Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls

Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls have become my go-to dessert when I am craving something sweet but do not want the fuss of making a classic pie. With golden crescent rolls and gooey pecan filling, this recipe is easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for sharing with family and friends. Every time I make them, the kitchen fills with the nostalgic aroma of butter and toasted pecans.

I whipped these up last Thanksgiving while visiting my sister and now her kids always request them whenever I stay over. They are just as good served warm from the oven or at room temperature.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Pillsbury Crescent Rolls: this dough bakes up tender and flaky look for a can with no visible dents for best freshness
• Chopped pecans: these add a classic nutty crunch use fresh pecans and avoid any with a rancid scent
• Granulated sugar: brings sweetness to the filling select pure white fine-grain sugar for a smooth mixture
• Light corn syrup: this gives the filling its glossy sticky texture always check that your syrup is clear and not crystallized
• Unsalted butter: melted for rich flavor unsalted allows you to control seasoning look for pale yellow color
• Pure vanilla extract: enhances the filling’s warmth real vanilla gives the best depth avoid artificial for this recipe
• Large egg: acts as a binder and adds richness use a fresh egg for stability

How to Make It

Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheet:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit 175 degrees Celsius and arrange a piece of parchment paper over a rimmed baking sheet You want full coverage so cleanup later is a breeze

Make the Pecan Filling:

In a large mixing bowl whisk together the sugar corn syrup melted butter pure vanilla extract and egg Continue until everything looks silky smooth Set aside two tablespoons of this mixture for later

Mix the Pecans:

Take your chopped pecans and fold them gently into the remaining sugar mixture Stir until every piece of pecan is glossy and coated evenly

Shape the Crescent Rolls:

Carefully unroll the crescent dough and separate it into individual triangles Arrange each triangle flat with the wider end facing you Spoon two to three tablespoons of pecan filling onto the fat end of each dough piece and roll it up snugly towards the tip Place each roll on the lined baking sheet with the pointed end underneath to avoid unrolling

First Bake:

Slide the tray into your hot oven and bake the rolls for eight minutes During this time the dough will begin to puff and set but not brown completely

Brush and Finish Baking:

Remove the tray from the oven and gently brush each roll with the reserved sugar mixture you set aside earlier This helps boost the glossy finish and adds extra flavor Return the tray to the oven for five more minutes or until the rolls turn golden brown and cooked through

Final Touch and Serve:

Take the rolls out and while still warm sprinkle more chopped pecans over the top if you like Serve right away for the ultimate treat or let them cool for easier handling

Chopped pecans are my absolute favorite part of these rolls The slight bitterness balances the caramel-like sweetness so well I still remember my younger brother sneaking extra pecans while I was assembling these rolls and laughing when he thought I did not notice

Flavor Boosters

In the fall add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling to enhance warm spice flavors Around the winter holidays swap some pecans for toasted hazelnuts and drizzle with melted dark chocolate for a festive twist For spring gatherings try mixing in chopped dried cherries with the nuts

Serving Suggestions

Serve these rolls for a sweet breakfast or as a party dessert tray I like to pair them with strong hot coffee or spiced chai tea Try a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a next-level dessert My aunt loves drizzling them with extra maple syrup for a sticky treat

Creative Twists

If you need a corn syrup substitute look for golden syrup or make a quick simple syrup from water and sugar in a pinch Use walnuts instead of pecans for a different flavor Just keep the pieces small for easiest rolling To keep these dairy free substitute melted coconut oil for butter and use crescent dough labeled as vegan

When my cousin visited from out of state her son said these tasted better than the bakery and I took that as the ultimate compliment Now I always double the batch since they seem to vanish almost instantly

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I use homemade crescent dough?

Yes, homemade dough works as a substitute for canned crescent rolls if you prefer a from-scratch approach.

→ What can I use instead of light corn syrup?

Maple syrup or honey can replace corn syrup for slightly different flavor but similar texture in the filling.

→ How should I store these rolls?

Keep rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate to extend freshness.

→ Can these be made ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate unbaked rolls, then bake fresh when ready. Baked rolls also reheat well.

→ Are these suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, all ingredients are vegetarian-friendly. Always check labels for specific dietary needs.

→ Is it possible to add extra flavors?

Cinnamon or orange zest can be mixed into the filling for a unique twist on traditional flavors.