Spiced Pumpkin Crescent Buns

Prepare to fall in love with these incredible Pumpkin Crescent Rolls – the ultimate quick and cozy treat for autumn! Imagine warm, golden-brown crescent dough, perfectly pillowy and flaky, wrapped around a rich, sweet, and wonderfully creamy pumpkin pie filling. To elevate this delightful confection, each roll is finished with a delicate drizzle of homemade maple glaze. The taste? It’s like your favorite pumpkin pie, but in a convenient, handheld form, making them utterly irresistible. These pumpkin pie crescent rolls are an absolute dream come true when you’re craving those quintessential autumn flavors but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. In a mere 20 minutes, you can have a batch of these delectable rolls ready to serve, guaranteed to disappear in a flash as everyone vies for the last one!

Effortless Pumpkin Crescent Rolls: A Fall Favorite Made Simple

These pumpkin-filled crescent rolls are as straightforward to make as they are incredibly delicious to eat. The secret to their delightful simplicity lies in using readily available refrigerated crescent roll dough, which provides that reliably flaky and tender texture we all adore. For the luscious filling, we combine canned pumpkin puree with a blend of sugar, warm spices, and a touch of egg yolks. This combination creates a rich, custardy filling that beautifully holds its shape while baking, ensuring a perfect bite every time. And the crowning glory? An incredibly easy maple glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness and aromatic warmth. Whether you’re planning to serve them for a leisurely brunch, as a delightful dessert, or as a charming addition to a festive holiday platter, these pumpkin pie crescent rolls promise to deliver comforting homemade flavor with the ultimate convenience of store-bought ingredients. They are a surefire hit for any occasion, bringing the comforting essence of autumn to your table without the fuss.

Pumpkin Crescent Rolls with Maple Glaze

Pillowy soft crescent rolls generously stuffed with a luscious pumpkin pie filling and crowned with a light, aromatic maple glaze. These delightful pumpkin crescent rolls are an absolute must-try for any autumn enthusiast!

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
10-12 minutes

Total Time:
20-22 minutes

Yield:
16 rolls

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Filling:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (about ½ can)*
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 2 large egg yolks
• 16 ounces refrigerated crescent roll dough (2 cans)**

For the Maple Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons milk (any kind)
• ¼ teaspoon maple extract ***

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Medium Mixing Bowls
• Whisk

Instructions

1. Prepare your baking area: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Set this aside.
   
2. Mix the pumpkin filling: In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and egg yolks. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Remember the blotting tip: if your pumpkin puree seems excessively watery, gently blot it with paper towels before mixing to remove extra moisture.
   1 cup pumpkin puree,
   3 tablespoons brown sugar,
   3 tablespoons granulated sugar,
   1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice,
   2 egg yolks
   
3. Prepare the crescent dough: Unroll both cans of refrigerated crescent roll dough and separate them into individual triangles. Lay each triangle flat on your workspace.
   16 ounces refrigerated crescent roll dough
   
4. Fill and roll: Spoon about a tablespoon of the pumpkin filling onto the wider end of each crescent roll triangle. Gently spread it evenly, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully roll up each dough triangle, starting from the wider end and rolling towards the point, forming the classic crescent shape.
5. Bake to golden perfection: Place the rolled crescent rolls onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are slightly spaced apart. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the rolls are lightly golden brown and puffed. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overbaking, as they can quickly become hard if left in too long.
   
6. Prepare the maple glaze: While the rolls are baking or cooling, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and maple extract in a small bowl. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk (half a teaspoon at a time) until it reaches your desired drizzling consistency.
   ½ cup powdered sugar,
   2 teaspoons milk,
   ¼ teaspoon maple extract
7. Glaze and serve: Once baked, remove the crescent rolls from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This brief cooling period helps the glaze set beautifully. Drizzle the warm rolls generously with the prepared maple glaze just before serving. Enjoy these warm, spiced delights!
   

Notes & Expert Tips

*Ensure you use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling already contains sugar and spices. If you opt to use pie filling, omit adding the extra brown sugar, granulated sugar, and pumpkin pie spice from the recipe.

**You have flexibility with your crescent roll dough! You can use the standard refrigerated crescent rolls that are pre-scored in triangles, or you can opt for crescent roll sheets. If using sheets, simply unroll and cut them into 16 even triangles.

***While maple extract provides a wonderful, warm autumn flavor, if you don’t have it on hand, vanilla extract also makes a fantastic and widely loved substitute for the glaze.

Additional Tips for Success:

• Combatting watery pumpkin puree: As mentioned, if your pumpkin puree appears too thin, a quick blot with thick paper towels can make a significant difference. Spread the puree thinly on a few layers of paper towel for a minute or two to absorb excess moisture, resulting in a richer, thicker filling that won’t make your rolls soggy.
• Crunchy texture: For an added layer of flavor and delightful crunch, consider sprinkling some finely chopped pecans or walnuts over the pumpkin filling before rolling up the dough.
• Don’t overbake: These crescent rolls achieve their ideal texture when they are just lightly golden brown. They can firm up quickly if baked for too long, so pull them out of the oven once they reach that perfect light brown hue.
• Versatile serving: While the maple glaze adds a wonderful sweetness, these rolls are incredibly versatile. I often enjoy them as a sweet treat with the glaze, but they also make a delightful, slightly sweet side dish with dinner, even without the glaze.

Storage & Reheating:

To keep your pumpkin crescent rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, these rolls freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Then, warm them gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds per roll, or for a few minutes in a 200°F (95°C) oven until just heated through.

Nutrition Facts (Per 1 Roll)

Amount Per Serving
Calories	144
Calories from Fat	63
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 7g	11%
Saturated Fat 3g	19%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 1g
Cholesterol 24mg	8%
Sodium 225mg	10%
Potassium 39mg	1%
Total Carbohydrates 21g	7%
Dietary Fiber 0.5g	2%
Total Sugar 11g	12%
Protein 2g	4%
Vitamin A	48%
Vitamin C	1%
Calcium	1%
Iron	6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Recipe Author:
Becky Hardin

A Detailed Guide: How to Master Pumpkin Crescent Rolls Step-by-Step

Let’s walk through each step to ensure your pumpkin crescent rolls turn out perfectly every time. This detailed guide provides extra tips and insights to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Step 1: Get Prepped and Preheat

First things first, gather all your ingredients and equipment. This ensures a seamless cooking experience. Preheat your oven to a steady 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, line a standard baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step is a game-changer for preventing sticking and making cleanup a breeze. Set your prepared baking sheet aside, ready for action.

Step 2: Crafting Your Creamy Pumpkin Filling

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of pure pumpkin puree, 3 tablespoons of rich brown sugar, 3 tablespoons of fine granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of aromatic pumpkin pie spice, and 2 bright egg yolks. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth, luscious, and evenly combined filling. This blend of sugars and spices perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the pumpkin, while the egg yolks add that desirable custardy texture and help the filling set during baking. If you’re using pre-sweetened and spiced pumpkin pie filling for convenience, you only need to mix in the 2 egg yolks to achieve the right consistency.

Step 3: Unroll and Fill the Crescents

Carefully unroll the two cans (16 ounces total) of refrigerated crescent roll dough. If you’re using dough sheets, cut them into 16 equal triangles. Gently separate each triangle and lay them flat on your clean workspace. Now comes the delicious part: spoon about one tablespoon of your creamy pumpkin filling onto the wider end of each crescent roll triangle. Make sure to spread the filling evenly, but leave a small border around the edges. This prevents the filling from oozing out during baking and makes rolling easier.

Step 4: Roll and Bake for Golden Perfection

Once filled, carefully roll each dough triangle up, starting from the wider, filled end and moving towards the pointed tip. This creates the classic crescent shape. Place each rolled crescent roll onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one to allow for even baking and expansion. Transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 10 to 12 minutes, or until the rolls are just lightly golden brown. It’s crucial not to overbake them; they can become hard very quickly. A light golden hue is exactly what you’re aiming for to ensure they remain tender and flaky.

Step 5: The Finishing Touch: Maple Glaze

While your delightful crescent rolls are cooling slightly, prepare the irresistible maple glaze. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons of milk, and ¼ teaspoon of maple extract. Whisk these ingredients vigorously until the mixture is perfectly smooth and has a beautiful, drizzly consistency. If the glaze appears too thick, you can add a tiny bit more milk, half a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired pourable texture. Once the rolls have cooled for about 5 minutes – just enough for them to be handled without falling apart and for the glaze to set nicely – generously drizzle the maple icing over each one. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, sweet, and comforting flavors of autumn!

Customizing Your Crescent Rolls: Creative Variations

While these pumpkin crescent rolls are absolutely perfect as is, they also lend themselves beautifully to customization! Here are a few ideas to inspire your culinary creativity and tailor these treats to your liking:

• Nutty Crunch: For an added textural dimension and nutty flavor, sprinkle a tablespoon of finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or even candied almonds over the pumpkin filling before rolling. The nuts toast slightly in the oven, providing a delightful contrast to the soft dough and creamy filling.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: For an even richer, tangier filling, consider adding a dollop of sweetened cream cheese to the pumpkin mixture. Simply soften 2 ounces of cream cheese, mix with 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar, and spread a thin layer over the crescent dough before adding the pumpkin filling.
• Spice It Up: If you love a bolder spice profile, feel free to adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice in the filling. A pinch of extra cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a tiny dash of ground ginger can enhance the warmth.
• Alternative Glazes: While maple glaze is divine, you can easily swap it out. A simple vanilla glaze (using vanilla extract instead of maple), a caramel drizzle, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar (before baking) can offer different flavor experiences.
• Chocolatey Twist: Who can resist chocolate and pumpkin? Add a few mini chocolate chips to the pumpkin filling before rolling for a decadent touch.

Serving Suggestions for Every Occasion

These versatile pumpkin crescent rolls are perfect for a wide array of occasions. Here’s how you can best enjoy them:

• Cozy Breakfast or Brunch: Serve them warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful start to your day. They’re a fantastic alternative to traditional pastries and bagels.
• Holiday Spreads: They make an excellent addition to Thanksgiving, Halloween, or fall-themed parties. Their festive flavors and individual portions are always a hit.
• Dessert Delight: Enjoy them as a light dessert after a meal, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Snack Time Savior: When that afternoon craving hits, a warm pumpkin crescent roll is the perfect pick-me-up.
• Potlucks and Gatherings: Easy to transport and universally loved, these rolls are always a welcome sight at any social event.

Make-Ahead Magic and Storage Secrets

One of the best features of these pumpkin crescent rolls is how well they store, making them ideal for meal prepping or preparing for guests in advance.

• Immediate Storage: Once fully cooled, transfer any leftover pumpkin crescent rolls to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, ensuring they remain soft and fresh.
• Refrigerated Storage: For extended freshness, store the rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This is perfect if you’ve made a large batch or want to enjoy them throughout the week.
• Freezing for Future Cravings: These rolls freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. This is an excellent way to have a quick fall treat on hand whenever the craving strikes.
• Reheating Instructions:
  • From Refrigerator: For a quick reheat, microwave individual rolls for about 10-15 seconds until warm. For a crispier texture, place them in a preheated oven at 200°F (95°C) for 5-7 minutes.
  • From Freezer: Allow frozen rolls to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, reheat as you would from the refrigerator. For a quicker method, you can sometimes reheat directly from frozen in a low oven (around 250°F / 120°C) for 10-15 minutes, covering loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.

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