If you love the rich, caramel flavor of pecan pie but want something quick and easy to make, Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls are the perfect treat. These golden, flaky crescent rolls are filled with a gooey, nutty mixture that tastes just like homemade pecan pie. Each bite delivers the perfect combination of buttery pastry, brown sugar sweetness, and crunchy pecans—all wrapped up in a handheld dessert that’s both elegant and effortless.
I made these for a holiday brunch once, and they disappeared in minutes! They’re great for any occasion—Thanksgiving, Christmas morning, or even a casual weekend treat. I’ve also tried adding a drizzle of caramel on top, and it made them absolutely irresistible. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoyed straight out of the oven, these crescent rolls bring all the cozy flavors of pecan pie without the fuss of a traditional pie crust.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls recipe is an easy, delicious way to enjoy the taste of pecan pie in a fraction of the time. With only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you get flaky, buttery pastries filled with caramelized pecans and sweet, gooey filling. They’re perfect for brunch, dessert, or even as a holiday gift. Plus, the pre-made crescent roll dough makes the process nearly foolproof—you’ll have bakery-worthy results every time.
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Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls: A Sweet, Buttery Twist on a Classic Dessert
- Total Time: 22 mins
- Yield: 8 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Flaky, golden crescent rolls filled with a gooey pecan pie filling made of brown sugar, butter, and pecans — an irresistibly easy dessert that tastes just like mini pecan pies.
Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar or caramel sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is well combined and sticky.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 8 triangles.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the pecan mixture onto the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll up each triangle, starting from the wide end toward the tip, and place on the prepared baking sheet with the tip side down.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
- Cool for 5 minutes before serving. Drizzle with caramel sauce or dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Use toasted pecans for a deeper nutty flavor.
- These taste amazing served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- You can substitute honey for corn syrup if preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat in the oven to crisp up.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Refrigerated crescent roll dough – The base of the recipe; flaky, buttery, and easy to work with.
Pecans (chopped) – Add that signature nutty crunch and flavor. Toasting them first enhances their richness.
Brown sugar – Provides sweetness and a deep caramel flavor that mimics traditional pecan pie filling.
Corn syrup – Helps create the sticky, gooey texture inside the rolls.
Butter (melted) – Adds richness and helps the filling caramelize beautifully.
Vanilla extract – Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
Cinnamon (optional) – Adds a warm, cozy spice that pairs perfectly with the pecans.
Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness and intensifies the buttery flavor.
Powdered sugar (optional, for garnish) – A light dusting adds a pretty finish before serving.
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the filling: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, chopped pecans, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt until well combined. The mixture should be sticky and thick.
- Assemble the crescent rolls: Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the pecan filling onto the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll and seal: Carefully roll each triangle from the wide end to the tip, enclosing the filling. Pinch the edges gently to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Bake: Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Cool slightly and serve: Let the rolls cool for a few minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra decadent touch.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 8 crescent rolls and takes about 25 minutes total—10 minutes for prep and 12–15 minutes for baking. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for both spontaneous desserts and planned gatherings.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore their crispness. These rolls can also be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature and warm briefly before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Maple Pecan Rolls
Replace the corn syrup with maple syrup for a warm, earthy sweetness.
Chocolate Pecan Pie Rolls
Add a few mini chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolatey twist.
Salted Caramel Pecan Rolls
Drizzle salted caramel over the baked rolls for an indulgent finish.
Honey Butter Glaze
Brush the rolls with melted honey butter right out of the oven for a glossy, sweet topping.
Nutty Mix-Up
Combine pecans with chopped walnuts or almonds for added texture.
Holiday Spice Version
Add a pinch of nutmeg and allspice for a festive, seasonal touch.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade pie dough instead of crescent dough?
Yes, but crescent dough gives the best flaky, buttery texture with minimal effort.
2. Can I use light corn syrup instead of dark?
Absolutely—light corn syrup gives a milder flavor, while dark has a deeper caramel taste.
3. Do I need to toast the pecans first?
It’s optional, but toasting enhances their flavor and crunch.
4. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the rolls and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 12 hours. Bake just before serving.
5. How can I keep the filling from leaking out?
Avoid overfilling the rolls and pinch the seams tightly before baking.
6. Can I make this recipe without corn syrup?
Yes, substitute with honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar.
7. Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?
Yes! It makes the rolls extra flaky and elegant—just adjust the baking time slightly.
8. What can I serve these with?
They pair perfectly with coffee, hot chocolate, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
9. Can I make them smaller for parties?
Yes, cut each crescent triangle in half to create bite-sized versions.
10. How do I store leftover filling?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days—great for topping oatmeal, pancakes, or waffles.
Conclusion
Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls are the ultimate shortcut dessert—flaky, buttery, and filled with gooey, caramelized pecans that taste just like your favorite pie. They’re simple enough for a weekday treat but special enough for holiday gatherings. Whether you dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel, these little pastries deliver all the cozy warmth and flavor of pecan pie in a fun, easy-to-make form. Once you try them, they’ll become a go-to for every sweet craving and celebration.
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