Laura Mariano
A Shortcut to Holiday Bliss
Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls are the ultimate shortcut to holiday happiness. Inspired by Sally Meals, Flavorful Kitchen, and My Recipes Times, this recipe combines the flaky, buttery layers of crescent roll dough with the gooey, nutty filling of classic pecan pie. The result is a handheld treat that delivers all the nostalgia of pecan pie without the fuss of rolling crusts or baking full pies. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even casual brunches, these rolls are quick to prepare yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Their portability makes them ideal for cookie trays, potlucks, or festive spreads, while their rich flavor ensures they’ll disappear fast. Whether enjoyed warm with coffee or dressed up with caramel drizzle and whipped cream, Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls are a delightful mash-up of convenience and tradition—a holiday dessert that’s as easy as it is irresistible.
What Are Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls?
Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls are a creative twist on two beloved classics: crescent rolls and pecan pie. Using refrigerated or homemade crescent dough, each roll is stuffed with a sweet filling made from pecans, brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and vanilla. Once baked, the rolls emerge golden and flaky, with gooey centers reminiscent of traditional pecan pie. Unlike a full pie, these rolls are bite-sized, handheld, and perfect for sharing. They’re quick to assemble, bake in under 15 minutes, and deliver all the rich, nutty sweetness of pecan pie in a convenient form. Optional toppings like caramel drizzle, powdered sugar, or whipped cream elevate them into a show-stopping dessert. Whether served at holiday gatherings, brunch buffets, or as a quick weeknight treat, Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls are crowd-pleasing, easy to make, and guaranteed to satisfy sweet cravings.
Ingredient Overview
The foundation of this recipe is crescent roll dough, which can be store-bought for convenience or homemade for a rustic touch. Its buttery layers provide the perfect vessel for the pecan filling.
The filling is a classic pecan pie mixture: chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract. This combination creates a gooey, caramel-like center with nutty crunch.
Optional add-ins include chocolate chips for richness, maple syrup for depth, or cinnamon for warmth.
For toppings, drizzle caramel sauce, dust with powdered sugar, or serve with whipped cream to enhance presentation and flavor.
Tip: Toast pecans before mixing them into the filling. Toasting intensifies their flavor and adds extra crunch, making the rolls even more irresistible.
Together, these ingredients create a dessert that’s indulgent yet approachable, perfect for holidays or everyday indulgence.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticky spills.
- Prepare filling: In a bowl, combine 1 cup chopped pecans, ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup corn syrup, 2 tbsp melted butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix until gooey and well combined.
- Unroll dough: Open crescent roll package and separate triangles.
- Fill & roll: Spoon 1–2 tbsp of filling onto the wide end of each triangle. Roll tightly toward the tip, sealing edges to prevent leaks.
- Arrange: Place rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown and flaky.
- Cool & finish: Let rolls cool slightly. Drizzle with caramel sauce, glaze, or dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm.
Tip: For extra crispness, brush rolls with melted butter before baking.
This method ensures rolls that are flaky, gooey, and bursting with pecan pie flavor.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ons
- Chocolate Pecan Rolls: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling.
- Maple Pecan Rolls: Replace corn syrup with maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
- Bourbon Pecan Rolls: Add a splash of bourbon to the filling for a grown-up twist.
- Pumpkin Spice Pecan Rolls: Mix pumpkin spice into the filling for a seasonal variation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls warm with coffee or tea for a cozy treat. Pair with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. Add them to holiday cookie trays or brunch spreads for variety and festive flair. They’re perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any occasion where you want a quick yet impressive sweet bite.
Easy Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls Recipe | Flaky, Sweet & Nutty Dessert
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 rolls)
- 1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup corn syrup (or maple syrup/honey)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
- ¼ cup chocolate chips
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp bourbon
Toppings
- Caramel drizzle
- Powdered sugar
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare filling: In a bowl, mix pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla until gooey.
- Unroll dough: Separate crescent triangles.
- Fill & roll: Spoon filling onto the wide end of each triangle. Roll tightly toward the tip, pinching seams to seal.
- Arrange: Place seam-side down on baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool & finish: Let cool slightly. Drizzle with caramel or dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm.
Notes
- Make-ahead: Assemble rolls ahead and refrigerate unbaked for 24 hours.
- Storage: Store baked rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in oven at 325°F for 5–7 minutes; avoid microwaving.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked rolls for up to 2 months; bake straight from frozen.
- Avoid mistakes: Don’t overfill, toast pecans for flavor, and seal edges tightly.
- Variations: Try chocolate pecan, maple pecan, bourbon pecan, or pumpkin spice versions.
- Nutrition: Pecans add protein and healthy fats; lighten with honey instead of corn syrup; add oats or flaxseed for fiber.
