Let’s be real. The thought of making a homemade pecan pie from scratch can be a little intimidating, especially on a busy weeknight or when you need a last-minute dessert in a pinch. That’s where the magic of these Easy Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls comes in! These little pockets of joy capture all the cozy, buttery, nutty flavor of your favorite holiday pie but are ready in a fraction of the time. They’re the kind of simple, crowd-pleasing treat that makes you look like a kitchen rockstar with minimal effort.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Easy Pecan Pie Crescent Roll Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that checks all the boxes, you’ve found it. Here’s why this recipe is about to become your go-to:
- Almost Unbelievably Simple: With just a handful of ingredients and pre-made crescent roll dough, you’re minutes away from bakery-worthy results.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for a cozy family dessert, a potluck contribution, or a sweet treat for holiday gatherings.
- Customizable to Your Taste: Not a fan of pecans? Swap them for walnuts or chocolate chips! It’s a wonderfully adaptable base.
- That “Wow” Factor: The glossy, gooey filling and flaky crust are guaranteed to impress, even though the secret is so simple.
Gather Your Ingredients
This is where you’ll see the beauty of this recipe. You probably have most of this in your pantry right now!
- 1 can (8 count) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup corn syrup (light or dark both work!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting
Easy Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
Description
Easy Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls 3 ingredients Quick dessert recipe using crescent roll dough Perfect for holidays Ready in minutes
Ingredients
- 1 can (8 count) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Then, fold in the chopped pecans.
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 8 triangles. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the pecan mixture onto the wide end of each triangle.
- Gently roll up each crescent, starting from the wide end and tucking the filling in as you go. Place each roll on the prepared baking sheet, curling the ends slightly to form a crescent shape.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed up and a beautiful golden brown.
- Let the rolls cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
An incredibly simple and delicious shortcut dessert that captures all the cozy, buttery, nutty flavor of pecan pie using refrigerated crescent roll dough.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 rolls
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Fat: 17 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
How to Make Easy Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dessert ready in no time. Don’t forget to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper!
- Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Then, fold in the chopped pecans.
- Assemble the Rolls: Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 8 triangles. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the pecan mixture onto the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll Them Up: Gently roll up each crescent, starting from the wide end and tucking the filling in as you go. Place each roll on the prepared baking sheet, curling the ends slightly to form a crescent shape.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed up and a beautiful golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the rolls cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If you like, dust with a little powdered sugar for a pretty finish. Serve warm and enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth goodness!
My Go-To Tips for the Best Results
I’ve made these more times than I can count, and here are my best tips to guarantee success every single time:
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, but too much can cause it to leak out during baking. A heaping tablespoon is the perfect amount.
- Seal the Edges: When you start rolling, give the dough a little pinch over the filling to create a seal. This helps keep all that deliciousness inside the roll.
- Parchment Paper is Key: Trust me on this one. Lining your baking sheet makes cleanup an absolute breeze and prevents any sticky spills from becoming a permanent fixture on your pan.
- Get Creative! Feel free to add a handful of chocolate chips to the filling or a sprinkle of sea salt on top after baking for a sweet-and-salty twist. For more baking inspiration, check out my guide to creating the perfect chocolate chip cookies.
What to Serve With Your Crescent Rolls
These delightful treats are fantastic all on their own, but if you want to take them over the top, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream is pure magic. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee for a morning treat or a glass of cold milk for an after-school snack. For a full brunch spread, they’re the perfect sweet counterpart to savory dishes like this hearty breakfast casserole.
Storing and Reheating Your Dessert
These are always best enjoyed the day they’re made, but if you have leftovers (a rare occurrence in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes. The microwave will work in a pinch but can make the crust a little soft.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls up to a day in advance. Just cover the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the fridge, adding a minute or two to the baking time if needed.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Of course! Walnuts would be a fantastic substitute for pecans. If you have nut allergies, you could even try using toasted coconut or seeds for a different crunch.
My filling bubbled out. What did I do wrong?
No worries at all! A little bubbling out is totally normal and honestly, it caramelizes and makes them look even more delicious and homemade. Just be sure you’re using that parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Where can I learn more about the science of baking?
For those who love to understand the “why” behind the recipe, King Arthur Baking has a fantastic blog full of deep dives into baking techniques and ingredients.
So there you have it! These Easy Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls are proof that the most satisfying desserts don’t have to be complicated. They’re a little taste of comfort and joy, wrapped up in a flaky, buttery package. I hope this recipe brings as much happiness to your kitchen as it does to mine. Happy baking!