Pumpkin Spice Croissant Roll

Name: Pumpkin Spice Croissant Roll
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 12 rolls
Ingredients: 1 package (1 lb) croissant dough; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love making Pumpkin Spice Croissant Rolls during the fall. The delightful combination of buttery croissant dough and aromatic pumpkin spice fills my kitchen with a warm, inviting scent. As I unwrap each roll, the sweet and spicy flavors bring back fond memories of autumn days spent at a cozy coffee shop. This recipe is not only indulgent but also surprisingly simple, allowing me to impress family and friends with a homemade treat that captures the essence of the season.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-24T11:22:46.287Z

As I delved into the world of pastries, my quest for the perfect Pumpkin Spice Croissant Roll began. I experimented with various fillings and toppings until I found the ideal blend of pumpkin puree and spices. I learned that letting the dough rest after rolling helps achieve the perfect flaky texture that complements the rich filling.

One of my favorite tips is to brush a mixture of butter and cinnamon sugar on top before baking; this gives the rolls a glossy finish and an extra hint of sweetness. It’s these small details that make my kitchen come alive with the spirit of fall.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Flaky, buttery croissant texture with a spiced pumpkin filling
Perfect balance of sweetness and warmth in every bite
Captivating aroma that fills your home with the essence of autumn

      

Mastering the Croissant Dough

The croissant dough serves as the foundation for your Pumpkin Spice Croissant Rolls, contributing a flaky, buttery texture that elevates the experience. When rolling out the dough, aim for an even thickness of about 1/8 inch to ensure consistent baking. If the dough feels too sticky, lightly dust the surface with flour, but avoid adding too much, as it can change the texture. Remember, less is more when it comes to handling this delicate pastry.

Once you’ve split the dough into triangles, inspect each piece for any tears or thin spots. If you notice any imperfections, gently pinch them together to maintain the integrity of the roll as they bake. This ensures that the filling doesn’t leak out, which can lead to uneven baking. A well-prepared dough guarantees that each roll bakes to a beautiful golden brown with a delightful crunch.

The Filling: A Blend of Seasonal Flavors

The pumpkin filling is what truly makes these croissant rolls sing. Pumpkin puree acts as the base and provides a rich, creamy texture while also infusing moisture. Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree and not the spiced pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added sugars and flavors that may overpower the delicate balance of your rolls. If you want to cut down on sugar, you can replace the brown sugar with maple syrup for a unique twist—you'll still achieve that comforting flavor profile.

Incorporating pumpkin pie spice is essential for an authentic autumn taste. This spice blend typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, which enhances the warming aspect of the rolls. Mixing the filling until smooth is crucial, as it ensures that every bite is infused with flavor. If you find the mixture too thick, a splash of milk can help loosen it without compromising the overall taste.

Baking and Serving Tips

Baking the rolls at 375°F (190°C) ensures that they cook evenly, achieving that perfect golden color. Keep a close eye on them after 20 minutes; you want to remove them once they’re lightly browned and puffed up, as overbaking can lead to a dry texture. If the tops darken too quickly, loosely cover them with aluminum foil to continue cooking through without burning the tops. Allowing the rolls to cool slightly before serving enhances the flavors and ensures they hold their shape better.

Consider serving these rolls warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the experience. They also make a fantastic breakfast treat or an afternoon snack with coffee or tea. If you're planning to make them ahead of time, simply prepare the rolls and freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them directly from the freezer for an extra 5-10 minutes, adjusting as necessary until they'll be perfectly flaky and aromatic.

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

1 package (1 lb) croissant dough
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Filling Ingredients

1 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Toppings Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the croissant dough on a floured surface and separate the triangles.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.

Assemble the Rolls

Spread a thin layer of the pumpkin filling on each croissant triangle. Roll them up tightly starting from the wide end.

Brush and Sprinkle

Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For a touch of glaze, mix powdered sugar with milk and drizzle it over the rolls once they have cooled.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter rolls that are too dense or lack flakiness, it’s often a sign that the dough was overworked during preparation. Croissant dough should be handled gently; if it becomes warm or too kneaded, the layers might not separate as they should in the oven. This can lead to flat rolls instead of airy, lofty ones. To prevent this, handle the dough as little as possible and keep it cold throughout the process.

Another common issue is the filling leaking out while baking. This can happen if there’s too much filling per roll or if the rolls aren’t sealed well. Ensure you spread just a thin layer of the filling and roll them tightly from the wide end to the pointed tip. If you've taken care to pinch the edges together, they will hold their shape and prevent any filling from escaping during baking.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

For those who want to enjoy these treats over a few days, storing them properly is key. After they've cooled, place the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to restore their flakiness. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the pastry soggy.

If you prefer to make these rolls ahead of time, prepare the filled rolls and freeze them before baking. Simply arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze for about an hour, then transfer to a zip-lock bag or airtight container. When you're ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw—just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure they cook through.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These Pumpkin Spice Croissant Rolls are delightful on their own but can also be paired with various dips or toppings. A simple cream cheese frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar can enhance the sweetness. For a savory twist, try serving them with a side of spiced cream cheese dip, pairing the sweet and spicy flavors beautifully.

Don't be afraid to experiment with the filling! You can add chopped nuts for extra texture or even swap out pumpkin for apple pie filling for a different seasonal flair. If you want a more decadent treat, consider swirling in some chocolate chips or adding a sprinkle of candied ginger to the filling for an added zing. With these variations, the possibilities are endless!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use homemade croissant dough?

Absolutely! Homemade dough will add a personalized touch to your rolls.

→ How do I store any leftovers?

Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

→ Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes! You can freeze the baked rolls for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven before serving.

→ Is there a substitute for pumpkin puree?

You could use sweet potato puree as an alternative; it will offer a similar flavor and texture.