These Pumpkin Crescent Bites are a fun and tasty treat! With creamy pumpkin filling wrapped in soft crescent dough, they’re perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights at home.
Who can resist that warm, pumpkin goodness? I love serving them warm with a dusting of powdered sugar on top—it’s like a sweet hug in every bite! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This dough is the base of your bites and adds a lovely flakiness. If you don’t have crescent rolls, puff pastry works as a great alternative, but remember to adjust the baking time as it might cook faster!
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin is convenient, but you can also use homemade puree. Just roast pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and blend until smooth. For a different flavor, try using sweet potato puree!
Pumpkin Pie Spice: If you don’t have this on hand, you can make your own mix by combining equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This brings that classic fall flavor to your bites.
Granulated Sugar: You can substitute this with brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor in your filling and topping.
How Do I Get My Crescent Bites to be Perfectly Golden Brown?
A golden brown finish makes these bites visually appealing and tasty! Here are some tips to achieve that perfect color:
- Brush the rolled crescents generously with melted butter before baking. This will help them brown beautifully.
- Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes of baking. Ovens can vary, so remove them once they look golden rather than strictly following the time.
- If they start browning too quickly, you can tent a piece of aluminum foil over them to protect against burning while they finish baking.
How to Make Delicious Pumpkin Crescent Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon milk (optional, for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 12-15 minutes to bake, totaling around 25-30 minutes from start to finish. Plus, they’re perfect for serving right out of the oven! Your home will smell amazing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Pumpkin Filling
In a medium bowl, take the canned pumpkin puree and mix in 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Stir it all together until it’s smooth and well combined—this will be the delicious filling for your bites!
3. Unroll & Shape the Dough
Carefully unroll the crescent roll dough and separate the triangles according to the package instructions. Each triangle will hold your tasty filling!
4. Fill the Crescents
On the wider end of each triangle, place about 1 teaspoon of the pumpkin mixture. Don’t overfill, to keep them easy to roll up!
5. Roll Them Up
Starting from the wide end, gently roll up each triangle toward the tip, forming lovely crescent shapes. Make sure the tip of the triangle is tucked in to secure the filling inside.
6. Prepare for Baking
Place these rolled crescents on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them out a little so they have room to puff up.
7. Add Topping
In a small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Brush the tops of each crescent with melted butter and then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping generously.
8. Bake the Bites
Put your tray in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on them—they’ll smell wonderful!
9. Cool & Glaze
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. If you’d like a glaze, whisk the powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of milk together until smooth, and drizzle it over the warm bites.
10. Serve & Enjoy!
These Pumpkin Crescent Bites are best served warm! Enjoy them as a cozy fall treat or at your next gathering. Happy baking!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! You can roast and puree fresh pumpkin for this recipe. Simply cut the pumpkin in half, remove the seeds, roast it at 400°F (200°C) for about 45-60 minutes, scoop out the flesh, and blend it until smooth.
Can I Make These Pumpkin Crescent Bites Gluten-Free?
Yes! Look for gluten-free crescent roll dough available at your local grocery store. This allows you to enjoy the same delicious flavor without the gluten!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Pumpkin Crescent Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven for a few minutes to warm them up!
Can I Prepare the Filling Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the pumpkin filling a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake the bites. This can save you time on the day you plan to serve them!
