Pecan Pie Crescents: Easy Meal Prep in 7 Steeps

Pecan Pie Crescents: Gooey, Buttery Handheld Perfection

If you’re craving all the sweet, sticky richness of classic pecan pie but want something easy, quick, and totally crowd-pleasing—Pecan Pie Crescents are your new best friend. These mini treats are everything you love about traditional pecan pie, but wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough and baked until golden and bubbling. In just over 20 minutes, you’ve got a festive pastry that feels like a homemade bakery delight.

Whether you’re prepping for holiday gatherings, Sunday brunch, or an afternoon coffee treat, these crescent roll pecan bites are guaranteed to steal the spotlight.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Pecan Pie Crescents

  • Effortless and impressive – 8 ingredients, one bowl, and no rolling pins or crust drama

  • Sweet + salty perfection – buttery crescent rolls with gooey, nutty, caramelized filling

  • Ready in 20 minutes – no chill time or fuss, just mix, fill, and bake

  • Perfect for any occasion – brunch trays, Thanksgiving dessert platters, or edible gifts

  • Great for beginners – a simple recipe with bakery-quality results

These crescent rolls are just as welcome on a cozy morning table as they are on a fancy dessert spread.

Ingredient Highlights

Crescent Dough

Refrigerated crescent roll dough gives you flaky, golden pastry without any of the work—perfect for quick baking.

Pecans

Toasted chopped pecans add crunch and rich, nutty depth. You can sub with walnuts, but pecans make it taste like true pie filling.

Brown Sugar + Corn Syrup

This duo gives the filling its signature pecan pie texture: gooey, glossy, and caramel-sweet.

Butter & Vanilla

Melted butter enriches the filling, while vanilla adds warmth and balance.

Pecan Pie Crescents

Full Ingredient List

  • 1 can crescent roll dough (8-count)

  • ⅓ cup chopped pecans

  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar

  • 2 tbsp corn syrup (light or dark)

  • 1 tbsp melted butter

  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

  • ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional)

  • Pinch of salt

  • Egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water, beaten)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. In a medium bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Mix until the filling is thick and sticky.

  3. Unroll the crescent dough and separate into 8 triangles.

  4. Place a heaping tablespoon of the pecan mixture on the wide end of each triangle.

  5. Roll tightly toward the tip, pinching the sides and ends to help seal in the filling.

  6. Transfer crescents to the prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with egg wash for that shiny, golden finish.

  7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed, crisp, and golden.

  8. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving—filling will be hot!

Optional: drizzle with caramel sauce or dip ends in melted chocolate for an elevated finish.

Pro Tips for Crescent Roll Success

Pecan Pie Crescents

  • Seal them well: Pinch the dough around the filling so it doesn’t ooze out during baking.

  • Line your baking sheet: Always use parchment paper—it catches any caramel-like drips and makes cleanup easy.

  • Toast your pecans: Lightly toasting pecans in a dry skillet enhances their nutty flavor and adds crispness.

  • Room temp dough is best: Let crescent dough sit out for a few minutes before unrolling to prevent tearing.

  • Don’t overfill: A tablespoon of filling per crescent is plenty—too much can cause messy leaks.

Delicious Variations to Try

These pecan pie crescents are ultra-versatile. Try these fun spins on the original:

  1. Chocolate-Pecan Crescents
    Add a few chocolate chips to the filling for a turtle-inspired twist.

  2. Maple Bourbon Version
    Swap corn syrup with maple syrup and a splash of bourbon extract for a grown-up flavor.

  3. Apple Pie Crescents
    Use diced apples + cinnamon sugar for a fruity fall take.

  4. Cream Cheese Pecan Crescents
    Add a teaspoon of softened cream cheese with the pecan mix for tangy richness.

  5. Mini Crescent Rolls
    Cut triangles in half and roll smaller bites—perfect for dessert trays or brunch buffets.

How to Serve Them

These flaky, sweet crescents are amazing warm out of the oven—but there are so many ways to enjoy them:

  • Serve with coffee or chai tea for a cozy morning pick-me-up.

  • Place on a holiday dessert board next to cookies, bars, and fudge.

  • Pair with vanilla ice cream for an impromptu pecan pie à la mode.

  • Pack in lunchboxes or wrap in parchment as edible gifts during the holidays.

  • Top with a drizzle of caramel sauce or sprinkle of powdered sugar for bakery vibes.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freeze

  • Wrap each crescent in foil and place in a zip bag. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.

To Reheat

  • Warm in a 350°F oven for 5–6 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds.

Pecan Pie Crescent vs. Classic Pecan Pie: Which to Make?

Not sure if you want to go traditional or try this shortcut? Here’s how the two compare:

Feature Pecan Pie Crescents Traditional Pecan Pie
Time to Make 20–25 minutes total 90+ minutes including cooling
Skill Level Beginner-friendly Intermediate – requires pie dough
Portion Control Built-in single servings Typically sliced into 8+ pieces
Sweetness Level Slightly less sweet Very rich and sugary
Texture Flaky, chewy, gooey inside Crunchy top, custardy center
Occasion Everyday, brunch, gifting Holidays, dinner parties

Both versions have their place. But if you’re after something faster, fun, and still fully decadent—crescent roll pecan pies win for versatility and ease.

The Secret to That Sticky Pecan Pie Flavor

Pecan Pie Crescents

What really makes these Pecan Pie Crescents sing is how the filling transforms in the oven. As the brown sugar and corn syrup bake with the butter and vanilla, they create that signature caramel-like pecan pie filling—sticky, glossy, and rich. It seeps slightly into the flaky dough, turning the inside into a chewy-sweet center and the edges golden-crisp.

Unlike traditional pie, you don’t need to bake a crust blind or worry about soggy bottoms. The crescent dough crisps up beautifully on its own and holds just enough moisture to create a contrast of soft inside and crisp outside. That bite into buttery layers with a sugary pecan burst is what makes these so addictive.

Bonus: since the filling firms up as it cools, these are just as tasty the next day—no fork required.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the crescents and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Bake fresh when ready.

Can I use puff pastry instead?
You can, but baking time will increase slightly and texture will be flakier and less bready.

Are these overly sweet?
No—they’re sweet like pecan pie, but balanced by buttery pastry and optional cinnamon.

Can I use honey instead of corn syrup?
Yes, though the texture will be slightly stickier and less glossy.

What’s the best way to reheat?
A toaster oven or air fryer gives the best texture. Microwave works in a pinch but softens the crust.

Final Thoughts

These Pecan Pie Crescents are everything we love about fall baking: cozy, easy, and packed with flavor. They bring all the nostalgia of classic pie without the time commitment or stress. And that combination of gooey pecan filling with flaky, buttery dough? Unmatched.

Whether you’re baking for brunch, potlucks, or just treating yourself to something sweet, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite. Keep a can of crescent dough and a jar of pecans in your pantry—and dessert is never far away.

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Pecan Pie Crescents

Pecan Pie Crescents: Easy Meal Prep


  • Author: Freya Allen
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 8 crescents 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Everything you love about gooey pecan pie—wrapped in a buttery crescent and baked to golden perfection. These handheld treats are irresistible!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can crescent roll dough (8-count)
  • ⅓ cup chopped pecans
  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp corn syrup (light or dark)
  • 1 tbsp melted butter
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Egg wash (1 egg mixed with 1 tbsp water)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, mix chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon (if using), and salt until well combined.
  3. Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles.
  4. Spoon pecan mixture onto the wide end of each triangle. Roll up tightly, pinching the ends to help seal in the filling.
  5. Place on prepared baking sheet and brush tops with egg wash.
  6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
  7. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!

Notes

  • Seal edges tightly to avoid leaking filling.
  • Use parchment paper to catch caramel-like drips.
  • Add a drizzle of caramel or dip in chocolate for extra flair.
  • Store in fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
  • Reheat in oven for best texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 crescent
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 11g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: pecan pie crescents, holiday crescent rolls, crescent desserts, easy pecan pastries

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