Pumpkin Crescent Rolls (OAMC)
Description
There’s something magical about the combination of the holidays and the aroma of freshly baked pumpkin crescent rolls wafting through the house. 🎃✨ These Pumpkin Crescent Rolls are a delightful treat that capture the essence of fall and winter festivities. Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas, these rolls can be made in advance and stored in the freezer, ready to be enjoyed any time of the year. With their healthy ingredients, kid-friendly appeal, and low cholesterol content, they are a wonderful addition to any meal or celebration. 🥐
Preparation and Cooking Times
| Task | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 45M |
| Cook Time | 10M |
| Total Time | 55M |
Ingredients
To make 16 delicious pumpkin crescent rolls, you will need the following ingredients:
- Flour: 1 3/4 cups
- Ground Cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Baking Soda: 1/4 teaspoon
- Ground Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/8 teaspoon
- Canned Pumpkin: 3/4 cup
- Brown Sugar: 3 tablespoons
- Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons
Nutritional Information (per roll)
- Calories: 85.2 kcal
- Fat Content: 2.7 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.4 g
- Cholesterol Content: 0 mg
- Sodium Content: 89.2 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 13.7 g
- Fiber Content: 0.7 g
- Sugar Content: 2.6 g
- Protein Content: 1.5 g
Instructions
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 3/4 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Prepare Wet Mixture: In a small mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup of canned pumpkin, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, and 3 tablespoons of brown sugar. Mix until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
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Mix Ingredients: Add the pumpkin mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir with a fork until just combined. The dough should come together but be careful not to over-mix.
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Form Dough Ball: Form the dough into a ball with your hands. The dough might be a bit sticky, so lightly flour your hands if necessary.
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Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with foil to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
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Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough gently for 10-12 strokes. This will help develop the gluten and give the rolls a nice texture.
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Divide Dough: Divide the dough in half. Roll each half into a 10-inch circle using a rolling pin.
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Cut Wedges: Using a knife or a pizza cutter, cut each circle into 8 wedges. You should have 16 wedges in total.
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Shape Crescents: To shape the crescents, start at the wide end of each wedge and loosely roll toward the point. Place each roll point-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Curve the ends slightly to form the crescent shape.
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Add Cinnamon Sugar: Combine 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar with 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the crescent rolls for a sweet, aromatic finish.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the crescent rolls for 9-11 minutes or until they are golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait!
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Serve Warm: These rolls are best served warm, fresh out of the oven. Their soft, fluffy texture and the blend of pumpkin and cinnamon make them irresistible.
Make-Ahead Tips
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Prepare, Bake, and Cool: Once the rolls are baked, let them cool completely. This step is crucial for freezing to prevent excess moisture.
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Freeze: Place the cooled rolls in a freezer container or freezer bags. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.
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Thaw: When ready to serve, remove the rolls from the freezer and wrap them in foil. Let them thaw at room temperature for about 2 hours.
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Reheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Reheat the thawed rolls in the oven for 3-5 minutes or until warm.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice to the dry ingredients for a spicier roll.
- Sweet Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a bit of milk over the warm rolls for extra sweetness.
- Savory Twist: For a savory variation, omit the cinnamon sugar topping and add a bit of shredded cheese or herbs to the dough.
- Nutty Delight: Add some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the dough for a delightful crunch.
Perfect Pairings
- Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these rolls with a hot cup of coffee or a spiced tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Holiday Dinner: Serve them as a side dish for your holiday meals. They pair wonderfully with turkey, ham, and all the festive sides.
- Breakfast Treat: These rolls make a delightful breakfast or brunch item. Serve with butter and a bit of honey or jam.
Storage and Reheating
For those who love to plan ahead or have a busy schedule, these rolls are incredibly convenient. Here’s how you can store and reheat them to enjoy their fresh-from-the-oven taste:
- Storage: Once completely cooled, place the rolls in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag. If you need to stack them, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Reheating: To reheat, you can use the oven method described above, or for a quicker option, microwave the rolls for about 30 seconds. Be sure to check the rolls as microwaves can vary in power.
Seasonal Joy
There’s something inherently joyful about baking during the holiday season. The act of mixing, kneading, and baking brings a sense of tradition and warmth. These pumpkin crescent rolls not only taste wonderful but also fill your home with the delightful aroma of spices and pumpkin, evoking memories and creating new ones.
Kid-Friendly Fun
Baking these rolls can be a fun activity for kids as well. Let them help with mixing the ingredients, kneading the dough, or shaping the crescents. It’s a great way to involve them in holiday preparations and teach them some basic baking skills.
Health Benefits
Despite being a delicious treat, these pumpkin crescent rolls come with some health benefits. Pumpkin is rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. This makes these rolls not just a tasty but also a somewhat nutritious choice compared to traditional sweet rolls.
Celebrating with Pumpkin 🎃
Pumpkin is a quintessential ingredient for fall and winter recipes. It adds moisture, flavor, and a beautiful orange hue to baked goods. These crescent rolls are a testament to the versatility and deliciousness of pumpkin.
Final Thoughts
Baking these Pumpkin Crescent Rolls is more than just making a bread. It’s about bringing a piece of the holiday spirit into your home, creating something special with simple ingredients, and sharing the joy of delicious homemade food with your loved ones. Whether you’re making them for a holiday feast, a cozy family dinner, or just because you have a craving for something sweet and comforting, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your household. 🥐🎃✨
So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and let the baking begin! Happy holidays and happy baking!
