Introduction
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Dumplings are a delightful and easy-to-make treat perfect for any time of the year, but especially fitting during the fall season. These dumplings combine the rich flavors of pumpkin and cream cheese, wrapped in buttery crescent rolls, and topped with a sweet, spiced sugar mixture. This dessert is not only delicious but also quick and straightforward, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings, family gatherings, or holiday feasts. In this article, we’ll guide you through each step to create these delectable pumpkin dumplings.
Ingredients
To make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Dumplings, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 can refrigerated crescent rolls (8 oz, 8 count)
- ½ cup pure pumpkin purée (NOT pumpkin pie mix)
- ⅓ cup butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (store bought or homemade)
- 2 ounces cream cheese – divided into 8 even pieces
- 3 tablespoons apple juice (or substitute with water)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Preheating the oven ensures that it reaches the correct temperature by the time you’re ready to bake the dumplings, allowing them to cook evenly and properly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Take an 8-inch square baking dish and spray it with non-stick cooking spray. This step is crucial to prevent the dumplings from sticking to the dish, making it easier to remove and serve them later.
Step 3: Make the Sugar Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Using a fork, cut the butter into the sugars and spice until the mixture resembles a crumbly consistency. This sweet, spiced mixture will add a delicious flavor to the dumplings and create a lovely topping.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create a moist texture.
- Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and a slight caramel flavor.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: Adds warm, autumnal spices that complement the pumpkin perfectly.
Set this mixture aside while you prepare the dumplings.
Step 4: Prepare the Crescent Rolls
Open the package of crescent rolls and carefully separate the dough into 8 individual triangles. Place the triangles on a clean, flat surface, such as a cutting board. This will make it easy to fill and roll them.
Step 5: Fill the Crescent Rolls
At the widest end of each triangle, add 1 tablespoon of pumpkin purée, 1 tablespoon of the butter sugar mixture, and a piece of cream cheese. The combination of pumpkin and cream cheese creates a creamy, flavorful filling that contrasts beautifully with the flaky crescent roll dough.
- Pumpkin Purée: Adds moisture and a rich pumpkin flavor.
- Butter Sugar Mixture: Adds sweetness and spice.
- Cream Cheese: Provides a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet filling.
Step 6: Roll the Dumplings
Starting from the wide end, roll each triangle towards the pointy end, tucking the pointy end underneath to secure the filling inside. Repeat this process for all 8 crescent roll triangles.
Step 7: Arrange in Baking Dish
Place the filled and rolled dumplings evenly in the prepared baking dish, arranging them in two rows of four. Ensure they are spaced evenly to allow for even baking.
Step 8: Add Topping and Liquid
Sprinkle the remaining butter and sugar mixture evenly over the top of the dumplings. Then, pour the apple juice (or water) over the dumplings. The liquid helps to create a moist, slightly caramelized texture as the dumplings bake.
- Apple Juice: Adds a subtle fruity flavor and helps to keep the dumplings moist.
Step 9: Bake the Dumplings
Place the baking dish on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 27 to 32 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and baked thoroughly. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them as they bake.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Once the dumplings are baked to golden perfection, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes. This cooling period helps the flavors to meld and makes the dumplings easier to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Dumplings are best served warm, allowing the flavors and textures to shine. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate this dessert:
- With Ice Cream: Serve the warm dumplings with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced dumplings.
- With Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy texture and complements the rich flavors of the dumplings.
- With Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top for an extra touch of sweetness and decadence.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Dumplings
- Use Pure Pumpkin Purée: Ensure that you use pure pumpkin purée and not pumpkin pie mix, which contains added sugars and spices.
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier handling and even distribution within the dumplings.
- Even Rolling: Roll the dumplings evenly to ensure that they bake uniformly and hold their shape.
- Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the dumplings as they bake to prevent overbaking. They should be golden brown and cooked through but not overly dry.
Variations
This versatile recipe can be customized in various ways to suit your tastes:
- Different Spices: Experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or cloves, to create your unique spice blend.
- Alternative Fillings: Try using apple butter or another fruit spread in place of the pumpkin purée for a different flavor profile.
- Nut Topping: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, over the top before baking for added crunch and flavor.
Storing and Reheating
Refrigeration: Store any leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Freezing: These dumplings can also be frozen for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen dumplings to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Health and Safety
Safe Handling: Always ensure that dairy products, such as cream cheese and butter, are fresh and stored correctly to avoid spoilage and foodborne illnesses.
Allergy Considerations: This recipe contains dairy and gluten, which can be allergens for some people. If serving to a group, consider making a dairy-free or gluten-free version if needed.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Dumplings are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that combines the rich flavors of pumpkin and cream cheese with the buttery goodness of crescent rolls. This recipe is straightforward and perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. With its warm spices, creamy filling, and crunchy topping, this dessert is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
By following this detailed guide, you’ll create a dessert that not only tastes amazing but also looks beautiful and impressive on any dessert table. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these pumpkin dumplings are sure to bring joy and satisfaction. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious treat with your family and friends. Happy baking!