If you love classic pecan pie but don’t have the time to whip one up from scratch, these Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls are about to become your new favorite dessert. Sweet, nutty, gooey, and flaky — all wrapped into a quick-to-make crescent roll recipe that brings the flavor of fall holidays to your kitchen in less than 30 minutes.
Perfect for beginner bakers, busy parents, or anyone looking for a show-stopping dessert with minimal prep, this recipe offers the ultimate shortcut without sacrificing flavor. It’s also an ideal treat to serve at family gatherings, holiday parties, or even brunch.
Let’s dive into this irresistible crescent roll dessert idea that tastes just like a bite-sized pecan pie — no fork needed!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls
These Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls offer the flavor of traditional pecan pie in a fraction of the time. Here’s why this recipe is a keeper:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, start to finish.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Individual portions make serving easy.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with other nuts, fillings, or toppings.
- Kid-Friendly: Fun to make with children — they’ll love rolling them up!
And if you’re a fan of crescent roll recipes, be sure to check out these other amazing Crescent Roll Dessert Ideas for year-round inspiration.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Easy Crescent Roll Desserts
To keep things simple and satisfying, this recipe sticks to just a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 can of refrigerated crescent rolls (like Pillsbury, 8-count)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup chopped pecans
Optional for serving:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Caramel drizzle or honey for extra sweetness
If you’re in the mood to explore other fun breakfast-to-dessert crossovers, check out this wildly creative Pumpkin Pie Tacos — a must-try for fall!
Recommended Tools for Perfect Pecan Crescent Rolls
You don’t need much, but having the right kitchen tools can make this dessert even easier to prepare:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry brush
- Spoon or silicone spatula
- Wire rack for cooling
How to Make Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls Step-by-Step
Making these sweet rolls is as simple as stirring, filling, and baking. Here’s a quick breakdown of how to bring this recipe to life.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans until well combined.
- Unroll the crescent dough: Separate into triangles on your prepared baking sheet.
- Add the filling: Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the pecan mixture onto the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll up each crescent: Starting from the wide end, gently roll toward the point. Tuck in any extra filling that may fall out.
- Bake: Place rolls on the baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
- Cool slightly: Allow the rolls to cool for 5 minutes on a wire rack before serving.
For a crowd-pleasing savory treat to go alongside this sweet option, try these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers.
Tips for Getting the Perfect Texture and Flavor
- Don’t overfill the rolls — a generous tablespoon is perfect. Too much and they may burst open.
- Use real butter for the best flavor.
- Lightly toast the pecans before mixing them in for extra crunch and nuttiness.
- Chill the dough slightly before unrolling if it becomes too soft or sticky.
And if you’re looking for a fun alternative to these rolls, you might also love these sweet and seasonal Pumpkin Twists.
Flavor Variations and Crescent Roll Dessert Ideas
Want to switch things up? Here are some creative variations to personalize your Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls:
- Add chocolate chips for a turtle pie twist.
- Substitute walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- Top with a cream cheese glaze for a cinnamon roll-inspired dessert.
- Use apple slices and cinnamon for a twist on Apple Pie With Crescent Rolls.
Another indulgent twist is combining pecans with gooey caramel — you’ll find a similar pairing in these delicious Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies.
Serving Suggestions for Crescent Roll Pecan Pie Treats
These rolls are best served warm, either fresh from the oven or reheated. Here are a few ways to serve them:
- With a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Drizzled with maple syrup or honey
- Sprinkled with powdered sugar
- On a dessert platter with Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies or Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs for savory contrast
What to Pair with Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls
These sweet rolls pair beautifully with:
- A hot cup of herbal tea
- Lavender Lemonade for a floral citrus balance
- Fresh fruit like strawberries or apple slices
- A side of Fruit Dip for a fun, interactive dessert board
How to Store, Reheat, and Freeze These Crescent Roll Desserts
Storage:
Place leftovers in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for 4–5 days.
To Reheat:
Warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a toaster oven for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
To Freeze:
Let them cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 300°F oven for 10–12 minutes.
More Sweet Recipes with Crescent Rolls You’ll Love
If you enjoyed these pecan pie crescent rolls, don’t miss out on these other reader-favorite recipes:
- Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls
- Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
- Mini Pumpkin Pie Cups
- Apple Crisp With Oatmeal
- No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Balls
Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls FAQs
Can I use homemade crescent dough?
Absolutely! Homemade dough will work just fine, though it may take a little more time.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate unbaked rolls up to 12 hours in advance. Bake fresh when ready to serve.
Are these rolls very sweet?
They’re pleasantly sweet but not overly sugary, making them a hit for both kids and adults.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Try using a gluten-free crescent dough substitute if needed. Always check labels on packaged ingredients.
Can I use pre-chopped pecans?
Yes, though chopping them fresh gives better texture and fragrance.
Final Thoughts: Easy, Irresistible, and Perfect for Any Occasion
These Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls are the perfect shortcut dessert — rich, flaky, nutty, and ready in minutes. Whether you’re baking for a party, a cozy night in, or your next brunch spread, this recipe delivers big flavor with little effort.
If you love simple, delicious recipes like this one, be sure to explore more crescent roll creations and follow us for weekly meal inspirations!
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Print
Irresistible Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls You’ll Want Every Holiday Season
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 crescent rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls bring all the cozy, nutty flavors of classic pecan pie into an easy, flaky crescent roll. With just a handful of ingredients and under 20 minutes, these buttery rolls make the perfect holiday dessert, fall treat, or simple weekday indulgence. Finished with an optional maple glaze, they’re sweet, gooey, and guaranteed to impress without the hassle of baking a full pie.
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Maple Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or spray lightly.
- Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla until sticky and well mixed.
- Assemble: Unroll crescent dough into 8 triangles. Place 1 heaping tablespoon of pecan filling on the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll: Roll dough from the wide end to the point, tucking in filling as needed. Shape into crescents.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown and flaky. Cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- Keep dough chilled until ready to roll for easier handling.
- Don’t overfill—the pecan mixture may ooze out.
- For variations: Try walnuts, almonds, or even chocolate chips instead of pecans.
- Make-ahead: Prep and refrigerate unbaked crescents up to 1 day ahead; bake fresh before serving.
- Storage: Store at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days. Reheat briefly in a toaster oven for best texture.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze baked rolls (unglazed) up to 1 month. Reheat and glaze before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls, pecan crescent roll dessert, crescent roll dessert ideas, Pillsbury crescent roll recipes, easy pecan desserts, holiday crescent rolls, pecan dessert with crescent rolls
