Pumpkin Crescent Bites are a tasty treat made with flaky crescent dough and creamy pumpkin filling. It’s like a warm hug in snack form, perfect for fall!
These bites are super easy to whip up, and they’ll make your kitchen smell amazing! I love serving them warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a fun twist! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This is the base of the bites. If you don’t have crescent dough, you can use puff pastry instead. Just roll it out and cut into triangles.
Canned Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and spices. If you have fresh pumpkin, you can roast and mash it for a fresher taste!
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds creaminess. If you want a dairy-free option, use a vegan cream cheese substitute. It works great for this recipe!
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a nice caramel flavor. You can replace it with coconut sugar or white sugar in a pinch if necessary.
Spices: Pumpkin pie spice is perfect, but if you don’t have it, combine cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger as a substitute.
How Do You Make the Perfect Pumpkin Filling?
Creating a smooth pumpkin filling is key to delightful Pumpkin Crescent Bites. Start by mixing the pumpkin puree and cream cheese with brown sugar and spices until creamy. Make sure to blend until there are no lumps! This will ensure an even flavor and texture in your bites.
- Use softened cream cheese to blend easily.
- Mix thoroughly with a whisk or electric mixer for a fluffy filling.
- Taste it! Adjust sweetness or spices if needed before rolling up the bites.
Delicious Pumpkin Crescent Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake, so you can enjoy these delightful bites in about 30 minutes total. Perfect for a quick snack or a delicious dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Don’t forget to line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier and prevent sticking!
2. Make the Pumpkin Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, softened cream cheese, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy—the filling should be deliciously sweet!
3. Prepare the Crescent Dough:
Unroll the crescent roll dough and gently separate it into triangles on a clean surface. Make sure to handle the dough carefully so it stays intact.
4. Add the Filling:
On the wide end of each triangle, place about 1 tablespoon of the pumpkin filling. Don’t be afraid to fill it up, but leave a little space on the edges for sealing!
5. Roll It Up:
Starting from the wide end, gently roll up each triangle towards the point, encasing the pumpkin filling inside. Pinch the edges to seal them tightly so that the filling doesn’t leak out while baking.
6. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. This will add a lovely sweet crunch on top of your bites!
7. Brush and Sprinkle:
Use a brush to coat each rolled crescent with the melted butter mixture. Then, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top for that perfect finish!
8. Bake the Crescents:
Place the crescent bites on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 1 inch apart for even baking. Pop them in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and delightful!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. These bites are best enjoyed warm, but they also taste great at room temperature. Dig in and enjoy!
Can I Use a Different Type of Dough?
Absolutely! If you don’t have crescent roll dough, feel free to substitute it with puff pastry. Just roll it out and cut into triangles before adding the filling!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Pumpkin Crescent Bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To warm them up, simply pop them in the microwave or oven until heated through!
Can I Make These Vegan?
Yes, you can! Use vegan crescent roll dough, and substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients should work just fine!
What Other Fillings Can I Use?
If you want to get creative, try other fillings like apple pie filling, chocolate hazelnut spread, or even a mix of spices and nuts! Just ensure the consistency isn’t too runny for rolling.
