Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your rolls bake evenly and achieve that lovely golden color.
Prepare the filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to mix these ingredients together until smooth and creamy. The mixture should be well-blended without any lumps, providing a silky filling.
Unroll the crescent dough: Carefully unroll the can of crescent roll dough onto a clean surface. Separate it into individual triangles as indicated on the package.
Fill the triangles: Using a spoon, take 1 tbsp of the pumpkin mixture and place it onto the wide end of each triangle. Be cautious not to overfill, as this may cause spillage when rolling.
Roll the dough: Starting from the wide end, carefully roll the dough up to the pointed end, creating a crescent shape. This method ensures that the filling is securely enclosed within the dough.
Place on baking sheet: Arrange each rolled crescent on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
Brush with egg wash: In a small bowl, beat the 1 egg to create an egg wash. Use a pastry brush to lightly coat the tops of each roll with the beaten egg. This step promotes a beautiful golden finish.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Cool and dust: Once baked, allow the rolls to cool slightly on a wire rack. If desired, dust with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness and presentation before serving.