Spiced Pumpkin-Filled Pastries Recipe

It only takes six simple ingredients and about 20 minutes to make these irresistible pumpkin pastries. Soft, slightly spiced pumpkin cream cheese is tucked into flaky, buttery crescent dough for a treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert. They’re easy to assemble and even easier to finish—one bite and you’ll understand why these disappear fast.

I first had the idea for this pumpkin-filled pastry after a friend mentioned a seasonal croissant at a coffee shop. When I couldn’t find the same item at my local spot, I remembered a favorite—Blueberry Pastry Delights—and realized I could swap in pumpkin for an autumn twist. The result is a fast, crowd-pleasing pastry that tastes like fall in every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 oz cream cheese — softened to make mixing easy
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree — be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 8 oz crescent roll dough — for convenience, use a sheet-style package without perforations

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the pumpkin puree and mix until evenly combined.
3. Stir in the sugar, vanilla, and ground cinnamon. Taste and adjust the sweetness or spice if desired.
4. Roll the crescent dough out on a piece of parchment paper and press any perforations together so the dough holds. Cut the dough into 8 equal squares.
5. Place a spoonful of the pumpkin-cream cheese mixture in the center of each square.
6. Fold the corners of each square into the center to create a little parcel. Press gently so the seams hold.
7. Transfer the pastries (on the parchment) to a baking sheet and bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
8. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.

These pastries are delightfully simple and bake up quickly, making them ideal for busy mornings or a last-minute brunch. Each bite delivers a creamy pumpkin center wrapped in flaky, buttery pastry.

Tips & Variations

Use these suggestions to tailor the recipe to your taste or pantry:

• For a sweeter filling, swap granulated sugar for brown sugar or add a drizzle of maple syrup.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or pumpkin pie spice to enhance the autumn flavor.
• Top with a light glaze (powdered sugar mixed with a little milk and vanilla) once the pastries are cool for added sweetness and shine.
• For a crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans on top before baking or add a streusel spooned around the filling.
• To make mini pastries, cut the dough into smaller squares and adjust bake time slightly (watch closely so they don’t overbrown).

Storage & Make-Ahead

These pastries are best the day they’re made when the pastry is crisp. For make-ahead convenience:

• Assemble the pastries and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Reheat briefly in a warm oven (about 300°F/150°C for 5–8 minutes) to refresh the crispness.
• For longer storage, freeze baked pastries in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in a moderate oven until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast, or place them on a brunch table with other seasonal items like yogurt, fruit, and granola. These pastries also work well as a hand-held dessert—try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

More pumpkin recipes

If you love pumpkin, try these ideas at home to expand your seasonal repertoire:

• Pumpkin Brookies (brownie-cookie hybrids)
• Pumpkin Hummus with Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips
• Crock Pot Brownies with Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl
• Pumpkin Cupcakes
• Pumpkin Enchiladas
• Crock Pot Pumpkin Chili
• Pumpkin Toast

Servings: about 8 pastries   |   Prep time: 10 minutes   |   Cook time: 12–14 minutes   |   Total time: about 22 minutes

Nutrition (approximate, per pastry): 139 kcal; 15 g carbohydrates; 8 g fat; 1 g protein. Values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.

These pumpkin-filled pastries are a simple, satisfying way to enjoy seasonal flavor without complicated steps. With just six ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a warm, comforting pastry that’s perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself.