Name: Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 16 rolls
Ingredients: 2 (8 oz) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough; 1 cup finely chopped pecans; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1/3 cup light corn syrup; 1 large egg; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt; Optional: 1 tbsp milk or half-and-half (for egg wash)

Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls – just the name itself promises a symphony of flavors and textures, doesn’t it? As an avid home baker, I am thrilled to share a recipe that perfectly encapsulates the comforting essence of a beloved dessert in an unexpectedly convenient form. Imagine the rich, buttery flavor of classic pecan pie, with its sweet, gooey filling and toasted nuts, now nestled within the flaky, golden layers of a warm crescent roll. This ingenious twist takes all the iconic charm of a traditional Southern treat – a dessert steeped in American culinary heritage, often gracing holiday tables and family gatherings – and transforms it into a delightful, hand-held indulgence. People absolutely adore this dish not only for its irresistible combination of crunchy pecans, sweet brown sugar, and tender pastry but also for its sheer ease of preparation.

Your New Favorite Indulgence: Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls

It offers that decadent pie experience without the fuss, making these Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls a truly irresistible snack, breakfast pastry, or quick dessert that will undoubtedly become a new favorite in your repertoire. Get ready to experience all the joy of pecan pie in a wonderfully accessible and utterly delicious format!

Ingredients:

Two (2) cans (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll dough. I prefer the seamless dough if you can find it, as it makes filling much easier, but the traditional perforated kind works perfectly too!
One (1) cup finely chopped pecans. You can buy them pre-chopped, or do it yourself. Just make sure they’re not powdered, we want a bit of texture!
Half (1/2) cup unsalted butter, melted. Good quality butter truly makes a difference in richness.
Three-quarters (3/4) cup light brown sugar, packed. Dark brown sugar will give a deeper, more molasses-like flavor, which is also delicious if you prefer.
One-third (1/3) cup light corn syrup. This is key for that classic gooey pecan pie texture. Maple syrup can be substituted for a slightly different flavor profile.
One (1) large egg. Make sure it’s at room temperature for better incorporation into the filling.
One (1) teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Don’t skimp on this! It really enhances all the other flavors.
One-quarter (1/4) teaspoon salt. Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
Optional: One (1) tablespoon milk or half-and-half (for an egg wash, if desired, to give your Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls an extra golden sheen).

Preparing the Pecan Pie Filling

Preheat your oven and prepare your baking sheets: Before we even think about mixing, let’s get our oven ready. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grab two large baking sheets and line them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This is a crucial step to prevent your delicious Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls from sticking and makes cleanup an absolute breeze. Trust me, you don’t want to lose any of that gooey filling to the pan!
Melt the butter: In a medium-sized, microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan over low heat, melt your half cup of unsalted butter. We want it fully liquid, but not boiling. If you’re using a microwave, heat it in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. The melted butter will form the rich base of our indulgent pecan pie filling.
Combine the wet ingredients: Once the butter is melted, remove it from the heat if you’re using a saucepan. Into the same bowl or pan, add the packed light brown sugar, light corn syrup, pure vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and the mixture is smooth. The brown sugar should mostly dissolve into the warm butter and corn syrup, creating a wonderfully fragrant, syrupy base. This is where that signature pecan pie aroma starts to develop! Take your time to ensure everything is thoroughly incorporated.
Cool the mixture slightly: This next step is very important. Let the mixture cool for about 5-7 minutes. You don’t want it hot, just warm to the touch. If you add the egg while the mixture is too hot, you risk scrambling it, and nobody wants scrambled egg in their Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls! A quick way to check is to dip a clean finger (carefully!) into the mixture; it should be warm, not scalding.
Whisk in the egg: Once the mixture has cooled slightly, crack your large egg into a separate small bowl and lightly whisk it with a fork. Then, gradually pour the whisked egg into your pecan pie filling base, whisking continuously and vigorously until it is fully incorporated. The egg acts as a binder, giving our filling that classic set, yet gooey texture, and adds an incredible richness. Continue whisking until the mixture is uniform and shiny.
Fold in the pecans: Finally, gently fold in your finely chopped pecans. Use a spatula to mix them evenly throughout the filling. We want every bite of our Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls to have that delightful crunch of pecans! Make sure they’re distributed well, so you don’t end up with all the pecans in one crescent and none in another. The filling should now be thick, glossy, and studded with beautiful pecans, ready to be nestled into our crescent rolls.

Assembling the Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls

Unroll the crescent dough: Carefully open one can of refrigerated crescent roll dough. If you’re using the traditional kind with perforations, gently unroll the dough onto a clean, lightly floured surface or a piece of parchment paper. Separate the dough along the perforations into eight individual triangles. If you found the seamless dough, which I absolutely adore for this recipe, you’ll unroll it and then use a knife or pizza cutter to cut it into eight equal triangles. Try to make them as even as possible for uniform Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls.
Portion the filling: Now for the good part! Spoon about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the pecan pie filling onto the wider end of each crescent roll triangle. Don’t be tempted to overfill, as it might ooze out during baking. A little less is better than too much here. You want enough to get that delightful pecan pie flavor, but still allow the crescent roll to bake up beautifully. Spread the filling slightly, leaving a small border around the edges.
Roll up the crescent rolls: Starting from the wide end, gently but firmly roll each crescent triangle towards the pointed end. As you roll, try to keep the filling tucked inside as much as possible. Once rolled, gently curve the ends inward to form the classic crescent shape. Be sure to pinch the seams slightly if you see any potential for the filling to escape. This careful rolling technique is key to ensuring your Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls hold their shape and keep all that deliciousness inside.
Arrange on baking sheets: Place the rolled Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls onto your prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave about 1-2 inches of space between each one. They will puff up a bit as they bake, and we want good air circulation for even cooking.
Repeat with the second can of dough: Open your second can of crescent roll dough and repeat steps 7 through 10 until all 16 Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls are assembled and placed on your baking sheets. You might need to use both baking sheets, depending on their size.
Optional Egg Wash (for extra golden shine): If you desire a beautifully golden and slightly crispier exterior for your Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls, whisk the optional tablespoon of milk or half-and-half with one additional large egg in a small bowl. Then, using a pastry brush, lightly brush the tops of each crescent roll with this egg wash. This step isn’t mandatory for taste, but it truly elevates the visual appeal, giving them a professional bakery-like finish. It also helps with browning. If you skip the egg wash, a light brushing of melted butter before baking can also achieve a nice golden color.

Baking the Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls

Bake to golden perfection: Carefully transfer your baking sheets into the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls are beautifully golden brown on top and the filling appears set and slightly bubbly. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary, and crescent rolls can go from perfectly golden to over-browned quite quickly. You’ll notice a delightful aroma filling your kitchen – that’s your cue that they’re almost ready!
Check for doneness: To ensure the filling is properly set, you can gently prod one of the Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls with a small spoon or fork. If the filling feels firm and doesn’t slosh around, they’re likely done. The tops should be a deep golden, almost amber color, and the dough should be visibly puffed and flaky.
Cool before serving: Once baked, carefully remove the Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls from the oven. Transfer them immediately (or after a minute or two on the hot pan) to a wire cooling rack. Allow them to cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This cooling time is crucial; it allows the filling to fully set up and become that wonderfully gooey, yet stable pecan pie texture we all love. If you try to eat them too hot, the filling will be very runny and might be too hot to handle. Patience truly pays off here!

Serving Suggestions and Variations for Your Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls

Serving your delightful Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls: These delightful Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls are absolutely fantastic served warm, straight from the cooling rack. The warm, flaky pastry paired with the gooey, nutty pecan filling is truly irresistible. They make a perfect breakfast treat with a cup of coffee, an elegant brunch item, or a comforting dessert after dinner. For an extra special touch, consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrast of the warm pastry with the cold creaminess is simply divine. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving also adds a beautiful finish and a touch more sweetness. For a true autumn feel, a drizzle of caramel sauce over the top would be an excellent addition.
Storage and Reheating: If you happen to have any leftover Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls (which is a rare occurrence in my house!), they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I recommend popping them back into a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps to crisp up the pastry again. Microwaving is an option for quick reheating, but it might make the pastry a little less crisp, though the filling will still be wonderfully gooey.
Flavor Variations to Explore:
- Spice it up: For an extra layer of warmth and complexity, try adding ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a tiny pinch of ground nutmeg to your pecan pie filling mixture. These spices beautifully complement the pecan and brown sugar flavors.
- Bourbon Pecan: If you’re a fan of a little kick, a splash (about 1-2 teaspoons) of bourbon added to the filling along with the vanilla extract will give your Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls a sophisticated, boozy depth. It’s a classic pairing with pecan pie for a reason!
- Chocolate Pecan: For the chocolate lovers out there, consider stirring in about ¼ cup of mini chocolate chips (dark or milk, depending on your preference) into the pecan filling along with the chopped pecans. The melting chocolate will create an even richer, more decadent experience.
- Maple Syrup Swap: While light corn syrup is traditional, if you prefer, you can swap it for an equal amount of pure maple syrup. This will give your Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls a distinctly rich, earthy maple flavor which pairs wonderfully with pecans.
Tips for Perfection Every Time:
- Don’t Overfill: This is probably the most important tip. Overfilling your Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls is the quickest way to end up with a sticky, messy baking sheet. Stick to the recommended 1 to 1.5 tablespoons per crescent.
- Room Temperature Egg: Using a room temperature egg for the filling helps it incorporate more smoothly and prevents any potential for scrambling when added to the warm butter mixture.
- Cooling Time is Crucial: I can’t emphasize this enough. While it’s tempting to dig in right away, allowing the Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls to cool for at least 10-15 minutes on a wire rack ensures the filling sets properly, providing that perfect gooey texture without being runny.
- Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Seriously, don’t skip lining your baking sheets. It prevents sticking, especially if any filling happens to seep out, and makes cleanup effortless.
- Watch Your Oven: Every oven is a little different. Keep an eye on your Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning. You want them golden, not burnt. If you notice them browning too quickly, you can loosely tent them with aluminum foil.
With these tips and variations, you’re all set to create truly unforgettable Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe! They are incredibly satisfying to make and even more so to devour.

Conclusion:

Well, my friends, we’ve reached the sweet end of our journey, and I genuinely hope you’re feeling as excited as I am about trying out this incredible recipe. What makes these delightful treats an absolute must-try isn’t just their incredible flavor, but also the sheer simplicity they offer in bringing such a sophisticated taste to your table. You see, the magic of this recipe lies in its ability to deliver all the comforting, nutty, and buttery goodness of a classic pecan pie, but in a fraction of the time and with none of the fuss of making a full pastry crust from scratch. Imagine that – flaky, golden crescent rolls embracing a warm, gooey filling that bursts with the rich, caramelized notes of pecans and brown sugar. It’s truly a revelation for anyone who loves easy, impressive baking.

I can confidently say that these aren’t just any ordinary baked goods; they are a miniature celebration of flavor and texture. The buttery layers of the crescent roll unfurl beautifully, creating a perfect contrast to the dense, sweet, and slightly crunchy pecan filling. It’s a harmonious blend that simply melts in your mouth, leaving a lingering sweetness that will have you reaching for just one more. This recipe is perfect for those moments when you crave something utterly delicious, something that feels special, but you don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. It’s an instant classic in the making, guaranteed to garner rave reviews from anyone lucky enough to try them. The aroma alone, as they bake to a golden perfection, is enough to brighten any day and fill your home with an inviting warmth that promises pure indulgence.

Serving Suggestions:

While these morsels are utterly divine straight out of the oven, still warm and wonderfully fragrant, there are so many delightful ways to elevate your experience. For a truly decadent dessert, serve your warm Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the cold, creamy ice cream to gently melt into the warm, nutty pastry. A dollop of freshly whipped cream, perhaps lightly sweetened with a touch of maple syrup, would also be an exquisite pairing, adding an airy lightness to the rich filling. They also make a fantastic addition to a brunch spread, providing a sweet counterpoint to savory dishes like quiches or breakfast sausages. Imagine them nestled amongst a fruit platter and a steaming pot of coffee – pure bliss! And for a simple, yet elegant presentation, a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of a simple glaze (made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk or cream) can add that final touch of beauty and sweetness.

Don’t limit yourself to just dessert! These versatile treats can transform an ordinary afternoon tea into a truly memorable event. Serve them with your favorite hot beverage – a robust coffee, a delicate Earl Grey, or even a spiced chai latte – and watch them disappear. They’re also wonderfully portable, making them an excellent choice for potlucks, bake sales, or even a thoughtful gift for a friend. Packaging a few of these in a lovely box with a ribbon is a surefire way to bring a smile to someone’s face. The buttery crust and the rich, satisfying filling make them substantial enough to feel like a proper treat, yet light enough to enjoy without feeling overly full. They truly bridge the gap between a casual snack and an elegant dessert, making them suitable for almost any occasion you can imagine.

Creative Variations:

One of the things I love most about baking is the freedom to experiment, and this recipe offers a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a tiny splash of bourbon or rum to the pecan filling mixture for an adult-only twist that deepens the flavor profile beautifully. A pinch of sea salt sprinkled over the tops just before baking can create a wonderful sweet and salty contrast that is absolutely addictive. For an even richer experience, try incorporating a touch of dark chocolate chips into the pecan mixture – the melted chocolate will meld wonderfully with the nutty sweetness. You could also experiment with other types of nuts, like walnuts or almonds, though the classic pecan really shines here. Another idea is to drizzle a homemade caramel sauce over the baked rolls for an extra layer of gooey sweetness, or perhaps a white chocolate glaze for a different kind of sugary finish.

For those who love a bit of spice, a whisper of cinnamon or nutmeg added to the pecan filling can elevate the cozy, autumnal notes, making them even more irresistible, especially during the cooler months. You might even consider making a cream cheese glaze instead of a simple sugar glaze, adding a tangy sweetness that complements the rich filling. Imagine a batch of these glorious rolls served on a holiday morning – the aroma, the flavor, the ease of preparation make them an absolute winner for festive gatherings or simply a special weekend breakfast. The beauty of these variations is that they allow you to tailor the Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls to your own taste preferences, or to the specific occasion, making them truly your own signature bake. Don’t be afraid to play around with different toppings or additions; you might just discover your new favorite combination!

So, what are you waiting for? I wholeheartedly encourage you to roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and give these incredible treats a try. Trust me, the delightful aroma that will fill your kitchen as they bake, followed by that first warm, flaky, and utterly delicious bite, will make you incredibly glad you did. This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary and memorable. It’s an approachable recipe that yields impressive results every single time, making you feel like a star baker with minimal effort.

Once you’ve experienced the joy of baking and tasting these Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls, I would absolutely love to hear about it! Did you try any variations? What did your family and friends think? Please share your experiences, tips, and even photos in the comments below. Your feedback and creativity inspire not just me, but other home bakers as well. Let’s build a community of enthusiastic bakers who are all enjoying the simple pleasure of making something wonderful together. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear all about your delicious creations!