Pecan Pie Crescents

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12–15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Servings: 8 crescents

Introduction

There’s something truly nostalgic and comforting about pecan pie—its sweet, nutty filling nestled in a buttery crust is a classic Southern favorite. But what if you could enjoy all the flavors of pecan pie in a smaller, quicker, and easier-to-make treat? That’s where Pecan Pie Crescents come in. These delightful little pastries take the rich, caramelized flavor of traditional pecan pie and wrap it inside soft, flaky crescent rolls for a handheld dessert that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Perfect for holiday gatherings, brunches, or just a cozy night at home, Pecan Pie Crescents offer an irresistible combination of textures and flavors. Best of all, they require minimal ingredients, no special baking skills, and are made using store-bought crescent dough, making this recipe ideal for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros.

Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, hosting a dinner party, or just satisfying a sweet craving, these Pecan Pie Crescents are guaranteed to please.

Ingredients

You’ll only need a handful of simple ingredients to whip up these sweet treats. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 tablespoons corn syrup (light preferred)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional but recommended)
• ¾ cup finely chopped pecans
• Pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or silicone spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or nonstick spray
• Pastry brush (optional)
• Cooling rack

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Pecan Pie Filling

In a small mixing bowl, combine the following:

• Brown sugar
• Corn syrup
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon (if using)
• Pinch of salt

Stir until the mixture is well combined and forms a thick syrup. Then fold in the chopped pecans until they are evenly coated. Set this aside—this is your pecan pie filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Rolls

Unroll the crescent dough carefully and separate it into 8 individual triangles. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart.

Step 4: Fill and Roll

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the pecan filling onto the wide end of each triangle. Be careful not to overfill to avoid spillage during baking. Starting from the wide end, roll each crescent triangle toward the point, just as you would a typical crescent roll. If some filling escapes, gently tuck it back in.

For extra shine and crispness, you can brush the tops of the rolled crescents with a little melted butter.

Step 5: Bake

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and puffed. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the crescents cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. The filling will be hot, so allow them to cool slightly before eating.

Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips and Variations

• Make it richer: Add a few mini chocolate chips to the filling for a pecan pie-meets-chocolate croissant twist.
• Add a glaze: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or cream.
• Make it spiced: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a more autumnal flavor.
• Nut alternatives: Substitute walnuts or chopped almonds if you don’t have pecans on hand.
• Serve with ice cream: These crescents pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven or microwave for 10–15 seconds.

These crescents can also be frozen before baking. Just prepare and roll them, then freeze on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes to the bake time.

Nutrition Information

(Per Crescent Roll – approximate values)

Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on the brand of crescent dough and other ingredients used.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A hit with kids and adults alike.
• No Pie Crust Required: Crescent dough keeps it simple and flaky.
• Perfect for Holidays: A great addition to dessert trays or brunch spreads.
• Portable: Great for potlucks, bake sales, and lunchbox treats.

Conclusion

If you’re craving the comforting flavors of pecan pie but don’t have time to bake a whole pie from scratch, these Pecan Pie Crescents are the answer. They’re buttery, flaky, sweet, and nutty—everything you love about pecan pie, in a convenient little roll.

This recipe is proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to make something special. With just a few pantry staples and a roll of crescent dough, you can whip up a dessert that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to prepare.

Give this recipe a try the next time you need a quick dessert, and don’t be surprised when they disappear in minutes. Happy baking!