Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls – Buttery, Gooey, and Irresistibly Easy
If you love the rich, nutty sweetness of pecan pie but don’t want to make an entire pie from scratch, these Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls are the perfect shortcut. Buttery crescent dough wraps around a luscious brown sugar–pecan filling, then bakes into golden, flaky perfection — all in under 30 minutes.
Each bite tastes like a mini pecan pie wrapped in a soft, buttery pastry. They’re quick to make, easy to serve, and guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering. Whether you need a quick dessert for the holidays, a special brunch treat, or a cozy afternoon snack, these crescent rolls bring all the warmth and flavor of pecan pie in a simple, crowd-pleasing form.
No pie crust, no stress — just a few pantry ingredients and a roll of crescent dough for that irresistible pecan pie flavor in a fraction of the time.
Why You’ll Love These Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls
1. Quick and effortless
Made with crescent roll dough — no pie crust or complicated prep required.
2. Tastes just like pecan pie
Sweet, buttery filling with toasted pecans gives that classic pecan pie richness in an easy-to-hold form.
3. Ready in 25 minutes
Perfect for last-minute desserts, brunches, or anytime sweet cravings hit.
4. Minimal ingredients
Uses simple pantry staples like brown sugar, butter, and pecans.
5. Portable and shareable
Ideal for potlucks, holiday parties, or breakfast buffets — no slicing or plates needed.
6. Versatile
Serve warm for dessert, with coffee at breakfast, or as a sweet holiday snack.
What You’ll Need
These pecan pie crescent rolls come together with a handful of simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
For the Filling:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
For Assembly:
- 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash, optional)
- Extra pecans or coarse sugar for topping (optional)
For the Glaze (Optional but Recommended):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk or cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Make the Pecan Pie Filling
In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, melted butter, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and syrupy.
Add the chopped pecans and mix until the nuts are evenly coated with the sweet buttery mixture.
This filling should be thick but spreadable — similar to a sticky pecan pie filling. Set aside while you prepare the dough.
Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Dough
Unroll the crescent dough on a clean surface and separate the triangles along the perforated lines.
If you want a cleaner look, gently press the seams back together with your fingers before filling, but it’s not necessary.
Step 4: Add the Filling
Spoon about 1 to 1½ teaspoons of the pecan mixture onto the wide end of each triangle.
Spread it slightly toward the center but leave the edges clear — this prevents the filling from leaking out while baking.
Step 5: Roll Them Up
Starting from the wide end, roll each dough triangle toward the tip, enclosing the pecan mixture inside.
Place each roll on the prepared baking sheet, tip side down to keep them from unrolling as they bake.
If desired, brush each roll lightly with the beaten egg to help them brown beautifully and hold a glossy finish.
Sprinkle the tops with extra chopped pecans or coarse sugar for added texture and a bakery-style touch.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 11–13 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Keep an eye on them near the end — every oven varies slightly, and crescent dough can brown quickly once it’s done.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Remove from the oven and allow the rolls to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
While they cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the warm rolls for that perfect sweet finish.
Serve warm for the best gooey texture, or let them cool completely for a portable treat.
Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls
- Use finely chopped pecans.
Smaller pieces roll more easily and stay inside the dough while baking. - Don’t overfill.
A little filling goes a long way — too much can cause leaks. - Seal the edges if needed.
Pinch the sides lightly before rolling if your filling feels runny. - Watch the bake time.
Golden brown is your goal — overbaking can dry out the filling. - Use parchment paper.
The brown sugar syrup can bubble and caramelize; parchment makes cleanup simple. - Drizzle while warm.
The glaze melts just enough to coat beautifully without running off. - Toast your pecans first.
For extra depth of flavor, toast pecans in a dry skillet for 3–4 minutes before chopping.
Flavor Variations
Once you’ve mastered this base recipe, try customizing your pecan pie crescent rolls with fun variations:
Sweet Options
Chocolate Pecan Rolls:
Add a few mini chocolate chips to the filling before rolling for a gooey, chocolatey twist.
Salted Caramel Pecan Rolls:
Drizzle caramel sauce over the baked rolls and sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
Cinnamon Roll Pecan Crescents:
Mix in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and a bit of cream cheese filling for a breakfast-style version.
Apple Pecan Rolls:
Add a spoonful of finely diced apples to the filling for a caramel apple–pecan combination.
Savory-Sweet Options
Bacon Pecan Rolls:
Mix in a tablespoon of crumbled cooked bacon to the filling for a smoky-sweet flavor.
Maple Pecan Breakfast Rolls:
Use maple syrup instead of honey and serve with a side of bacon or sausage for a brunch treat.
Serving Suggestions
These pecan pie crescent rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven — warm, gooey, and fragrant. Serve them as:
- A quick dessert after dinner
- A sweet addition to a holiday brunch
- A handheld treat for coffee or tea time
- A Thanksgiving or Christmas morning pastry
They also make great edible gifts. Arrange them in a decorative box or tin, drizzle with glaze, and dust lightly with powdered sugar before gifting.
For an extra indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce.
How to Store and Reheat
Room Temperature:
Store cooled crescent rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator:
They’ll keep for up to 5 days in the fridge. Reheat before serving for the best texture.
Freezer:
Freeze baked rolls in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until warm and crisp.
Make-Ahead Option
You can assemble the rolls up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate them unbaked on a tray covered with plastic wrap.
When ready to bake, brush with egg wash and bake as directed — adding 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time if needed.
This make-ahead method is great for busy mornings or entertaining guests — just pop them in the oven for freshly baked aroma and flavor without the morning rush.
Troubleshooting
Filling leaking out:
Use slightly less filling or roll more tightly. You can also chill the filling for 5 minutes to firm it up before using.
Dough unrolling during baking:
Place seam-side down and press the tip into the sheet gently.
Overbrowning:
Tent with foil halfway through baking if your oven runs hot.
Too dry or crunchy:
Reduce bake time by 1–2 minutes next time, or drizzle more glaze while warm.
Soggy bottoms:
Use parchment paper and a preheated baking sheet for even heat distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these with homemade crescent dough?
Yes. Any soft, buttery roll dough will work — just roll it out and cut into triangles before filling.
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely. Walnuts give a slightly more bitter edge but still pair beautifully with the brown sugar filling.
Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, but it adds a lovely sweetness and shine. You can also dust with powdered sugar instead.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter and crescent dough (many brands offer this now). The flavor remains just as rich.
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?
Yes, though the texture will be flakier and more pastry-like — still delicious.
Are these overly sweet?
They’re rich and sweet like pecan pie, but balanced by the buttery dough. You can cut the brown sugar slightly if you prefer less sweetness.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per roll)
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
(Nutrition may vary depending on brand of dough and ingredients used.)
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe takes the essence of traditional pecan pie — caramelized brown sugar, buttery pecans, and rich flavor — and transforms it into an easy handheld version using crescent roll dough.
The butter and brown sugar mixture melts as it bakes, coating the pecans in a glossy caramel that soaks slightly into the pastry, giving each bite the perfect mix of crunch and gooey sweetness.
The result is everything you love about pecan pie — rich, nutty, and satisfying — without the fuss of rolling crusts, mixing eggs, or baking a full pie. Crescent dough ensures consistent flakiness every time, and the short bake time makes this an ideal last-minute dessert.
Tips for Customizing Your Crescent Roll Routine
- Make mini rolls for parties.
Cut each dough triangle in half before filling for bite-sized treats. - Add a festive touch.
Drizzle with white icing and sprinkle chopped pecans or gold sugar on top for a holiday-ready look. - Turn into a ring.
Arrange crescent triangles in a circle with tips overlapping, add filling around the center, then fold over and bake for a beautiful pecan pie ring centerpiece. - Use them for brunch boards.
Pair with fruit, coffee, and yogurt for a cozy brunch spread. - Serve warm with ice cream.
A scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream transforms these rolls into a restaurant-quality dessert.
Final Thoughts
These Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls combine the best of both worlds — the rich, gooey flavors of pecan pie and the simplicity of buttery crescent dough.
They’re quick, comforting, and utterly irresistible, making them perfect for any occasion — from holiday breakfasts to casual desserts.
You get all the nostalgic flavor of homemade pecan pie in an easy, no-fuss recipe that anyone can make.
Warm, flaky, and filled with buttery brown sugar pecan goodness — these rolls are proof that sometimes the simplest desserts are the most unforgettable.
