Oh wow, the smell of pumpkin spice baking in the oven made my whole house feel cozy. The flaky layers looked so golden and puffy. I couldn’t wait to tear one open.

I made these one chilly morning, and rolling the dough was so fun. The sugar and spice melted inside, making sweet little swirls. They looked fancy, but they were actually so easy.

The first bite was soft, buttery, and full of warm spice. It felt like fall in every mouthful. I knew right then I’d be making them again.

So let’s whip these up together. Grab your pumpkin spice and some dough. These Pumpkin Spice Cruffins will be your new cozy favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Cruffin Recipe

Fall in Every Bite: The sweet pumpkin pie filling, combined with the comforting flavor of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, creates the ultimate fall treat.
Easy to Make: This recipe requires only a few ingredients, and the preparation is straightforward—perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike.
Flaky and Buttery: Using crescent roll dough as the base, you get the same flaky texture as a croissant, but without the time-consuming preparation of making dough from scratch.
Perfect for Brunch or Dessert: These cruffins are a showstopper whether served with coffee in the morning or as a sweet treat after dinner.
Customizable Glaze: The optional cream cheese glaze adds a creamy, slightly tangy touch that enhances the spiced flavors.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we get started, here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious pumpkin spice cruffins:

Muffin Tin: A standard 12-cup muffin tin will do the trick.
Pastry Brush: For applying the butter and sugar mixture to the dough.
Mixing Bowls: For mixing your sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and glaze ingredients.
Spoon or Ice Cream Scoop: To portion out the filling for each cruffin.
Oven Mitts & Cooling Rack: For safe handling and cooling of your freshly baked cruffins.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make the cruffins and the optional cream cheese glaze (measurements are given below):

For the Pumpkin Spice Cruffins:

Crescent Roll Sheets: Three tubes (8 ounces each) of crescent roll dough form the base of this recipe. The dough’s flakiness and butteriness are essential for creating those crispy layers in each cruffin.
Pumpkin Pie Filling: Nine tablespoons of pumpkin pie filling give the cruffins their signature autumn flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade pumpkin pie filling, but make sure it’s the sweetened kind, not just plain pumpkin puree.
Granulated Sugar: Three-quarters of a cup (182 g) will sweeten the filling and help it caramelize slightly during baking.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: One tablespoon of this spice blend will give your cruffins that cozy, warm flavor that makes them perfect for fall.

For the Cream Cheese Glaze (Optional but Recommended):

Unsalted Butter: A quarter cup (57 g) of softened unsalted butter forms the creamy base of the glaze.
Cream Cheese: One ounce of softened cream cheese adds a tangy richness that complements the sweetness of the pumpkin spice filling.
Vanilla Extract: A half teaspoon of vanilla extract gives the glaze an extra layer of flavor.
Confectioners’ Sugar: Three-quarters of a cup (94 g) of powdered sugar helps the glaze achieve its sweet, thick consistency.
Whole Milk: Two to three tablespoons of whole milk (room temperature) will help thin out the glaze to the perfect consistency for drizzling.

Variations for Pumpkin Spice Cruffins

While this recipe is delicious as is, here are a few variations you can try to switch things up:

Add Chopped Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can be sprinkled over the pumpkin filling for a crunchy contrast to the soft, flaky dough.
Swap Pumpkin Pie Spice for Cinnamon: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, cinnamon works just as well for a warm and cozy flavor.
Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle caramel sauce over the top of your cruffins along with the cream cheese glaze.
Try Sweetened Condensed Milk: For an even richer glaze, swap out the milk for sweetened condensed milk. It will add a smooth sweetness and extra thickness to the glaze.
Make Them Mini: You can also turn this recipe into mini cruffins by using a mini muffin tin and adjusting the baking time. They’ll be perfect for bite-sized snacking!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pumpkin Spice Cruffins

1. Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray or butter to ensure your cruffins come out easily.

Next, unroll your crescent roll dough and separate the sheets along the perforations. You’ll want to work with the dough sheets rather than the individual triangle-shaped sections to create those perfect, layered cruffins. Lay the dough flat and gently roll it out a bit if needed to smooth out any creases.

2. Make the Pumpkin Spice Filling

In a small bowl, combine the pumpkin pie filling, granulated sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir everything together until fully mixed and smooth. The sugar will not only sweeten the filling but also help create that lovely caramelization during baking. This mixture will be spooned into the dough in the next step.

3. Assemble the Cruffins

Now that your dough and filling are ready, it’s time to assemble the cruffins. Place one sheet of dough in each muffin cup, pressing it lightly to fit. Spoon about 1 ½ tablespoons of the pumpkin filling onto the center of the dough.

Once you’ve added the filling, gently fold the edges of the dough over the pumpkin mixture. You want to create a “muffin top” with the dough, leaving the center slightly open, so the filling peeks through as it bakes. Be sure to pinch the dough gently so the filling stays inside during baking.

Repeat this process for all 12 muffin cups, using the remaining dough and pumpkin filling.

4. Bake the Cruffins

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the pumpkin filling is bubbling. The tops should look crisp, and the layers of dough should have a beautiful golden color. Keep an eye on the cruffins to ensure they don’t over-bake and dry out.

5. Make the Cream Cheese Glaze (Optional)

While your cruffins are cooling, prepare the optional cream cheese glaze. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing until the glaze becomes thick and smooth. Add milk a tablespoon at a time to achieve your desired consistency—add more for a thinner glaze and less for a thicker one.

Once the cruffins have cooled for a few minutes, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the tops. The glaze will soak into the cruffins slightly, adding sweetness and a tangy richness to each bite.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Your Pumpkin Spice Cruffins are now ready to be served! These delicious pastries are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall treat!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cruffins

These cruffins are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

As a Breakfast Treat: Serve with coffee, tea, or a chai latte for a perfect autumn breakfast.
For Dessert: After a hearty fall meal, these sweet cruffins make the perfect dessert. Pair with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
At a Brunch Gathering: They’re great for a cozy brunch with family or friends. Set up a spread of other pastries, fresh fruit, and mimosas.
For Special Occasions: These cruffins make an excellent addition to Thanksgiving, Halloween, or any fall-themed celebration.

Storing Pumpkin Spice Cruffins

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (although that’s unlikely!), here’s how to store your cruffins:

At Room Temperature: Keep the cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll remain soft and flaky, though they may lose some of their crispness as they sit.
In the Refrigerator: If you want to store them for a bit longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Just make sure they’re well-wrapped to prevent them from drying out.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the baked cruffins in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.

Nutrition Information for Pumpkin Spice Cruffins

While delicious, these pumpkin spice cruffins are a sweet indulgence, so be sure to enjoy them in moderation!

Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional content for each cruffin (with the optional glaze):

Nutrient	Per Cruffin
Calories	230 kcal
Carbohydrates	30 g
Protein	3 g
Fat	12 g
Saturated Fat	7 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	15 g
Sodium	200 mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on portion sizes and exact ingredients used.

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Spice Cruffins are a must-try fall recipe! They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and perfectly suited for any autumn occasion. Whether you enjoy them as part of your breakfast routine, serve them as a delightful dessert, or bring them to your next fall gathering, they’re sure to impress. The combination of flaky dough, pumpkin spice filling, and optional cream cheese glaze makes them a true crowd-pleaser.