If you’re after a cozy fall treat that’s bursting with pumpkin spice goodness but takes way less time than traditional cinnamon rolls, you’re going to adore this Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe. I promise, these muffins have that perfect combo of soft, gooey layers packed with pumpkin puree and warm spices, all topped with a crunchy brown sugar and pecan sprinkle. It’s honestly one of those recipes that’s both a crowd-pleaser and a weeknight baking win — so stick around and I’ll walk you through every step!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy Bake Time: You get that cinnamon roll flavor magic in under 20 minutes of baking—perfect for busy days.
- Easy Ingredients: Using canned crescent roll dough means no complicated dough making.
- Perfect Fall Flavor: The blend of pumpkin, cinnamon, allspice, and pecans makes it feel like a warm hug in muffin form.
- Versatile & Fun: Great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert — and easy to customize to your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All these ingredients come together to create a perfect cinnamon-roll-inspired muffin with a fluffy pumpkin twist. Using canned crescent rolls is my secret shortcut to achieve buttery layers without the fuss. Here’s what you’ll want to pick up at the store.

- Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for a fresh and natural flavor.
- Light Brown Sugar: Provides that rich molasses flavor without overpowering sweetness.
- Salted Butter: Melted to help blend the ingredients and add that buttery touch inside every bite.
- Pumpkin Spice: The classic warm spice mix that brings the pumpkin flavor to life.
- Ground Cinnamon: Essential for the signature cinnamon roll taste.
- Ground Allspice: Adds a subtle depth and warm heat to the spice blend.
- All-Purpose Flour: Just enough to dust your workspace to prevent sticking.
- Hawaiian Crescent Rolls: The star shortcut — these doughs have a soft, slightly sweet base perfect for rolling up the pumpkin mixture.
- Pecan Pieces (optional): I love the crunch and nuttiness; definitely worth adding if you’re a fan!
- Powdered Sugar: For a simple glaze that’s sweet but light.
- Whole Milk: Helps create that smooth glaze texture.
Variations
I’m all about making recipes your own, so feel free to experiment a bit here. Over time, I’ve played around with this Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe to suit different cravings and dietary needs. Here’s a few tweaks you might find fun or handy.
- Swap Pecans for Walnuts or Skip Nuts: My family prefers pecans for that buttery crunch, but walnuts work great too, or omit nuts if allergies are a concern.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free crescent roll dough and a gluten-free flour dusting to keep it accessible.
- Add Cream Cheese Glaze: Sometimes I swap the simple glaze for a tangy cream cheese frosting when I want an indulgent treat.
- Use Maple Syrup: Drizzle a bit of maple syrup over tops alongside glaze to amp up that cozy autumn vibe.
- Extra Spice Boost: If you love a punch of warm spices, try adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or ginger to the pumpkin mix.
How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Pumpkin Spice Filling
Start by combining pumpkin puree, brown sugar, melted butter, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and allspice in a medium bowl. I always give the mixture a good whisk until it’s nice and smooth. This mix is your flavor powerhouse, so taste it a bit — it should be sweet and warmly spiced without overpowering the pumpkin.
Step 2: Roll Out the Crescent Dough
Next, sprinkle your clean countertop lightly with flour, so the dough doesn’t stick. Open one can of Hawaiian crescent roll dough, press the seams together to avoid gaps, and roll it out gently with a rolling pin until it’s thin but still soft. Be careful not to roll too hard — you don’t want to tear the dough.
Step 3: Spread and Roll Up the Filling
Spread about a third of the pumpkin spice filling evenly over your rolled dough. Then, starting from the long side, roll it up into a log shape. Here’s a trick I learned: after rolling, cut the log in half, then cut those halves lengthwise, so you can see all the pretty layers ready to spiral.
Step 4: Create the Muffins
Now, take each sliced section and roll it up like a cinnamon roll before placing each one into a nonstick sprayed muffin tin. Repeat these steps with the other two cans of crescent dough and the remaining pumpkin filling. Each can makes about 4 muffins, so you’ll have 12 total.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar and pecan pieces on top of each muffin for that addictive crunch and sweet finish. Then bake your muffins in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 to 18 minutes. They’re done when they’re golden and set — careful not to overbake, or you may lose some of that soft texture we all love.
Step 6: Glaze and Enjoy
While the muffins cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to create a quick glaze. Drizzle it generously over your warm muffins for that classic cinnamon roll sheen and sweetness. Trust me, this glaze makes all the difference!
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe
- Pressing Crescent Seams: Always press seams firmly before rolling to prevent filling from leaking out during baking.
- Don’t Over-Roll the Dough: Rolling too thin can tear your dough. Go for thin but still sturdy for perfect layers.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps your pumpkin mixture blend smoothly and roll out easier.
- Watch Your Bake Time: Keep an eye after 15 minutes; overbaked muffins lose that soft, cakey texture I love.
How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

Garnishes
Whenever I serve these, I love to add a little extra powdered sugar dusting or a small drizzle of maple syrup right before serving. Sometimes I even sprinkle a pinch of extra cinnamon or chopped pecans on top for added texture and that wow factor.
Side Dishes
These muffins pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or chai latte—something warm to complement the spices. For brunch, I like serving with fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait to lighten things up.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange your Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins on a rustic wooden board surrounded by mini pumpkins and cinnamon sticks. I’ve also wrapped a few individually in parchment with twine for easy grab-and-go fall party favors — always a hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These muffins keep best in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 days. I usually stash them in a sealed box on the counter, and they stay soft and flavorful without any fuss. If your kitchen is warm, you might want to refrigerate them, but just be sure to bring them back to room temp before eating.
Freezing
Freezing works wonderfully with this recipe! Just wrap individual muffins in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temp for an hour or so. This is great for prepping a batch ahead for busy weeks.
Reheating
To warm leftovers, I reheat muffins in the microwave for about 20 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to regain that fresh-baked texture. Just be gentle so the glaze doesn’t melt away completely — you want that sweet finish intact!
FAQs
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Can I make Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and choose dairy-free milk for the glaze. Make sure your crescent roll dough is vegan (check labels or opt for a homemade vegan dough) and try using coconut sugar instead of brown sugar to keep the vegan vibe.
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What can I substitute for Hawaiian Crescent Rolls?
If you can’t find Hawaiian crescent rolls, regular crescent rolls will work, though the flavor is slightly less sweet. Puff pastry dough is another option if you want more flakiness, but it changes the texture a bit. Homemade dough is always a win but more time-consuming.
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Can I prepare these muffins ahead of time?
You can assemble the muffins the night before and store the pan covered in the fridge, then bake fresh in the morning. This saves prep time but keeps that fresh-baked warmth for serving.
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Are Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins healthy?
They’re a treat for sure, with sugar and butter, but pumpkin adds fiber and vitamins. Making them in muffin form also controls portion size better than a large cinnamon roll. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet!
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe delivers all the flavors I crave in fall baking with way less hassle. Every time I make these, my family goes crazy for the swirls of pumpkin and the caramelized brown sugar topping — it’s become our new seasonal favorite! If you’re looking for a quick, delicious way to bring pumpkin spice joy into your kitchen, I can’t recommend this enough. Grab your ingredients, invite some friends over, and enjoy the cozy magic of homemade pumpkin cinnamon roll muffins fresh from your oven.
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Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins combine the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and spice in an easy-to-make muffin form. Made with crescent roll dough and topped with brown sugar, toasted pecans, and a simple powdered sugar glaze, they deliver a deliciously soft and flavorful treat perfect for fall or any cozy occasion.
Ingredients
Filling
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- ⅓ cup salted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
Dough
- 3 (8oz.) cans Hawaiian Crescent Rolls
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for rolling)
Topping
- ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup pecan pieces (optional)
Glaze (Optional)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare muffin tin. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray the wells of a muffin tin with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the pumpkin filling. In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix together the pumpkin puree, ½ cup light brown sugar, melted butter, pumpkin spice, ground cinnamon, and allspice until smooth and evenly combined.
- Roll out the crescent dough. Lightly dust a clean countertop with the ¼ cup of all-purpose flour. Roll out one can of crescent roll dough, pressing all the seams together to form one continuous sheet. Roll it out with a rolling pin carefully until thin but not too hard, ensuring the dough doesn’t stick to the surface.
- Spread filling and roll dough. Evenly spread about a third of the pumpkin filling over the rolled-out dough. Starting from the long side, roll the dough up tightly to create a log.
- Slice the dough log. Cut the log in half lengthwise. Then cut each half lengthwise again to reveal the layers inside.
- Form the rolls. Roll up each sliced piece just like a cinnamon roll and place each roll into a prepared muffin tin well.
- Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Repeat the rolling, filling, slicing, and forming process with the other two cans of crescent roll dough and the remaining pumpkin filling. Each can yields 4 muffins, making a total of 12.
- Add topping. Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup light brown sugar and pecan pieces evenly on top of each muffin for a sweet, crunchy finish.
- Bake the muffins. Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until muffins are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and allow them to cool slightly.
- Prepare optional glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and whole milk until smooth and drizzling consistency.
- Drizzle glaze and serve. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm pumpkin cinnamon roll muffins before serving for added sweetness and moisture.
Notes
- These muffins have all the cozy fall flavors in an easy, quick-to-bake package perfect for breakfasts, brunches, or snacks.
- Pecans add a delightful crunch but can be omitted for nut-free versions.
- The glaze is optional but adds a wonderful sweetness that complements the spices.
- Use room temperature ingredients for best results when mixing.
- Make sure to properly seal the seams on the crescent dough to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 187 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 49 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 14 mg

