When you want a cozy fall treat that feels bakery-fancy but is fun to eat and easy to share, these Pumpkin and Cream Cheese Brioche Bites are the perfect bake. They’re pillowy-soft brioche-style bites with warm pumpkin spice flavor and a rich, sweet cream cheese center—finished with a buttery brush that makes them smell incredible straight from the oven.
Unlike regular pumpkin rolls, these mini brioche bites have a tender, enriched dough that stays soft for days. They’re ideal for brunch, holiday trays, afternoon coffee breaks, or whenever you want a bite-sized treat that gets instant compliments.
Ingredients
Makes 24 brioche bites (mini muffin pan) or 18 bites (regular muffin pan)
Brioche Dough
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 3/4 cup (180ml) warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1/2 cup (120g) pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, softened (cut into pieces)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup (40g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Brushing + Optional Finish
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for a glossy sweet finish)
- Optional topping: cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or chopped pecans
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Rise time: 1 hour 30 minutes (total)
- Bake time: 12–15 minutes
- Total time: About 2 hours 10 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a bowl, combine warm milk and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk flour, remaining sugar, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
Add yeast mixture, pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla (if using). Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Add Butter and Knead
Add softened butter pieces gradually while kneading. Knead for 8–10 minutes (mixer or by hand) until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
Step 4: First Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 60 minutes, or until doubled.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Chill while shaping the dough (this makes filling easier).
Step 6: Shape the Bites
Punch down dough and divide into 24 small pieces (or 18 larger). Roll each into a ball.
Place balls into a greased mini muffin pan.
Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to press a deep indent in the center of each dough ball. Spoon in about 1 teaspoon cream cheese filling per bite.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover and let rise 25–30 minutes until puffy.
Step 8: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake 12–15 minutes (mini pan) until golden and cooked through.
Step 9: Brush and Finish
Mix melted butter with maple syrup/honey (optional). Brush warm bites for shine and softness.
Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with coffee, chai, or hot cocoa.
- Add to a brunch board with fruit, yogurt, and pastries.
- Drizzle with a quick glaze (powdered sugar + milk) for dessert-style bites.
- Pair with apple slices for a fresh, crisp contrast.
- Serve as a holiday tray favorite alongside cookies.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 bite, 1/24 batch) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 130 |
| Protein | 3 grams |
| Total Fat | 6 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 3 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 16 grams |
| Sugars | 6 grams |
| Fiber | 1 gram |
| Sodium | 110 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- Pumpkin puree adds moisture and vitamin A.
- Enriched dough (eggs + butter) creates a soft brioche texture and satisfying bite.
- Cream cheese provides richness and a creamy contrast to warm spices.
Tips for Perfect Brioche Bites
- Use warm, not hot milk to activate yeast properly.
- Don’t skip kneading—brioche needs it for that stretchy, fluffy texture.
- Chill the filling so it stays centered and doesn’t spread too fast.
- Grease the muffin pan well for easy release.
- Brush right after baking for the softest finish.
Variations to Try
- Pecan Streusel Top: Sprinkle with brown sugar + chopped pecans before baking.
- Maple Cream Cheese: Add 1 tablespoon maple syrup to the filling (reduce powdered sugar slightly).
- Cinnamon Sugar Brioche Bites: Skip filling and toss warm bites in cinnamon sugar.
- Chocolate Chip Version: Fold mini chocolate chips into the dough.
- Air Fryer (Small Batch): Bake a few in silicone cups at 320°F (160°C) for 8–10 minutes.
These Pumpkin and Cream Cheese Brioche Bites are soft, buttery, and filled with creamy goodness—everything you want in a fall treat, in perfectly poppable form. They’re easy to share, fun to serve, and feel like something straight from a bakery display.
Whether you keep them simple or dress them up with glaze or toppings, this recipe guarantees a warm, fluffy, spiced bite every time.
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