Pumpkin Crescent Roll Dumplings Recipe
I’ve got to tell you about this Pumpkin Crescent Roll Dumplings Recipe that’s become a total favorite in my kitchen. There’s something so cozy and irresistible about these little pockets of pumpkin-y goodness wrapped in buttery crescent dough — perfect for those crisp fall mornings or anytime you crave a sweet treat that’s quick and fuss-free. Honestly, they feel fancy but come together with minimal effort.
What makes this Pumpkin Crescent Roll Dumplings Recipe stand out for me is the warm spice blend mingling with that luscious pumpkin filling and the surprise cream cheese center. Plus, the drizzle of apple juice on top as it bakes creates a subtle, caramelized glaze that’s downright dreamy. This recipe is the go-to when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why This Recipe Works
- Cream Cheese Surprise: Adds a rich, tangy contrast that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin filling.
- Ready-Made Crescent Rolls: Using refrigerated dough cuts down on prep time without sacrificing flakiness.
- Apple Juice Drizzle: Creates a sweet, sticky top that caramelizes during baking for extra indulgence.
- Warm Pumpkin Pie Spice: The perfect spice combo to bring warmth and depth, making every bite feel like autumn in my mouth.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Crescent Roll Dumplings Recipe plays a special role to create those comforting layers of flavor. I always make sure to grab fresh pumpkin puree and a good-quality pumpkin pie spice blend to get the best taste.
- Crescent rolls: These are the base and help make assembly a breeze; their buttery layers crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Pumpkin puree: Provides that rich, seasonal flavor and creamy texture; I prefer using canned pumpkin for consistency.
- Butter: Essential for the crumbly sugar topping and adds a luscious, rich flavor.
- Light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture, deepening the caramel notes when baked.
- Pumpkin pie spice: A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that elevates the pumpkin filling into true autumn comfort food.
- Cream cheese: Melts inside each dumpling for a creamy surprise that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Apple juice: Poured over before baking, it helps caramelize the topping and keeps everything moist with a fruity hint.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love experimenting by swapping a few ingredients or tweaking the filling to suit different moods and occasions. You should definitely feel free to make this recipe your own!
- Spice it up: Sometimes, I add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the pumpkin pie spice mix for a little extra warmth and complexity.
- Make it vegan: Using a dairy-free cream cheese and vegan crescent rolls works surprisingly well to keep the texture and flavor.
- Fruit twist: Try adding a few dried cranberries or chopped pecans inside the dumplings for a fruity crunch layer.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Crescent Roll Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Mix the Crumble Topping
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and give your baking dish a quick spritz with nonstick spray—this helps the dumplings release easily later. In a small bowl, I mix the brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice together, then cut the cold butter into the mixture with a fork until it looks crumbly and sandy. This topping adds the perfect sweet crunch on top, so don’t skip out on making it just right.
Step 2: Assemble the Dumplings
Now, gently separate your crescent roll dough into 8 triangles and line them up on a flat surface. On the widest end of each, I dollop about a tablespoon of pumpkin puree, add some of the crumbly sugar spice mixture, plus a little cube of cream cheese. Then carefully roll each triangle up from the wide end, tucking the point underneath to keep everything neat while baking.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange your rolled dumplings snugly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the leftover brown sugar crumble evenly over the top, then pour the apple juice across everything—this magic ingredient keeps them moist and creates that irresistible glaze as it bakes. Pop them in the oven and bake for 28-30 minutes until the dumplings are puffed and golden brown all over.
Step 4: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the pumpkin crescent roll dumplings cool for at least 10 minutes — they’re tempting to dive into right away but this resting time helps the filling set so nothing oozes out as you bite in. Serve warm, ideally with a cup of your favorite coffee or spiced chai to make the experience even better.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Crescent Roll Dumplings Recipe
- Don’t Overfill: I learned the hard way that too much filling can leak during baking — a tablespoon works perfectly.
- Chill Your Butter: Using cold butter for the crumble topping ensures a nice crumbly texture instead of a paste.
- Tuck Under Neatly: Rolling the crescent rolls tightly and tucking the point under prevents them from unrolling in the oven.
- Use a Timer: Ovens vary, so keep an eye at the 25-minute mark to avoid over-browning or drying out.
How to Serve Pumpkin Crescent Roll Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
I like sprinkling a little powdered sugar on top right before serving — it adds a simple sweetness and makes these look extra inviting. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side never hurts, especially for dessert lovers.
Side Dishes
For a cozy brunch, I usually pair these with scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness. They’re also fantastic alongside a warm bowl of soup if you want a comforting autumn dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Once, I arranged them in a round baking dish like a wreath, added fresh rosemary sprigs for that seasonal look, and served them at a fall dinner party — trust me, your guests will be impressed. You can also drizzle warm caramel or maple syrup on top for an extra indulgent touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover dumplings in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They tend to soften, but that’s totally fine since reheating brings back their flaky warmth.
Freezing
You can freeze these individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to three months. When I do this, I usually freeze them before baking to keep the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the frozen (or refrigerated) dumplings in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Microwave reheating tends to make them a bit soggy, so the oven’s always my go-to.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade crescent roll dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite crescent roll dough recipe, it works perfectly here. Just be sure it’s not too thick so the treats bake up light and flaky.
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Is the apple juice essential in this Pumpkin Crescent Roll Dumplings Recipe?
The apple juice helps keep the dumplings moist and creates a lovely glaze on top—but if you’re out, you can substitute apple cider or even a splash of water. The flavor won’t be quite the same, but still delicious.
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How do I prevent the crescent rolls from unrolling in the oven?
Be sure to tuck the point end under firmly during rolling. You can also press the edges slightly to seal them better. This keeps the dumplings nice and neat as they bake.
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Can I make these Pumpkin Crescent Roll Dumplings Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the crescent rolls for a gluten-free dough option suited for rolling and baking. Keep in mind baking times might vary slightly depending on the dough you choose.
Final Thoughts
That cozy, spiced pumpkin warmth wrapped in buttery, flaky crescent dough has made this Pumpkin Crescent Roll Dumplings Recipe a true staple in my home. I can’t wait for you to try it—whether for a special fall breakfast, a neighbor’s gift, or just because you deserve a little homemade sweetness. It’s easy, satisfying, and always a hit, so go ahead and roll up some magic in your kitchen!
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
These Pumpkin Crescent Roll Dumplings combine the flaky goodness of crescent rolls with a sweet, spiced pumpkin filling and a creamy center. Topped with a buttery brown sugar crumble and a splash of apple juice, they’re baked to golden perfection for a comforting fall treat perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Dough and Filling
- 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 oz cream cheese
Brown Sugar Crumble
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
Topping
- 3 tablespoons apple juice
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Make brown sugar crumble. 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 is crumbly. Set aside.
- Assemble dumplings. 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 crumble mixture, and a small piece of cream cheese.
- Roll the dough. Starting from the widest end, roll up each triangle toward the point, then tuck the small end underneath to seal. Arrange the rolls seam side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Add topping and bake. Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar crumble evenly over the top of the rolls. Then, pour the apple juice over everything in the baking dish.
- Bake until golden. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and serve. Remove from the oven and let the dumplings cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm as a delicious fall dessert or snack.
Notes
- Use cream cheese at room temperature for easier dolloping and better melting.
- If you prefer a stronger pumpkin flavor, increase the pumpkin puree to 2/3 cup.
- Substitute apple juice with apple cider for a more robust fall flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, use a vegan crescent roll dough and dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg