Pumpkin Pie Crescents
When the weather turns cool and the leaves start to fall, nothing beats the comfort of a warm pumpkin-spiced treat. These pumpkin pie crescents are the perfect quick dessert or snack, combining the flaky, buttery layers of crescent rolls with a creamy pumpkin pie filling. They’re easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and deliver all the cozy flavors of fall in a handheld pastry. Whether served at breakfast, as an after-school snack, or alongside coffee or tea, these crescents are guaranteed to be a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
For the Crescents
- 1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Optional Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 8 triangles.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of pumpkin filling onto the wide end of each triangle.
- Carefully roll up the dough from the wide end to the tip, tucking in the sides slightly to seal the filling inside.
- Place the filled crescents onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Allow to cool slightly before drizzling with the optional glaze.
- For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled crescents.
Why These Crescents Are So Delicious
These pumpkin pie crescents capture the classic flavor of pumpkin pie without the effort of making a full pie crust. The flaky crescent rolls bake up light and buttery, while the filling provides a creamy, spiced sweetness. Adding the glaze enhances the dessert-like quality, making them perfect for both casual snacking and special occasions.
Tips for Success
To keep the filling from spilling out, avoid overfilling each crescent. Seal the edges by pinching the dough slightly as you roll. If you like an extra golden finish, brush the tops with an egg wash (a beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water) before baking. For a less sweet option, you can skip the glaze and dust the finished crescents with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar instead.
Variations
You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences. Add a spoonful of softened cream cheese to the filling for a cheesecake-like flavor, or sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the pumpkin mixture for a nutty crunch. For an extra spiced kick, add a dash of ginger or cardamom to the filling. If you enjoy chocolate, add a few mini chocolate chips for a fun twist.
Serving Suggestions
Pumpkin pie crescents are best served warm, fresh from the oven, when the dough is flaky and the filling is tender. Pair them with a hot drink like coffee, chai tea, or hot chocolate for the ultimate fall treat. They also make a wonderful addition to a holiday brunch table or a Thanksgiving dessert spread when you want something different from the traditional pie.
Storage
Store leftover crescents in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat them in the oven or toaster oven for a few minutes to restore their flaky texture. If you’d like to prepare them ahead of time, you can assemble the crescents, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before baking.
Conclusion
Pumpkin pie crescents are a simple yet impressive treat that bring all the cozy flavors of fall into one easy recipe. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a batch ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you enjoy them plain, glazed, or with your own creative twist, these crescents are sure to become a seasonal tradition in your kitchen.