out golden brown. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Pumpkin Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, softened cream cheese, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt (if using). Stir well until everything is combined and smooth. This will be the delicious filling for your crescent bites!
3. Unroll the Crescent Dough:
Carefully unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean surface. You should see pre-cut triangles. Gently separate each triangle along the perforations, making sure not to tear the dough.
4. Fill the Triangles:
Take about 1 tablespoon of the pumpkin mixture and place it near the wide end of each triangle. Be careful not to overfill—too much filling can cause them to burst while baking!
5. Roll Them Up:
Starting from the wide end, carefully roll each triangle towards the point. Make sure the pumpkin filling is enclosed inside. Pinch the ends gently to seal the dough.
6. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place your rolled crescent bites on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. This gives them room to puff up while baking.
7. Add a Sweet Touch:
Sprinkle the tops of the crescent bites with granulated sugar. This adds a lovely sweet and crunchy finish!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crescent bites are golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on them so they don’t over-bake!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow to cool slightly on the baking sheet. Then transfer them to a serving plate.
10. Enjoy Your Treat!
Serve your warm Pumpkin Crescent Bites as a delightful snack or dessert. They pair wonderfully with a cozy cup of tea or coffee. Enjoy every bite!
These are great for fall gatherings, breakfast goodies, or just a sweet treat for yourself. Happy baking!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Yes! You can absolutely use fresh pumpkin. Just roast your pumpkin until tender, scoop out the flesh, and puree it until smooth. Make sure it’s unsweetened to get the right flavor in your bites.
How Do I Store Leftover Pumpkin Crescent Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave, but for the best texture, a quick oven warm-up is recommended.
Can I Freeze These Bites?
Definitely! You can freeze the unbaked crescent bites before baking. Just arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake straight from the freezer—just add an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
What Other Spices Can I Use?
If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can make your own with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. Feel free to adjust based on your taste or use just cinnamon for a simpler flavor.