Pecan Pie Crescents

If you love the sweet, nutty richness of pecan pie, but want something faster, easier, and more portable, these Pecan Pie Crescents are your new go-to treat. Imagine flaky, buttery crescent rolls filled with gooey brown sugar, corn syrup, and pecans — a handheld dessert that’s irresistibly decadent in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these crescents bring the classic pecan pie flavor in a fun, approachable package.

Whether you’re preparing for a holiday, a casual get-together, or just treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, these crescent rolls are guaranteed to delight. Best of all, they’re made with simple pantry ingredients and take under 30 minutes from start to finish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet and Nutty: Gooey pecan filling paired with buttery crescent dough makes for the ultimate indulgence.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 27 minutes, perfect for last-minute desserts.
• Handheld Convenience: Ideal for parties, brunches, or a quick sweet treat on the go.
• Customizable: Add chocolate chips, maple syrup, or even a drizzle of caramel for extra flair.
• Kid-Friendly: Everyone loves the sticky-sweet filling tucked inside soft, flaky dough.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving.

Ingredients Breakdown

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

Crescent Dough

• 1 can crescent roll dough (8-count)

Pecan Filling

• 1/3 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons light or dark corn syrup
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Egg Wash

• 1 egg, whisked with 1 tablespoon water

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Spoon for filling
• Small bowl for egg wash

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also makes clean-up a breeze.

2. Prepare the Pecan Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine:

• Chopped pecans
• Brown sugar
• Corn syrup
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Stir until the mixture is thick, glossy, and evenly combined. The filling should be slightly sticky but easy to scoop.

3. Prepare the Crescent Dough

Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into eight individual triangles. Lay them out on your work surface, wide ends facing you.

4. Fill the Crescents

Place a spoonful of pecan mixture at the wide end of each triangle. Be careful not to overfill; you want the filling to stay inside during baking.

5. Roll and Seal

Carefully roll each triangle from the wide end to the tip, tucking and sealing the sides as you go. Gently pinch the ends to prevent the sugary filling from leaking out while baking.

6. Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place the crescent rolls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them to allow for expansion during baking.

7. Apply Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk 1 egg with 1 tablespoon water. Brush this mixture lightly over the tops of the crescents. The egg wash gives a glossy, golden finish.

8. Bake

Bake the crescents in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them; the filling should bubble slightly, and the dough should be fully cooked.

9. Cool and Serve

Let the crescents cool for a few minutes before serving. The filling will be hot, so a short cooling period ensures safety and optimal texture. Serve warm for ooey-gooey perfection.

Tips & Variations

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Pop them in a preheated 325°F (165°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to warm through.
• Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the pecan mixture before rolling.
• Maple Magic: Replace corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a deeper, richer flavor.
• Nut-Free Option: Swap chopped pecans for sunflower seeds or omit entirely for a sweet “sugar pie” crescent.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of nutmeg or allspice can complement the cinnamon for more aromatic depth.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

Taste & Texture:

• Sweet and Nutty: Brown sugar and pecans create a rich, sweet bite.
• Buttery & Flaky: Crescent dough provides a soft yet flaky texture that balances the gooey filling.
• Warm & Comforting: Perfect for cozy mornings or an afternoon snack.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
• Pair with vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist.
• Top with a light drizzle of caramel for extra indulgence.

Nutritional Overview (Approximate per crescent)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	220 kcal
Protein	3 g
Fat	11 g
Saturated Fat	5 g
Carbohydrates	28 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	14 g
Cholesterol	25 mg
Sodium	150 mg

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prep Filling in Advance: Mix pecan filling a day ahead and store in the refrigerator. Assemble crescents just before baking.
• Freeze Before Baking: You can roll the crescents and freeze on the baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe container and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cook time.
• Batch Baking: Perfect for holiday gatherings — double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pie filling instead of making the pecan mixture?
Yes, but adjust for sweetness as pre-made fillings may be sweeter than the homemade version.

Can I make mini crescent bites?
Absolutely! Cut each triangle in half for smaller, bite-sized treats.

Can I use frozen crescent dough?
Yes, thaw according to package instructions before filling and baking.

Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes, substitute melted butter with plant-based butter and use a vegan crescent dough.

Can I add other nuts?
Pecans are traditional, but walnuts or almonds can work for a nutty variation.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time	Description
Preheat Oven	5 min	375°F (190°C)
Prepare Filling	5 min	Mix pecans, sugar, syrup, butter, vanilla
Assemble Crescents	5 min	Fill, roll, and seal
Bake	10–12 min	Golden and bubbly
Cool & Serve	2–3 min	Let filling set

Total Time: 27 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm for the best gooey texture.
• Sprinkle with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Pair with fresh fruit for balance.
• Perfect for holiday brunch spreads or as a sweet snack anytime.

Ingredient Spotlight: Pecans

• Selection: Look for fresh, firm pecans. Avoid shriveled or old nuts.
• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months or freeze for longer shelf life.
• Enhancing Flavor: Toast pecans lightly before mixing with sugar and syrup for a deeper, nuttier flavor.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Seal Properly: Pinch the dough ends to prevent filling from leaking.
• Even Baking: Ensure crescents are spaced apart on the baking sheet.
• Golden Finish: Egg wash creates a shiny, golden crust — don’t skip!
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Use parchment paper and avoid overfilling.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Room Temperature: Up to 2 days in an airtight container.
• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
• Freezing: Assemble uncooked crescents, freeze solid, then bake adding 2–3 extra minutes.

Expanded Conclusion

These Pecan Pie Crescents are the ultimate quick dessert or snack — sweet, nutty, gooey, and perfectly portable. Combining flaky crescent dough with a rich pecan filling creates a treat that tastes indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for holidays, brunches, or simple indulgence at home, each bite delivers a comforting, gooey, and nutty flavor that everyone will love.

Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Make a batch today, and watch these crescents disappear in minutes — they’re truly that irresistible.

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