These Pumpkin Crescent Bites are a cozy treat filled with creamy pumpkin and warm spices. They have a flaky crescent dough that makes them so fun to eat!
You can whip these up in no time, and they’re great for sharing at parties. Just watch them disappear as everyone reaches for more—trust me, they won’t last long!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This is the star of the show! You can use store-bought dough for convenience. If you prefer a homemade touch, you can make your own flaky pastry dough as a substitute, though it may take a bit longer.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin is super easy and saves time. If you can’t find canned, use fresh pumpkin—just roast it, scoop out the flesh, and mash it until smooth. Both options work well!
Cream Cheese: For a lighter version, use Neufchâtel cheese. You can also substitute with Greek yogurt for tanginess or dairy-free cream cheese if you’re looking for a vegan option.
Spices: The classic pumpkin spices really bring warmth. Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste, adding more cinnamon or even a pinch of clove for extra flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Crescent Bites are Perfectly Flaky?
Getting those crescent bites just right means handling the dough carefully. Here’s how to keep it flaky:
- Don’t overwork the dough when rolling it up. Just a gentle touch is enough.
- Make sure the dough is cold, which helps achieve that flaky texture. If it gets warm, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes before rolling.
Also, don’t skip the butter and sugar on top! This adds a delicious crispiness that enhances the overall flavor.
Delicious Pumpkin Crescent Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
For the Pumpkin Filling:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
- Optional: fresh thyme or other herbs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful snack takes about 15 minutes to prep and 12–15 minutes to bake. You’ll need around 30 minutes in total to enjoy these Pumpkin Crescent Bites fresh out of the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier later.
2. Prepare the Pumpkin Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, softened cream cheese, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir until it’s nice and smooth. This creamy filling is packed with flavor!
3. Roll Out the Crescent Dough:
Open the can of crescent roll dough and carefully unroll it. You’ll see it forms triangles—separate them gently without tearing.
4. Fill the Dough:
Take about 1 tablespoon of the pumpkin filling and place it at the wide end of each triangle. Make sure not to overfill, as they may burst open while baking!
5. Shape the Crescent Bites:
Now, roll each triangle up, starting from the wide end and moving towards the point. You want to create a nice crescent shape. Pinch the ends to seal the filling inside well.
6. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place the filled crescent bites on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to give them some space—about 2 inches apart to allow for puffing!
7. Brush and Sprinkle:
Brush the tops of the crescent bites with melted butter, then combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture generously over each bite.
8. Bake:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 12–15 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they turn golden brown and puffed up beautifully!
9. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, remove the bites from the oven and let them cool for just a few minutes. If you want, you can sprinkle some fresh thyme leaves as a lovely garnish for added flavor and color.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
These Pumpkin Crescent Bites are best served warm. Gather your friends and family to enjoy them together. Happy baking!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to roast the pumpkin until tender, scoop out the flesh, and blend it until smooth before using it in the recipe. It’s a great option if you want a fresher taste.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Pumpkin Crescent Bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–10 minutes to bring back their crispy texture.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter option, or Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor. For a dairy-free alternative, opt for vegan cream cheese.
Can I Freeze These Bites?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked crescent bites. Just assemble them, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and they can be baked directly from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time!
