These Crescent Pumpkins with Cream Cheese and Pumpkin Pie Filling are the perfect fall treat. With a delicious blend of creamy pumpkin filling and sweetened cream cheese, wrapped in golden crescent roll dough, they’re a festive dessert for any occasion.
INGREDIENTS
- Crescent Roll Dough: 8 oz. refrigerated crescent rolls, providing the soft and flaky base for the pumpkins.
- Cream Cheese: 5 oz. softened cream cheese, gives the filling its creamy richness.
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons, adds sweetness to the cream cheese filling.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, enhances the flavor of the cream cheese filling.
- Pumpkin Puree: ¾ cup, drained of excess liquid to create the spiced pumpkin filling.
- Corn Starch: 1 tablespoon, thickens the pumpkin filling.
- Light Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons, adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor to the pumpkin filling.
- Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons, balances the sweetness in the pumpkin filling.
- Ground Cinnamon: ¾ teaspoon, adds warmth and spice to the pumpkin filling.
- Ground Ginger: ¼ teaspoon, for a subtle zing in the pumpkin filling.
- Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon, adds depth of flavor and warmth.
- Allspice: ⅛ teaspoon, enhances the spiced flavor profile.
- Egg Yolk: 1, helps bind the pumpkin filling.
- Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon, adds flavor to the pumpkin filling.
- Melted Butter: 2 ½ tablespoons, used to brush the pumpkins before baking.
- Pretzel Sticks: used to create the pumpkin stems for a fun finish.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Drain the excess liquid from the pumpkin puree by placing it between layers of paper towels. Let it sit for a few minutes, then remove and use the puree.
- Step 2:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Step 3:
- In a bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, egg yolk, brown sugar, granulated sugar, corn starch, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice until combined. Set aside.
- Step 4:
- In another bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract to create the cream cheese filling. Set aside.
- Step 5:
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 4 rectangles. Seal the perforations between the triangles and cut each rectangle in half to make 8 squares.
- Step 6:
- Take a dough square, gently stretch it, and place 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling in the center, followed by 1 tablespoon of pumpkin filling.
- Step 7:
- Pinch the corners of the dough together and seal all sides. Roll it into a ball and place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 8:
- Wrap each dough ball with kitchen twine, dividing it into eight sections to create a pumpkin shape. Brush the dough with melted butter.
- Step 9:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the pumpkins are golden brown.
- Step 10:
- After cooling, carefully cut and remove the twine. Insert a pretzel stick into the top of each pumpkin as the stem.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve these Crescent Pumpkins warm, topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or additional cinnamon for a decorative touch.
- For added flavor, drizzle with a little maple syrup or caramel sauce before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a warm oven for best results.
- These are perfect for fall parties, Thanksgiving, or a Halloween-themed dessert.
Helpful Notes
- If you don’t have kitchen twine, you can still make these pumpkins without the string. Simply shape them into balls and bake as usual—they’ll still taste great!
- Be sure to thoroughly drain the pumpkin puree to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Martha Stewart suggests using crescent roll dough for a quick and easy base for these types of filled pastries.
- Chef Ina Garten recommends brushing the tops with melted butter halfway through baking for an extra golden crust.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- The combination of cream cheese and spiced pumpkin pie filling wrapped in soft crescent dough is simply irresistible.
- These festive pumpkins are as fun to make as they are to eat, perfect for kids and adults alike.
- They’re a delightful twist on traditional crescent rolls, offering both sweet and creamy fillings in every bite.
VARIATIONS
- Try adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the cream cheese filling for extra crunch.
- For a sweeter filling, increase the amount of sugar in the cream cheese or pumpkin mixtures.
- You can also experiment with other fillings like apple pie filling or caramel for a different flavor twist.