If you’ve ever wished for the magic of pecan pie wrapped up in a warm, buttery crescent, you’re about to meet your new favorite treat: Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls. Imagine that gooey, nutty filling tucked inside a golden, flaky pastry—impossibly delicious, ridiculously easy to make, and guaranteed to impress everyone at your table. These rolls are perfect whether you need a show-stopping brunch addition, a sweet after-dinner treat, or just an excuse to sneak a little dessert into your day. Let’s dive into how you can bring this Southern-inspired delight into your own kitchen!

Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple, using just a handful of pantry staples to recreate all the flavors of a classic pecan pie. Each ingredient plays a key part in building the irresistible taste and texture of Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls, so let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:

Pillsbury Crescent Rolls: The magic shortcut for that signature flaky, tender crust without any fuss.
Chopped Pecans: Bring crunch and rich, nutty flavor—be sure to chop them small enough so each bite gets plenty.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens things up beautifully and helps create that classic pie filling effect.
Light Corn Syrup: Adds gooey texture and a subtle caramel note; for deeper flavor, dark corn syrup also works.
Unsalted Butter (melted): Provides richness and helps meld the flavors of the filling together.
Pure Vanilla Extract: A splash gives the filling warmth and that unmistakable homemade aroma.
Large Egg: Binds the filling, giving it that velvety, thick consistency just like pecan pie.

How to Make Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper—this makes cleanup a breeze and keeps the rolls from sticking. Place your baking sheet within reach of your workspace, so assembly is smooth and efficient.

Step 2: Make the Pecan Pie Filling

Grab a large bowl and mix together the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg until everything is completely combined. This luscious mixture is the heart of your Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls, promising that gooey center everyone loves. Be sure to set aside 2 tablespoons of this pecan pie mixture in a separate small bowl for later—this will be your finishing touch.

Step 3: Add the Pecans

Stir in the chopped pecans with the remaining sugar mixture. Make sure your pecans are well coated so that every crescent roll bites into that caramelized, nutty goodness. The aroma at this step already hints at what’s to come!

Step 4: Fill and Roll the Crescent Dough

Unroll your crescent dough and separate it into triangles directly onto your prepared baking sheet. Working with one triangle at a time, spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the pecan filling near the widest part of each triangle. Now, gently roll up each triangle towards its narrowest tip, tucking in some of the filling as you go. Place the rolls seam side down so they keep their shape in the oven.

Step 5: The First Bake

Pop the sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes. The dough will start to set, and the kitchen will fill with the warm, toasty aroma of pecan pie. Resist the urge to bake them all at once—the next step adds even more flavor!

Step 6: Glaze and Finish Baking

Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using a pastry brush, lightly paint each roll with the reserved sugar mixture you set aside earlier. This step adds extra gloss, sticky sweetness, and a gorgeous sheen. Return the rolls to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until they turn a light golden brown and the filling bubbles slightly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once your Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls are out of the oven, you can sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans on top if you want an extra crunch. Serve them warm for the best texture and flavor—the filling will be gooey, and the crescent exterior perfectly flaky.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar over the warm rolls or a drizzle of caramel sauce if you’re feeling decadent. Extra chopped pecans on top add a lovely crunch and make the rolls look bakery-worthy. A little dollop of whipped cream on the side wouldn’t be out of place either!

Side Dishes

Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls shine on their own, but if you want to round out the spread, serve them with fresh fruit, vanilla ice cream, or even a bowl of creamy Greek yogurt. A hot cup of coffee or spiced chai will make the experience utterly cozy and complete—perfect for brunches, dessert platters, or even a holiday breakfast.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the rolls high on a tiered cake stand for an irresistible centerpiece on your dessert table, or nestle them in a basket lined with a linen napkin for a cozy family breakfast. For a fun twist, try slicing each roll in half and arranging them in a spiral on a serving platter with pecans scattered in between. Mini dessert plates and tiny forks make serving them at parties a breeze!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply place your Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls in an airtight container. Store them at room temperature for up to 2 days—the texture stays just as delightful, and the flavors continue to meld beautifully.

Freezing

Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls freeze surprisingly well! After they’ve cooled completely, arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or tightly wrap them in aluminum foil. They’ll keep for up to three months—just thaw and reheat whenever your pecan pie craving calls.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-baked warmth, pop individual rolls in the microwave for about 15 seconds, or place them on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. They’ll taste just as dreamy as when they first came out of the oven, gooey filling and all.

FAQs

Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?

Absolutely! Dark corn syrup adds a richer, deeper flavor to the filling. If you’re looking for that traditional pecan pie taste with caramel undertones, swapping light for dark is a fantastic choice.

What if I don’t have Pillsbury Crescent Rolls?

While Pillsbury Crescent Rolls are easy and reliable, you can use any brand of refrigerated crescent dough you like. In a pinch, thawed puff pastry cut into triangles will also work—just expect a slightly different (but still delicious!) flaky texture.

Can I make these in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the rolls and keep them, covered, in the fridge for several hours before baking. Bake them just before serving for that freshly-made magic, or bake, cool, and rewarm as needed—see above for reheating tips.

How do I keep the filling from leaking out?

Don’t overfill each crescent and always start rolling from the wide end to the point. Place rolls seam side down on the baking sheet—this helps keep everything tucked in. A little filling oozing out is normal and just builds more caramelized goodness on your tray!

Are Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls vegetarian?

Yes, they’re vegetarian as written. Just double check that your crescent dough uses vegetable shortening (most major brands do). This easy recipe brings classic pecan pie flavor to everyone at the table.

Final Thoughts

Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls are pure comfort in every bite: flaky, gooey, nutty, and outrageously easy. Whether you serve them for breakfast, dessert, or just because, these rolls are sure to become a fast favorite in your kitchen. Give them a try—you won’t believe how quickly they disappear!

Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5.2 from 23 reviews

Author: Sophia
Total Time: 28 minutes
Yield: 8 rolls
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delicious combination of pecan pie flavors wrapped in a flaky crescent roll for a delightful treat any time of day.

Ingredients

Pecan Filling:

3/4 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 large egg

Crescent Rolls:

1 can Pillsbury Crescent Rolls

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg. Set aside 2 tablespoons of the mixture.
Add Pecans: Mix chopped pecans into the remaining sugar mixture.
Prepare Rolls: Unroll crescent dough, place pecan filling on each triangle, and roll up. Bake for 8 minutes.
Glaze Rolls: Brush rolls with reserved sugar mixture and bake for another 5 minutes until golden.
Serve: Optionally, top with more chopped pecans before serving.