Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls are a sweet and flaky treat that combine the best of both worlds! They’re filled with a yummy mix of pecans and gooey brown sugar, all wrapped in crescent roll dough.
Making these rolls is so much fun! They remind me of a shortcut to the classic pecan pie without all the fuss. I love serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream—pure happiness! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: The star of this recipe! You can find it in the refrigerated section. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, some brands offer gluten-free dough that works well too!
Pecans: Chopped pecans give that classic pecan pie flavor. If you’re out of pecans, walnuts or almonds can be used, but they will change the taste slightly. I personally love pecans for their rich flavor!
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and a nice caramel flavor. If you’re short on brown sugar, you can use white sugar mixed with a little molasses (1 tablespoon per cup of sugar), or just use regular white sugar in a pinch.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness of the dish, but if you only have salted butter, it will still work fine. Just reduce any additional salt in the recipe.
Cinnamon: Optional, but it adds a warm, comforting spice. If you don’t have cinnamon on hand, try nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a different twist!
How Do You Roll Crescent Dough Perfectly?
Getting it just right can be tricky! Here’s how to make the most of your crescent roll dough:
- Make sure your dough is cold when you unroll it. Warm dough can get sticky.
- Gently separate each triangle along the perforated lines, being careful not to tear them.
- When adding the filling, don’t overload the wide end. A spoonful is enough! This helps prevent spillage while baking.
- As you roll, start from the wide side and gently pull it toward the tip, tucking in the filling.
Practice makes perfect! Each roll will get easier as you go along, so don’t worry if the first few aren’t perfect. They’ll still taste amazing!
How to Make Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (8 oz) package refrigerated crescent roll dough (usually 8 rolls)
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 12-15 minutes to bake. So, you can have these delicious treats ready in about 25 minutes! Perfect for a quick dessert or sweet snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This lets it warm up while you prepare the rolls. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Pecan Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using). Use a spoon to stir everything together until it’s well mixed. The aroma of the pecans and vanilla will make your kitchen smell amazing!
3. Prepare the Crescent Dough:
Unroll the crescent roll dough from its package. Gently separate the dough into individual triangles, as shown on the package. Be careful not to tear them, as these will be your lovely rolls.
4. Fill the Dough:
Now, take a spoonful of the pecan filling and place it at the wide end of each triangle. Don’t be tempted to overfill—it can get messy! Just a nice spoonful will do.
5. Roll Up the Crescents:
Starting at the wide end, roll up each triangle towards the tip, making sure to tuck in the filling as you go. Place each rolled crescent on the baking sheet with the point side facing down to help keep them from unrolling.
6. Bake the Rolls:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color.
7. Cool and Dust:
Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. This will help them firm up a little. After cooling slightly, dust the tops with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
These warm, flaky crescent rolls are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them fresh out of the oven for the best taste. They’re perfect on their own or with a scoop of ice cream for an extra special treat!
Dig in and enjoy these delicious Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls that truly taste like mini pecan pies wrapped in all their buttery goodness!
Can I Use Other Nuts Instead of Pecans?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional in pecan pie, walnuts or chopped almonds can be great substitutes. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different!
Can I Make These Crescent Rolls in Advance?
You can prepare the filling and fill the dough in advance, then cover and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready for a warm treat!
How Do I Store Leftover Crescent Rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them, but they may lose some of their flakiness. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
What Can I Serve with Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls?
These rolls are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them by serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert experience!
