These Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls are a fun twist on a classic dessert! They’re made with flaky crescent dough and filled with a sweet, gooey pecan mixture.
Who knew pie could be so easy? I love how quick they are to prepare, and they taste just like a slice of pecan pie. Perfect for sharing or a late-night snack! 🥳
Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: The star of the show! You can use any store-bought variety. If you’re gluten-free, check for gluten-free crescent roll options. Some other pastry options like puff pastry can also work, but they might alter the texture a bit.
Pecans: Chopped or whole, pecans add that crunchy goodness. If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts or almonds are great substitutes. For even more flavor, toast the nuts before using them!
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and a molasses flavor. If you need a substitute, white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses can work too, aiming for a similar color and flavor.
Corn Syrup: This is used to create that gooey filling. If you’re avoiding corn syrup, you can use honey or maple syrup instead. It’ll give a slightly different taste but equally delicious!
How Do I Ensure My Crescent Rolls Are Nice and Flaky?
The key to flaky crescent rolls is handling the dough gently. Here are a few tips:
- Keep the dough cold until you’re ready to use it; warm dough can lose its flakiness.
- Don’t overfill each roll; 1-2 teaspoons of the pecan mixture is perfect.
- Make sure to seal the edges well after rolling to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Always bake on a lined baking sheet to avoid sticking and allow even cooking.
Following these tips will help you achieve that perfect flaky texture that everyone loves!
How to Make Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup pecan halves or chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus around 12-15 minutes for baking. In total, you’ll have these delicious Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls ready in about 25-30 minutes—perfect for a quick dessert or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your crescent rolls bake evenly and become perfectly golden. While the oven heats up, get a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Pecan Filling:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, melted butter, corn syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Stir these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This will create a sticky and sweet filling that will taste just like pecan pie!
3. Unroll the Crescent Dough:
Take your refrigerated crescent roll dough and unroll it. Carefully separate the dough into individual triangles, providing enough space for filling each one.
4. Fill the Crescent Rolls:
On the wide end of each triangle, spoon about 1 to 2 teaspoons of the pecan filling you just made. Add a few pecan halves or chopped pecans for that extra crunch! Make sure not to overfill, as you’ll need to roll them up neatly.
5. Roll Them Up:
Starting from the wide end, carefully roll each triangle toward the pointed end to form a crescent shape. Make sure to seal the edges gently to keep the delicious filling from oozing out during baking.
6. Bake the Crescent Rolls:
Place the filled crescent rolls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between them. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up beautifully.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once they are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. If you’d like, dust the tops with some powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch. These rolls are best served warm, just like a slice of pecan pie!
Enjoy your cozy, delicious Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls—they are sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Nuts in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can substitute with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pecan filling in advance! Mix it up and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before using it so it spreads easily.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To enjoy them warm, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
Can I Freeze These Crescent Rolls?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked rolls! Just assemble them and place them on a baking sheet to freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.