Simple & Spooky Crescent Pumpkins with Cream Cheese Recipe

Adorable autumn treats burst with flavor when you craft these delightful cream cheese crescent pumpkins.

Seasonal baking brings warmth to any kitchen with minimal effort.

The soft, flaky pastry wraps around a rich cream cheese filling that melts in your mouth.

Sweet pumpkin spice hints dance through each delectable bite.

Shaped like charming little pumpkins, these pastries promise to delight both kids and adults alike.

Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this recipe a fall favorite.

Brace yourself for a delicious adventure that celebrates the cozy magic of autumn.

Crescent Pumpkins with Cream Cheese & Pumpkin: What Makes Them Fun

• Whip up these delightful pumpkin treats with minimal kitchen skills, using ready-made crescent roll dough and basic ingredients that come together in a flash.
• Capture the essence of autumn with these adorable pumpkin-shaped pastries that showcase warm spices and creamy textures perfect for fall gatherings and holiday celebrations.
• Wow friends and family with a creative twist on classic pumpkin flavors, delivering a cute and delicious handheld dessert that combines cream cheese smoothness with rich pumpkin pie filling.
• Transform ordinary crescent rolls into impressive, Instagram-worthy treats that look professionally crafted but are surprisingly easy to make for bakers of all skill levels.

What You Need for Crescent Pumpkin Delights

Main Ingredients:

• Crescent Roll Dough: A versatile pastry that serves as the base for creating the pumpkin-shaped pastries.
• Pumpkin Puree: A smooth, rich ingredient that provides the classic autumn flavor and orange color.
• Cream Cheese: A creamy, tangy ingredient that adds richness and depth to the filling.

• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Natural sweeteners that enhance the overall flavor and provide sweetness.
• Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Allspice: Warm spices that create a traditional pumpkin pie flavor profile.

• Egg Yolk: A binding agent that helps hold the filling together and adds richness.
• Corn Starch: A thickening agent that helps stabilize the pumpkin filling.
• Vanilla: An aromatic extract that adds depth to the cream cheese filling.
• Butter: A finishing ingredient used to create a golden, glossy exterior.
• Pretzel Stick: A decorative element that mimics a pumpkin stem.

Gear for Baking Crescent Pumpkin Treats

• Mixing Bowl: Large bowl for combining pumpkin and cream cheese fillings.
• Baking Sheet: For baking crescent pumpkins with parchment paper lining.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps even baking.
• Measuring Spoons: For precise sugar and spice measurements.
• Kitchen Twine: Creates signature pumpkin shape and segmentation.
• Pastry Brush: Used for applying melted butter before baking.
• Pretzel Sticks: Added as decorative pumpkin stems.
• Sharp Knife: Helpful for cutting dough and removing twine.
• Whisk or Fork: For mixing cream cheese and pumpkin fillings smoothly.
• Paper Towels: Used to drain excess liquid from pumpkin puree.

Stepwise Guide to Cream Cheese Pumpkin Crescents

Step 1: Squeeze Out Excess Moisture

Grab some paper towels and gently press the pumpkin puree to remove extra liquid.

Let it sit for a few minutes to ensure it’s not too wet.

Step 2: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 375°F (190°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Create Pumpkin Magic

• Pumpkin puree
• Egg yolk
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Corn starch
• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Nutmeg
• Allspice

Whisk everything together until smooth and set aside.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Goodness

• Softened cream cheese
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract

Mix until you have a dreamy, creamy filling.

Step 5: Prepare the Dough Canvas

Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 4 rectangles.

Pinch those pesky perforations closed and slice each rectangle in half to create 8 perfect squares.

Step 6: Fill Your Pastry Pockets

Take a dough square and gently stretch it out.

Dollop a tablespoon of cream cheese filling and a tablespoon of pumpkin filling right in the center.

Step 7: Shape Into Pumpkin Orbs

Pinch those dough corners together, sealing all sides.

Roll the dough into a cute ball with the seam facing down.

Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 8: Create Pumpkin Segments

Wrap kitchen twine around each dough ball, dividing it into eight sections to mimic a pumpkin’s natural shape.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Brush the pumpkin-shaped treats with melted butter.

Slide them into the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 10: Final Pumpkin Touch

Once cooled, carefully cut and remove the twine.

Stick a pretzel stick into the top of each pastry to create an adorable pumpkin stem.

Clever Tricks for Flaky Crescent Pumpkins

• Press pumpkin puree between paper towels to remove excess liquid, ensuring your filling stays thick and prevents soggy pastry.
• Combine spices evenly to distribute cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice for a balanced, rich pumpkin flavor throughout the filling.
• Pinch dough corners tightly and roll into smooth balls to prevent filling from leaking during baking and maintain attractive pumpkin shapes.
• Wrap kitchen twine around dough balls to create distinctive pumpkin ridges, giving your pastries an authentic, festive appearance.
• Insert pretzel sticks gently after cooling to create realistic pumpkin stems without breaking the delicate pastry structure.

Creative Crescent Pumpkin Flavors to Try

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pastries: Replace crescent roll dough with gluten-free puff pastry or almond flour-based dough for celiac-friendly option.
• Vegan Pumpkin Rounds: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream, use plant-based egg replacer, and swap butter with coconut oil for dairy-free version.
• Low-Sugar Pumpkin Treats: Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener, use sugar-free cream cheese, and reduce overall sugar content for diabetic-friendly alternative.
• Savory Pumpkin Parcels: Omit sugar, add herbs like sage and thyme, incorporate goat cheese instead of sweet cream cheese for a savory autumn appetizer.

Serving Up Pumpkin Crescents for a Festive Touch

• Autumn Dinner Party Star: Serve these crescent pumpkins as an elegant dessert centerpiece at fall gatherings, creating a stunning visual display that guests will adore.
• Cozy Breakfast Companion: Pair these pumpkin treats with warm spiced apple cider or a creamy cappuccino for a delightful morning indulgence that feels like a culinary hug.
• Holiday Gift Potential: Package these adorable pumpkin pastries in clear cellophane with a rustic ribbon, making them a charming homemade gift for neighbors or potluck hosts during thanksgiving season.
• Dessert Plating Magic: Dust the pumpkin pastries with powdered sugar, arrange on a wooden board with cinnamon sticks and fresh rosemary sprigs for an Instagram-worthy presentation that celebrates autumn's beauty.

Best Ways to Store Crescent Pumpkin Goodies

• Seal cooled pumpkin pastries in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods to maintain their delicate flavor.
• Wrap each pastry individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 325F. Place frozen pastries on a baking sheet and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy texture.

FAQs

• How do I prevent my dough from sticking while working with it?

Keep your hands and work surface lightly dusted with flour. This helps prevent the dough from sticking and makes handling easier.

• Can I make these pumpkins ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough balls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just brush with butter and bake when ready.

• What if I don't have kitchen twine?

Use dental floss or thin cotton thread as a substitute. The goal is to create sections that give the pumpkin its distinctive shape.

• How can I tell if the pumpkin pastries are fully baked?

Look for a golden brown color and ensure the dough is no longer raw or doughy in the center. The edges should be crisp and light brown.

Crescent Pumpkins with Cream Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade crescent pumpkins with cream cheese offer a delightful autumn treat perfect for seasonal gatherings. Rich pastry combines smooth pumpkin filling with tangy cream cheese, creating a memorable dessert you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) refrigerated crescent rolls
• 5 ounces (142 grams) softened cream cheese
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) pumpkin puree
• 1 egg yolk

Spices and Sweeteners:

• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons packed light-brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon allspice

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon corn starch
• 2 1/2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Kitchen twine
• Pretzel sticks

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Instructions

1. Remove excess moisture from pumpkin puree by gently pressing between paper towels for a few minutes to prevent soggy pastries.
2. Heat oven to 375F (190C) and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick surface.
3. Create pumpkin mixture by blending puree with egg yolk, sugars, corn starch, and warming spices until thoroughly incorporated and smooth.
4. Prepare cream cheese filling by whipping softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until creamy and well-combined.
5. Carefully unroll crescent dough, transforming rectangles into 8 even squares by sealing perforations and cutting precisely.
6. Gently stretch each dough square and center a dollop of cream cheese and pumpkin filling, ensuring balanced distribution.
7. Carefully gather dough corners, sealing edges completely to encase fillings, then roll into smooth spheres with sealed side facing down.
8. Encircle each dough ball with kitchen twine, creating eight distinctive segments to mimic traditional pumpkin contours.
9. Lightly brush pastry surfaces with melted butter and bake for 18-22 minutes until achieving golden, crisp exterior.
10. After cooling, delicately remove twine and insert a pretzel stick as a decorative stem, completing the festive pumpkin presentation.

Notes

• Draining Technique Thoroughly remove excess moisture from pumpkin puree to prevent soggy pastries and ensure a concentrated flavor profile.
• Softening Cream Cheese Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature for smoother mixing and easier incorporation into the filling.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation Substitute crescent roll dough with gluten-free puff pastry or almond flour-based dough for individuals with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Modification Replace dairy cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese and use plant-based egg substitute to create a completely dairy-free version.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg