Pumpkin Pecan Crescent Rolls Recipe

The Warmest Pumpkin Pecan Crescent Rolls Recipe for Fall Magic

Crisp autumn winds whisper through my kitchen as these delightful pumpkin pecan crescent rolls dance with seasonal charm.

Memories of cozy weekend mornings flood back when baking becomes a delicious adventure.

Sweet pumpkin hints mingle with crunchy pecans, creating a magical pastry experience.

Warm spices weave through delicate layers of flaky dough, promising comfort in every bite.

Weekend bakers and breakfast enthusiasts will adore this simple yet spectacular treat.

Pulling these golden crescents from the oven, their aroma filling your home with pure happiness.

Let’s transform an ordinary morning into an extraordinary culinary celebration you won’t forget.

Why Pumpkin Pecan Crescent Rolls Are Fall’s Favorite

  • Speedy Weekend Breakfast Delight: Whip up these crescent rolls in under 30 minutes, perfect for lazy weekend mornings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Texture Explosion: Enjoy the delightful contrast between soft, pillowy crescent dough and crunchy pecans, creating a mouthwatering combination that surprises your taste buds with every bite.
  • Seasonal Comfort in a Roll: Transform ordinary crescent rolls into a festive autumn treat by infusing them with pumpkin's warm, comforting flavor that instantly brings cozy vibes to your breakfast or brunch table.
  • Family-Friendly Baking Adventure: Simple enough for kids to help assemble, these rolls make baking together fun and create delicious memories while introducing children to basic cooking skills.

What Goes Into Pumpkin Pecan Crescent Rolls

Base Ingredients:
  • Crescent Roll Dough: Soft, flaky pastry that forms the foundation of these sweet rolls.
  • Canned Pumpkin Puree: Smooth, rich base that adds autumn flavor and moisture.
Filling and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cream Cheese: Creamy, tangy ingredient that creates a luscious filling.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and helps create a rich glaze.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements the pumpkin's earthy notes.
  • Ground Nutmeg: Subtle spice that enhances the pumpkin's natural flavor.
Topping and Garnish:
  • Pecans: Crunchy nuts that provide texture and a classic fall flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar: Light, sweet topping for a finishing touch of sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the dessert's flavor profile.

How To Make Pumpkin Pecan Crescent Rolls

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get ready for a kitchen that smells like autumn comfort!

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Surface

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help your crescent rolls slide off easily and prevent any sticky situations.

Step 3: Mix the Pumpkin Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Cream cheese
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Vanilla extract

Blend until smooth and creamy. The mixture should have a rich, velvety texture that promises delicious bites.

Step 4: Unroll the Crescent Magic

Open the crescent roll package and gently unroll each triangle. Lay them out on a clean surface, ready for their flavor transformation.

Step 5: Spread the Pumpkin Goodness

Carefully spread the pumpkin mixture onto each crescent triangle. Leave a small border around the edges to prevent overflow.

Step 6: Sprinkle Pecan Crunch

Chop pecans and sprinkle them over the pumpkin mixture. This will add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to your rolls.

Step 7: Roll and Shape

Starting from the wide end, roll each crescent triangle into its classic curved shape. Tuck the edges slightly to keep the filling inside.

Step 8: Brush with Golden Shine

Whisk an egg and gently brush the top of each crescent roll. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown finish.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake until the crescents turn a gorgeous golden color and look puffy and inviting.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let the crescents cool for a few minutes. The aroma will be irresistible! Serve warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up.

Tips To Make Pumpkin Pecan Crescent Rolls Better

  • Seal Edges Perfectly: Pinch crescent roll seams tightly to prevent filling from leaking during baking, ensuring a clean and professional-looking pastry.
  • Prevent Soggy Bottom: Sprinkle a thin layer of ground nuts or breadcrumbs on the baking sheet to absorb excess moisture and keep the bottom of the rolls crisp.
  • Glaze with Goodness: Brush the tops with an egg wash or melted butter before baking to create a golden, shiny finish that enhances both appearance and flavor.
  • Make It Vegan-Friendly: Swap butter with coconut oil and use plant-based crescent roll dough to create a delicious dairy-free version of this sweet treat.
  • Customize Nut Options: Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds to add unique flavor profiles and create your own signature crescent roll variation.

Store Pumpkin Pecan Crescent Rolls The Easy Way

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover crescent rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap them gently to prevent crushing the delicate pastry.
  • Reheat in Oven: Warm rolls at 325F for 5-7 minutes to restore their fresh-baked texture and crispy edges. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy.
  • Freeze Option: Place cooled rolls in a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Best Enjoyed: Consume within 2 days for maximum flavor and texture. Serve slightly warm with a drizzle of honey or sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra delight.

What Tastes Great With Pumpkin Pecan Crescent Rolls

  • Complement the Autumn Flavors: Pair these warm, spiced crescent rolls with a creamy pumpkin spice latte for a cozy breakfast experience that celebrates seasonal tastes.
  • Enhance the Nutty Richness: Serve alongside a glass of crisp apple cider to balance the pecans' deep, toasted notes and highlight the roll's sweet pumpkin undertones.
  • Create a Savory Contrast: Match with a sharp aged cheddar cheese or a light goat cheese spread to add depth and cut through the rolls' inherent sweetness.
  • Perfect Brunch Companion: Accompany these rolls with a light Greek yogurt topped with honey and additional chopped pecans for a protein-packed side that complements the pastry's soft texture.

Fun Twists On Pumpkin Pecan Crescent Rolls

  • Autumn Harvest Roll: Swap pecans with roasted pumpkin seeds and add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra warmth.
  • Maple Cream Cheese Fusion: Mix cream cheese with maple syrup into the pumpkin filling for a richer, more decadent texture.
  • Nutty Spice Blend: Replace pecans with walnuts and incorporate ground cardamom alongside traditional pumpkin pie spices.
  • Savory Pumpkin Option: Eliminate sugar, add sage, thyme, and goat cheese for a sophisticated, herbaceous version of the crescent roll.

FAQs For Pumpkin Pecan Crescent Rolls

  • What makes these crescent rolls special?

These rolls combine the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin and pecans in a soft, flaky pastry, creating a delightful seasonal treat that’s both sweet and nutty.

  • Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and saves time. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor and consistency.

  • Are these rolls suitable for people with nut allergies?

No, the pecans are a key ingredient in this recipe. If someone has a nut allergy, they should avoid these crescent rolls or consider a substitute filling.

  • How do I know when the crescent rolls are perfectly baked?

Look for a golden-brown color on the edges and a slightly puffy appearance. The rolls should be crisp on the outside and soft on the inside when done.

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Pumpkin Pecan Crescent Rolls Recipe


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4.5 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Homemade pumpkin pecan crescent rolls deliver autumn’s warmest embrace, blending seasonal spices with buttery pastry. Sweet nutty notes and delicate layers invite families to savor comfort in each golden, flaky bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) crescent roll dough
  • ½ cup pumpkin puree
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans

Spices and Sweeteners:

  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon milk

Instructions

  1. Unroll crescent roll dough and separate into individual triangular pieces on a clean, flat surface.
  2. Spread a generous layer of pumpkin puree across the center of each dough triangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
  3. Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the pumpkin layer, ensuring consistent coverage.
  4. Carefully roll each triangle from the wide end toward the pointed tip, creating a compact crescent shape.
  5. Gently press the edges to seal in the pumpkin and pecan filling, preventing leakage during baking.
  6. Transfer the prepared crescents onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow proper heat circulation.
  7. Dust the top of each crescent with cinnamon and a light sprinkle of granulated sugar for added sweetness and aroma.
  8. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake until the crescents turn golden brown and the dough appears crisp and flaky.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the crescents cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set their structure.
  10. Transfer to a serving plate and optionally drizzle with a light maple glaze or sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving warm.

Notes

  • Swap standard crescent dough for gluten-free varieties to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Toast pecans briefly beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a deeper, richer taste profile.
  • Gently fold pumpkin mixture into dough to prevent overworking, which could make rolls dense and tough.
  • Dust rolls with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple glaze for an extra layer of sweet elegance before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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