Pumpkin Spice Croissants with Maple Glaze Recipe

Posted on November 4, 2025

pumpkin spice croissants - featured image

Introduction

Imagine the heavenly aroma of buttery, flaky croissants mingling with the warm, cozy spices of pumpkin pie filling wafting through your kitchen. Now, top it all off with a luscious maple glaze, and you’ve got my absolute favorite fall treat: Pumpkin Spice Croissants with Maple Glaze. This recipe was born out of a lazy Sunday morning when I stared at an unopened can of pumpkin puree, wondering what to do with it. A little experimenting later, these croissants became a staple in my autumn baking lineup.

If you’re anything like me, fall is synonymous with pumpkin spice everything. These croissants are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee. They’re indulgent yet easy to make, and the flaky layers combined with the creamy pumpkin filling and sweet maple glaze are pure magic. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, this recipe will make your autumn mornings feel that much cozier.

Trust me when I say that these pumpkin spice croissants are worth every single bite. I’ve tested this recipe more times than I can count, and each batch turns out better than the last. So, grab your apron, and let’s make some seasonal magic happen. Are you ready?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Using store-bought puff pastry keeps the process simple and hassle-free. You’ll have bakery-quality croissants in no time!
Perfectly Spiced: The pumpkin filling is blended with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for the ultimate autumn flavor.
Show-Stopping Maple Glaze: The finishing touch is a maple glaze that makes these croissants shine, both literally and flavor-wise.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weekend breakfast, a potluck, or a holiday brunch, these croissants steal the show every time.
Kid-Friendly: The sweet and spicy flavors are a hit with kids and adults alike.

What sets these apart is the balance of flavors. The pumpkin filling is just sweet enough without being overwhelming, and the maple glaze is the cherry on top (or more like the syrup on top, in this case). Plus, using puff pastry takes the stress out of making croissants from scratch, so you get to enjoy all the buttery layers without the extra effort. These croissants aren’t just delicious—they’re the kind of treat you’ll crave long after the leaves have fallen.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Here’s everything you need:

For the Croissants:
- 1 package of store-bought puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ginger
- 1/8 tsp cloves
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1-2 tbsp milk or cream (adjust for desired consistency)

If you don’t have pumpkin puree, you can roast a small pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and blend it until smooth. You can also substitute sweet potato puree for a slightly different flavor profile. For the spices, feel free to use a pre-made pumpkin spice blend if you have one handy!

Equipment Needed

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Rolling pin (optional, if your puff pastry needs flattening)
Small mixing bowl for the pumpkin filling
Whisk or fork (for the egg wash and glaze)
Pastry brush (or use your fingers if you don’t have one!)

If you don’t have parchment paper, lightly greasing your baking sheet will work in a pinch, but parchment makes cleanup so much easier. A rolling pin isn’t necessary if your puff pastry is pre-rolled, but it’s always good to have one on hand!

Preparation Method

Prep the Puff Pastry: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out your puff pastry if needed, ensuring it’s about 1/8-inch thick.
Make the Pumpkin Filling: In a bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves until smooth.
Cut and Fill the Croissants: Cut the puff pastry into triangles (about 4-6 inches wide at the base). Spread a generous tablespoon of pumpkin filling onto each triangle, leaving space around the edges.
Roll the Croissants: Starting at the wide end, roll each triangle tightly towards the tip. Place each croissant on the prepared baking sheet, tip side down, to prevent unrolling.
Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush it lightly over the tops of the croissants for a golden finish.
Bake: Bake the croissants for 18-22 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on them—your kitchen will smell amazing!
Prepare the Maple Glaze: While the croissants are cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. The glaze should be thin enough to drizzle but not watery.
Drizzle the Glaze: Once the croissants have cooled slightly, drizzle the maple glaze over each one. Let it set for about 5 minutes before serving.

And there you have it! Perfectly flaky, spiced croissants ready to be enjoyed.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Keep the puff pastry cold: If it gets too warm, it can be difficult to work with. Chill it for a few minutes if it starts to stick.
Don’t overfill: Too much pumpkin filling can cause the croissants to burst. Use just enough to flavor each bite without overwhelming the pastry.
Seal the tips: Pinch the tips of the croissants slightly to ensure they don’t unroll while baking.
Customize the glaze: If you want a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of milk or cream. For a thinner glaze, add more liquid until it reaches your desired consistency.
Test for doneness: The croissants should be golden brown and puffed up. If they’re pale, give them a few extra minutes but watch closely to avoid burning.

Variations & Adaptations

Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free puff pastry and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Dairy-Free Option: Replace the egg wash with almond milk, and use a dairy-free milk for the glaze.
Seasonal Add-Ins: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the pumpkin filling for a nutty crunch.
Chocolate Lovers: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the pumpkin filling before rolling the croissants.
Savory Twist: Skip the maple glaze and add a pinch of sea salt to the pumpkin filling for a more savory flavor.

I once added a handful of dried cranberries to the filling for a festive holiday version, and it was a hit! Feel free to get creative and make these croissants your own.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Pumpkin Spice Croissants warm with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. If you’re hosting a brunch, pair them with scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad for a complete meal. For a fall-themed gathering, a spiced cider or pumpkin latte would complement these croissants perfectly.

To store, let the croissants cool completely, then place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes to restore their flakiness. These croissants can also be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Each croissant contains approximately:

Calories: 210
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 3g

The pumpkin puree is packed with beta-carotene, which is great for your skin and immune system. The spices like cinnamon and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties. While these croissants are a treat, they do offer some nutritional benefits thanks to the wholesome ingredients in the filling and glaze.

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Spice Croissants with Maple Glaze are everything you want in a fall treat—warm, flaky, sweet, and packed with cozy flavors. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch or just because you need a little seasonal pick-me-up, they never disappoint.

I love how customizable they are, from the filling to the glaze options. Every time I make these, I’m reminded why they’ve become a fall tradition in my home. So, grab your puff pastry and get baking—you won’t regret it!

Let me know if you try this recipe! I’d love to hear your thoughts or see your creative variations. Share your photos and tag me on social media, or leave a comment below. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the croissants and freeze them unbaked. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use homemade puff pastry?

Yes, if you’re up for the challenge! Homemade puff pastry will make these croissants even more special.

What if I don’t have maple syrup?

Honey or agave syrup can be used as substitutes for the glaze, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Make sure not to overfill the croissants and seal the edges tightly when rolling them up. Using an egg wash can also help keep them sealed.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes! Use vegan puff pastry, replace the egg wash with almond milk, and opt for a plant-based milk for the glaze.