Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls
Indulge in the irresistible fusion of classic pecan pie and flaky crescent rolls. These delightful pastries feature a sweet, nutty pecan filling encased in golden, buttery dough, offering all the comforting flavors of your favorite pie in a convenient, handheld treat. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick dessert, they're surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
13 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Servings
8 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Combines two beloved classics: the flaky texture of crescent rolls with the rich, gooey flavor of pecan pie.
- Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.
- Uses simple, readily available ingredients and straightforward steps, ideal for bakers of all skill levels.
- Offers a delightful balance of sweet, nutty, and buttery flavors in every bite.
- Versatile and perfect for breakfast, brunch, an indulgent dessert, or a quick, satisfying snack.
Ingredients
- 1 can (226 g / 8 oz) Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
- 100 g (3/4 cup) chopped pecans, plus extra for garnish if desired
- 100 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) light corn syrup
- 28 g (2 Tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
- 5 ml (1 tsp) pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Prepare a rimmed baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper; this prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup after baking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, melted unsalted butter, pure vanilla extract, and the large egg. Whisk these ingredients together until they are thoroughly blended and smooth, creating the base for your rich pecan filling. Set aside precisely 2 tablespoons of this mixture in a separate small bowl; this will be used later as a glossy glaze for the rolls.
- Incorporate the chopped pecans into the larger portion of the sugar mixture. Stir well with a spatula to ensure every pecan piece is generously coated with the sweet, sticky mixture. This forms the luscious, nutty filling for the crescent rolls.
- Carefully unroll the can of crescent dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Gently separate the dough along the perforations into eight individual triangles. Evenly spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the prepared pecan filling onto the widest end of each dough triangle. Then, starting from the wide end, meticulously roll each triangle towards its narrow tip, forming a neat crescent shape and ensuring the filling is securely enclosed.
- Transfer the filled crescent rolls to the preheated oven. Bake for an initial 8 minutes, or until the dough begins to puff up and the filling starts to set slightly. This crucial par-baking step helps the rolls hold their shape and prevents the filling from bubbling out prematurely.
- Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using a pastry brush, evenly coat the top of each crescent roll with the 2 tablespoons of reserved sugar mixture. This glaze will give the rolls a beautiful, glossy finish and an extra touch of caramelized sweetness.
- Return the brushed crescent rolls to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. Continue baking until they achieve a gorgeous light golden-brown color, indicating they are perfectly cooked through and caramelized to perfection.
- Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven. For an extra touch of presentation and crunch, you may optionally sprinkle additional chopped pecans over the warm rolls before serving. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before enjoying their warm, gooey, and nutty goodness.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl (for reserved glaze)
- Whisk or spatula
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry brush (optional, for glazing)
Essential Success Tips
- Ensure your melted butter is cooled slightly before mixing it with the egg and other filling ingredients to prevent the egg from scrambling.
- Do not overfill the crescent rolls; 2 to 3 tablespoons of filling per triangle is the optimal amount to allow for proper rolling without excessive leakage.
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature. This ensures even baking and helps achieve that desirable golden-brown crust.
- The reserved glaze is crucial for the rolls' beautiful sheen and extra layer of sweetness; apply it evenly to each roll before the final bake.
- Allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes after baking. The filling will be very hot and gooey, and cooling allows it to set slightly for a better eating experience.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an intensified nutty flavor, lightly toast your chopped pecans in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, or until fragrant, before incorporating them into the filling mixture. Let them cool before use.
- Elevate the depth of flavor by adding a tiny pinch of sea salt to the pecan filling. The salt will beautifully contrast and enhance the sweetness, much like in a traditional pecan pie.
- Consider a touch of warmth by adding a quarter teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a very small dash (a few drops) of bourbon to the filling mixture for an even more complex, sophisticated taste.
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftover Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 4 days. They are delightful reheated gently in a microwave for a few seconds or a low oven for 5-7 minutes.
- Variations: For a richer, more indulgent treat, consider adding a tablespoon of mini chocolate chips to the pecan filling. You could also drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar mixed with a little milk) over the cooled rolls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the pecan filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The pecan filling mixture can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring it back to room temperature before you begin filling the crescent rolls for easier handling.
What if I don't have light corn syrup?
Light corn syrup is essential for achieving the classic gooey, slightly chewy texture and sweetness characteristic of pecan pie. While you could technically substitute with maple syrup or honey, be aware that the final texture and flavor profile of the filling will be noticeably different.
Can these rolls be frozen?
It's best to freeze these rolls unbaked. After filling and rolling the crescent dough, place the unbaked rolls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, place them on a parchment-lined sheet directly from the freezer and bake, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Per serving (1 roll, estimated): Calories: 270, Protein: 3g, Fat: 18g, Carbohydrates: 27g, Sugars: 18g.
Allergy Information
This dish contains common allergens including wheat (gluten, from crescent rolls), dairy (from butter), eggs, and tree nuts (pecans). Individuals with these allergies should avoid consumption or seek suitable allergen-free substitutions where possible.
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