Name: Delicious Pecan Pie Crescents for Effortless Holiday Treats
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 1 package Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough (This flaky dough forms the perfect shell); 1 cup Chopped Pecans (Feel free to toast them for extra depth!); 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (Opt for dark brown for a deeper flavor); 1/4 cup Corn Syrup (Maple syrup or honey can be used as alternatives); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Infuses crescents with warmth); 4 tablespoons Melted Butter (Adds a rich texture to the filling); 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon (Optional, for extra holiday touch); 1 pinch Salt (Balances the sweetness); 1 cup Powdered Sugar (Creates a sweet finish); 2 tablespoons Milk (For the right consistency)

As the oven warms up, the sweet scent of brown sugar and toasted pecans begins to dance in the air, teasing my taste buds with promises of indulgence. Today, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Pecan Pie Crescents, a delightful twist on the classic dessert that’s perfect for every holiday gathering or cozy weeknight treat. These little bundles of joy bring all the rich flavors of traditional pecan pie into a flakey, bite-sized crescent, making them an absolute breeze to whip up in under 30 minutes. Not only are they incredibly quick to prepare, but they also serve as a fantastic crowd-pleaser that can easily be customized for any occasion. Ready to roll up some deliciousness? Let’s dive in!

Why Will You Love These Crescents?

Ease of Preparation: These Pecan Pie Crescents come together in under 30 minutes, making them the perfect solution for unexpected guests or last-minute holiday treats.

Gooey Perfection: Each bite is a delightful blend of sweet, sticky pecan filling nestled inside a flaky crescent shell, reminiscent of your favorite pecan pie.

Versatility: With simple substitutions, you can mix and match ingredients to create your ideal dessert. Think of adding mini chocolate chips or even substituting walnuts for a new flavor twist!

Impressive Presentation: These bite-sized delights look beautifully sophisticated, making them a great addition to any dessert table, earning you rave reviews from friends and family.

Don’t forget to pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast! If you’re looking for more quick and delicious holiday treats, check out these Oatmeal Cream Pies or tempting Pumpkin Pie Protein snacks!

Pecan Pie Crescents Ingredients

• Get ready to roll with these delightful fillings!

For the Dough

Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough – This flaky dough forms the perfect shell for your pecan filling, saving time without compromising taste.

For the Filling

Chopped Pecans – Provides that classic nutty crunch; feel free to toast them for extra depth!
Brown Sugar – Adds a rich sweetness; opt for dark brown sugar for an even deeper flavor.
Corn Syrup – Helps bind the filling together; maple syrup or honey can work as natural alternatives.
Vanilla Extract – Infuses your crescents with warmth and richness, enhancing the overall flavor.
Melted Butter – Adds a luscious, rich texture to the filling.
Cinnamon (optional) – Introduces a warm spice note for that extra holiday touch.
Pinch of Salt – Balances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors beautifully.

For the Optional Glaze

Powdered Sugar – Creates a sweet finish to your crescents.
Milk – Adds the right consistency for drizzling over the baked crescents.

Get ready to indulge in these Pecan Pie Crescents that blend comfort, flavor, and a touch of holiday magic in each easy-to-make bite!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pecan Pie Crescents

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will create a nice base for your Pecan Pie Crescents, ensuring they come out beautifully golden and crisp.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients form a thick and sticky filling. If you’d like to add a hint of spice, sprinkle in some cinnamon at this stage for an extra cozy touch.

Step 3: Unroll the Dough
Carefully unroll the refrigerated crescent roll dough on a clean surface. Separate it into 8 individual triangles, ensuring that the edges remain intact. Keep them close together for easy access, as you’ll be filling and rolling them up shortly.

Step 4: Fill the Crescents
Take about 1 tablespoon of the prepared pecan filling and place it at the wide end of each triangle. Gently roll the dough away from you, tucking the sides in as you go to secure the filling inside each crescent. This creates a delightful pocket of gooey goodness!

Step 5: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Once all crescents are filled and rolled, space them evenly on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some room for expansion. This ensures that they bake evenly and don’t stick together. The delightful aroma will soon fill your kitchen as they bake.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the Pecan Pie Crescents for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and the filling begins to bubble slightly at the edges. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.

Step 7: Cool and Transfer
After baking, allow the crescent rolls to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This will help them set and make it easier to move. Then, carefully transfer them to a cooling rack, where they can cool completely and maintain their flaky texture.

Step 8: (Optional) Drizzle the Glaze
For an extra touch of sweetness, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to create a glaze. Once the Pecan Pie Crescents have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over them for a delightful finish. This optional step adds flavor and a lovely visual appeal.

What to Serve with Pecan Pie Crescents?

There’s nothing quite like the warm, gooey goodness of pecan pie crescents, especially when paired with delightful side dishes and drinks!

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm crescents, enhancing the dessert experience. A scoop alongside each crescent creates a comforting combination.
Decadent Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling rich chocolate sauce over these crescents adds an indulgent twist, elevating the taste to a delightful new level. This pairing promises a satisfying chocolatey experience.
Fresh Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds a luscious touch, balancing the sweetness of the pecan filling. A dollop on top or alongside each crescent brings a lovely texture contrast.
Coffee: A warm mug of coffee pairs perfectly with these sweet crescents, adding a rich, familiar flavor that wonderfully complements the sugary notes. Ideal for those cozy evenings!
Chai Tea: The spice and warmth of chai tea enhances the cozy experience. The aromatic flavors blend seamlessly with the nutty pecans, offering a delightful holiday vibe.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a vibrant contrast to the richness of the crescents. The brightness of the fruit balances the sweetness and adds a refreshing crunch.
Caramel Sauce: For even more sweetness, drizzle some caramel sauce on top. This adds a luxurious, buttery layer that beautifully enriches each bite of the crescents.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: This holiday favorite not only warms the soul but perfectly complements the flavors of pecan pie crescents, creating a festive atmosphere in every bite and sip.
Pecan Pie Bars: Continue the nutty theme with another dessert option that echoes the flavors. The chewy texture transitions beautifully with the crescents, making for an unforgettable dessert spread.

Make Ahead Options

These Pecan Pie Crescents are ideal for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy homemade treats without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the filling and refrigerate it for up to 3 days in advance. Just mix the chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt (adding cinnamon optional) and store it in an airtight container. Additionally, if you wish, you can roll the crescents and freeze them before baking—just ensure they are well wrapped to prevent freezer burn, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, simply bake them from frozen, adding an extra couple of minutes to the cooking time; you’ll have these delightful Pecan Pie Crescents that taste just as fresh and delicious as if they were made that day!

Expert Tips for Pecan Pie Crescents

Filling Consistency: Ensure your filling is thick; if it’s too runny, let it sit for a bit before using. This prevents any spills during baking.
Rolling Technique: Tuck the dough sides tightly when rolling to avoid the filling leaking out. A snug roll results in perfectly sealed crescents.
Egg Wash Option: For a shinier, more appealing appearance, brush the tops with an egg wash before baking. It elevates the presentation beautifully!
Freezing Made Easy: If you’re preparing ahead, these Pecan Pie Crescents can be assembled and frozen prior to baking. Just remember to add extra time if baking from frozen.
Toast Your Nuts: To enhance the flavor, consider toasting your chopped pecans before mixing them into the filling. It adds a lovely richness and deeper flavor!

Pecan Pie Crescents Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative and personalize your Pecan Pie Crescents with these delightful variations!

Nut Choices: Substitute chopped walnuts or almonds in place of pecans for a different nutty flavor that still delivers crunch.
Chocolate Delight: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for an indulgent twist that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the filling. Each bite will be a gooey surprise!
Mini Tarts: Instead of crescents, press the dough into a greased mini muffin tin; fill with the pecan mixture for adorable mini pecan tarts that are easy to pop in your mouth.
Spicy Kick: Mix in a couple of teaspoons of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising heat that balances the sweetness, perfect if you’re seeking an adventurous flavor combination!
Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free option, substitute melted butter with coconut oil and use non-dairy milk for the glaze, ensuring everyone can enjoy these treats.
Vegan Adaptation: Vegan dough and egg replacements will create a friendly dessert for plant-based eaters, making your gatherings more inclusive.
Tropical Twist: Incorporate shredded coconut into the filling for a unique texture and tropical flair that brings a new dimension to these crescents.
Cinnamon Roll Style: Roll the dough with brown sugar and cinnamon before adding the pecan filling—this creates a delightful cinnamon swirl accent in every bite!

If you’re looking for more delightful treats, consider trying these simple Rice Krispie Treats or give the Pumpkin Pie Protein a whirl—both are sure to delight!

How to Store and Freeze Pecan Pie Crescents

Room Temperature: Store unglazed Pecan Pie Crescents at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container to maintain their flaky texture.

Fridge: If you have leftovers, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Simply place them in a covered container; reheating in a low oven helps restore their original warmth and crunch.

Freezer: For longer storage, these crescents freeze beautifully, either unbaked or baked. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating: To reheat, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, which will warm the filling while keeping the dough crisp and delicious!

Pecan Pie Crescents Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best pecans for my crescents?
Absolutely! When selecting pecans, look for ones that are fresh, with no dark spots or signs of spoilage. Ideally, they should be in a sealed container to maintain freshness and flavor. Toasting your pecans before using them enhances their nuttiness and adds depth to the filling, so consider this for an added layer of flavor!

How should I store leftover Pecan Pie Crescents?
Very! If you have leftovers, simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. If reheating, do so in a low oven to keep them crisp and delightful. A quick 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) should do the trick!

Can I freeze Pecan Pie Crescents?
Absolutely! You can freeze Pecan Pie Crescents either unbaked or baked. To freeze unbaked, simply wrap each crescent tightly in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. For baked crescents, wrap and freeze similarly for the same timeframe. Reheating from frozen is easy—just pop them in the oven until warm and flaky!

What if my filling is too runny?
No worries! If your filling consistency appears too runny, let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before using. This allows it to thicken up and makes rolling your crescents easier. A thicker filling helps to prevent spills while baking, ensuring that your crescents come out perfect and gooey!

Are there any dietary considerations for these crescents?
Yes! These Pecan Pie Crescents are vegetarian-friendly, and can easily be made vegan by using plant-based butter and a suitable vegan dough. Also, it’s always good to check for any nut allergies in your guests, as pecans are a common allergen. If needed, you can substitute with seeds or sunflower butter for a different but delicious filling!