Description

Pecan Pie Crescents are a quick and delightful holiday dessert featuring flaky crescent roll dough filled with a rich and sticky pecan pie-inspired filling. Perfect for festive occasions, these golden-brown pastries combine the buttery crunch of pecans with the sweetness of brown sugar and corn syrup, all wrapped in tender crescent rolls. Easy to prepare and bake in just 30 minutes, they make a perfect treat to share with family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Crescent Dough

1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough

Filling

1 cup chopped pecans (can substitute with walnuts or almonds)
1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
1/4 cup corn syrup (can swap with maple syrup or honey)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
1 pinch salt (to balance sweetness)

Optional Glaze

Powdered sugar (for drizzling)
Milk (to create glaze)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the crescents.
Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and optional cinnamon. Stir together until the mixture forms a thick, sticky filling that will hold well inside the dough.
Unroll Dough: Unroll the refrigerated crescent roll dough on a clean, flat surface. Separate the dough into individual triangles as per package instructions.
Fill and Roll: Place about 1 tablespoon of the pecan filling onto the wide end of each crescent triangle. Carefully roll the dough tightly from the wide end to the narrow tip, encasing the filling securely.
Bake Crescents: Arrange the filled crescents on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they are puffed and golden brown.
Cool: Remove the crescents from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. Then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely or until warm.
Optional Glaze: If desired, prepare a glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a small amount of milk until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled or slightly warm crescents for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Notes

You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds based on preference or availability.
For a natural sweetener alternative, replace corn syrup with maple syrup or honey.
The cinnamon is optional but adds a warm spice note that complements the pecans well.
Ensure the filling is thick and sticky to prevent leakage during baking.
Allow the crescents to cool slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; reheat gently before serving.