Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls Recipe

This incredible Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls Recipe takes everything you adore about the classic holiday dessert—that sweet, buttery, crunchy pecan filling—and wraps it up in a warm, flaky, golden crescent roll. Ready in a flash with less than 30 minutes total time, this is the perfect cozy, sweet treat for fall baking, last-minute guests, or just because you deserve a taste of comforting nostalgia. They are guaranteed to fill your kitchen with the most wonderful, cozy aromas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Pecan Pie, Simplified: This recipe delivers that unmistakable, luscious pecan pie flavor without the need for a crust, blind baking, or hours in the kitchen. It’s pure, concentrated comfort!
• Ready in a Flash: We’re talking less than 15 minutes of prep time and only about 12 minutes in the oven. This is your go-to recipe for when a sweet craving hits hard and fast.
• The Flakiest Texture: Using refrigerated crescent roll dough gives you that perfect golden, buttery flakiness that pairs beautifully with the sticky, sweet pecan filling.
• Pure Cozy Energy: The aroma of cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar baking is enough to make any day feel like a special occasion. You’re going to want to make these all season long!

Ingredients

All you need for this Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls Recipe are a few pantry staples and a little bit of magic! Yes, it’s that easy. But first, gather up these ingredients:

• Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough (8 rolls): This is your shortcut to flaky, buttery perfection. It provides the ideal contrast to the gooey filling.
• Chopped Pecans: The star of the show! Make sure they are chopped so they distribute evenly and give you a nice crunch in every single bite.
• Brown Sugar: This is essential for creating that deep, molasses-rich sweetness and the sticky, classic “pie” texture.
• Unsalted Butter (Melted): Adds richness and acts as the binder to hold all that beautiful filling together.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the depth of flavor in the filling. Don’t skip this—it’s a critical component of classic pecan pie taste!
• Cinnamon: Just a hint of warmth and spice that makes these rolls taste and smell utterly heavenly.
• Pinch of Salt: The secret weapon! It balances the intense sweetness and really makes the other flavors pop.
• Maple Syrup or Honey (Optional): A little extra liquid gold for an even stickier, sweeter, and gooier center. Highly recommended if you have a serious sweet tooth!
• Powdered Sugar & Milk: These two create the simple, quick glaze that adds a final touch of sweetness and beautiful sheen.

Note: The complete list of ingredients with precise measurements will be available right under the article in the recipe card.

How to Make the Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls

Step 1: Prep and Mix the Luscious Filling

Preheat your oven to $375^{\circ}\text{F}$ ($190^{\circ}\text{C}$) and grab a baking sheet to line with parchment paper. Now, in a medium bowl, combine your chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and maple syrup (if using). Mix this up until those pecans are completely coated and the mixture looks wonderfully sticky—that’s how you know it’s going to be gooey inside the rolls!

Step 2: Fill and Roll the Dough

Unroll that can of crescent dough and separate it into 8 neat triangles. Now, here’s the fun part: spoon about 1 tablespoon of that gorgeous pecan filling onto the widest end of each triangle. Gently roll up each piece, starting from the wide end and working toward the tip. Be sure to lightly tuck in the sides as you roll—that little trick prevents all that incredible filling from leaking out!

Step 3: Bake Until Golden

Place your filled rolls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them so they can bake up nice and golden. Pop them into the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until they are puffed up, golden brown, and delightfully flaky.

Step 4: Drizzle with Glaze and Serve

While those rolls are cooling slightly (the hardest part is waiting!), whisk together your powdered sugar and milk to make a simple, smooth glaze. Drizzle that sweet goodness over the warm rolls. Let the glaze set for just a few minutes, then serve warm!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Skimp on the Seal: When rolling the crescent dough, pay extra attention to pinching the sides and sealing the filling inside. A good seal means a gooey center stays exactly where it belongs!
• Room Temp Dough: Let the refrigerated crescent dough sit on the counter for about 5 minutes before unrolling. This makes it more pliable and easier to separate and roll without tearing.
• Toast the Pecans: For an even deeper, nuttier flavor, lightly toast your chopped pecans in a dry skillet for 3-5 minutes before making the filling. It’s an extra step, but totally worth it!

How to Serve

These little rolls are so versatile, they can be a dessert, breakfast pastry, or quick snack!

• A Simple Treat: Serve them warm with a cup of hot coffee or tea for an elevated morning pastry.
• Dessert Plate Upgrade: Plate them next to a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a stunning and comforting dessert.
• Holiday Brunch Star: Arrange them beautifully on a platter for a holiday or weekend brunch—they disappear fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (it’s a big “if,” I know!), place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze these rolls before or after baking! To freeze before baking, prepare and roll the rolls, then place them on the baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, add about 5-8 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

The best way to reheat them is in a toaster oven or a regular oven at $350^{\circ}\text{F}$ ($175^{\circ}\text{C}$) for 5-7 minutes until the filling is warm and the dough is flaky again.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different kind of nut in the filling?

Absolutely! While this is a Pecan Pie recipe, you can easily substitute the pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of your favorite nuts. Just make sure the nuts are chopped to ensure they mix well with the sticky brown sugar mixture and roll easily inside the dough. The flavor will still be sweet, spiced, and utterly delicious!

2. How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

The thickness of the glaze is totally up to your preference! If the glaze looks too thin, simply whisk in an extra teaspoon of powdered sugar at a time until it reaches your desired drizzling consistency. If it’s too thick, add a few drops of milk (or even water or lemon juice) until it loosens up.

3. What can I use if I don’t have crescent roll dough?

You can use puff pastry dough, cut into triangles, instead! The result will be a bit puffier and less bread-like, but it will still be incredibly flaky and delicious. You could also try this filling inside a small portion of pizza dough for a slightly chewier, more bun-like result.

4. Can I make this filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can! You can easily prepare the pecan filling up to 2 days in advance. Simply mix all the filling ingredients together and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just be aware that the butter may solidify, so you might need to let the mixture sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes or give it a quick 10-second blast in the microwave to make it easier to spoon and spread.