Pecan Pie Crescents Recipe

Imagine everything you love about classic pecan pie wrapped inside a golden, buttery crescent—quick to make, endlessly snackable, and sure to be an instant favorite at any occasion. That’s exactly what you get with these irresistible Pecan Pie Crescents, a recipe that delivers gooey caramelized pecans and hint of vanilla in every bite. They’re a warm hug from the oven, perfect for holidays, potlucks, or “just because” dessert cravings. Best of all, they’re easy enough to whip up on a whim, without fussing over homemade pie crusts or complicated steps!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Pecan Pie Crescents is in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role—bringing flavor, texture, and that signature irresistible aroma to your kitchen. Rounded out with pantry staples, these crescents are greater than the sum of their parts.

• Crescent roll dough: Delivers a flaky, buttery exterior that crisps up beautifully in the oven—no rolling pin required!
• Chopped pecans: Adds crunch and that unmistakably rich, nutty flavor essential to pecan pie.
• Packed brown sugar: Provides a deep, caramel sweetness that makes every bite melt-in-your-mouth good.
• Corn syrup: Binds the filling together, lending that signature gooey texture reminiscent of traditional pecan pie.
• Melted butter: Kicks up the richness and helps everything meld together inside the crescents.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the flavors, adding a homey bakery aroma.
• Cinnamon (optional): Offers a cozy hint of spice that pairs perfectly with pecans and brown sugar.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and makes the entire filling pop with flavor.
• Egg wash: Gives the crescents their shiny, golden-brown crust—don’t skip this magical finishing touch!

How to Make Pecan Pie Crescents

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Gear

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C)—it only takes a couple of minutes, and you’ll want it nice and hot for that perfectly golden crust. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the crescents from sticking and to make cleanup effortless.

Step 2: Make the Gooey Pecan Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the chopped pecans, packed brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is glossy and evenly mixed. This gooey, nutty mixture is the sweet heart and soul of your Pecan Pie Crescents!

Step 3: Roll and Fill the Crescents

Carefully unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles—it’s like laying out mini blank canvases. At the wide end of each triangle, spoon on a generous heaping of your pecan filling. Don’t be shy, but try not to overfill, as this will make them tricky to roll up without leaking.

Step 4: Shape and Seal

Start at the wide end and roll each triangle toward the tip, wrapping up the sweet filling inside. Gently pinch the ends and seams to help keep the gooey filling snugly inside as they bake. Arrange the rolled crescents on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.

Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash

Whisk together one egg with a tablespoon of water to create a simple egg wash. Use a pastry brush to lightly coat the tops of each crescent. This step gives your Pecan Pie Crescents that irresistible bakery-style sheen and helps the dough crisp up to perfection.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crescents are puffed and golden brown. Your kitchen will fill with the most tempting aroma! Let them cool just a touch before serving—warm and gooey is absolutely the way to go.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Crescents

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar looks timeless and elegant atop the golden crescents. For extra flair, drizzle with a little melted chocolate or caramel. If you want to take the nutty theme even further, sprinkle with a few extra chopped toasted pecans just before serving.

Side Dishes

Pecan Pie Crescents are right at home alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for dessert. For brunch, pair them with fresh seasonal fruit, a creamy latte, or even a mimosa. Their rich, sweet flavor balances beautifully with salty snacks like cheese or roasted nuts if you’re serving at a party.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the crescents artfully on a rustic wooden board or tiered tray for a festive gathering. For a cozy touch, serve them straight from the baking sheet lined with parchment for a “fresh from the oven” vibe. Mini cupcake liners make adorable holders if you’re packing them up for a bake sale or potluck.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Pecan Pie Crescents in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay deliciously fresh for up to two days—though they tend to disappear much faster!

Freezing

These crescents freeze wonderfully. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap individually in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture in the freezer for up to two months. Just remember to label so you don’t forget about them!

Reheating

Give leftover or thawed crescents a quick warm-up in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This refreshes their crisp outer layer and makes the filling gooey and inviting again. The microwave works in a pinch, but oven reheating keeps the texture closer to fresh-baked.

FAQs

Can I use homemade crescent dough instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade dough makes Pecan Pie Crescents feel extra special. Just roll it thin and cut into triangles to mimic the store-bought version. The end result will be even flakier and more impressive.

What’s the best way to chop pecans for the filling?

A sharp knife works wonders, but you can also pulse pecans a few times in a food processor for perfectly even pieces. Just don’t overdo it—you want small chunks, not pecan dust!

Is there a substitute for corn syrup?

If you want to avoid corn syrup, you can swap in pure maple syrup or honey. Both will add their unique flavor to your Pecan Pie Crescents and help achieve that signature sticky texture.

Can I make these nut-free for allergies?

While pecans are the star ingredient, you can try using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds as a substitute for a similar crunch without nuts. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’s a delicious workaround for those with allergies.

Do Pecan Pie Crescents need to be refrigerated?

They don’t require refrigeration if you plan to eat them within a day or two, just keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze as noted above.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a sweet treat that checks all the boxes—easy, crowd-pleasing, and bursting with classic flavor—these Pecan Pie Crescents absolutely deliver. Give them a try next time you need a quick homemade dessert or a cozy brunch addition. They might just become your new favorite recipe to share with friends and family!

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