Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls: A Sweet, Buttery Treat with Southern Charm

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pecan pie crescent rolls are everything you love about traditional pecan pie — buttery, nutty, and caramel-sweet — wrapped up in flaky crescent roll dough for a quick and irresistible treat. Each bite combines the gooey brown sugar filling with toasty pecans, all nestled in a golden, tender pastry. It’s a dessert that tastes homemade but takes only minutes to prepare. I once tried brushing the tops with a touch of maple syrup before baking, and the result was pure perfection — glossy, sweet, and rich. Whether you serve them for breakfast, brunch, or as a holiday dessert, these pecan pie crescent rolls bring cozy Southern flavor to every bite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Crescent roll dough – Store-bought crescent dough makes this recipe wonderfully simple. Its soft, flaky texture perfectly encases the rich pecan filling.

Pecans – Chopped for easy rolling and even distribution, they bring crunch and that signature nutty flavor.

Brown sugar – Adds caramel-like sweetness and depth to the filling, mimicking the flavor of traditional pecan pie.

Butter – Melted butter creates a rich, glossy coating that binds the sugar and nuts together.

Corn syrup – The secret ingredient for that gooey, pie-like texture. Use light or dark syrup depending on your flavor preference.

Vanilla extract – Enhances the caramel and nutty flavors with a warm aroma.

Cinnamon (optional) – Adds a hint of spice that beautifully complements the sweetness of the pecan mixture.

Sea salt – Just a pinch balances the flavors and cuts through the sweetness.

Powdered sugar glaze (optional) – A drizzle of glaze made with powdered sugar and milk takes these rolls from delicious to decadent.

Directions

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

In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly coated.

Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the pecan mixture onto the wide end of each triangle. Roll up the dough from the wide end toward the tip, tucking the sides slightly to seal in the filling.

Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Brush the tops lightly with any remaining butter mixture for a glossy finish.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

For an optional glaze, whisk together ½ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons of milk until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled rolls. Serve warm or at room temperature for the perfect sweet bite.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
• large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
• Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
• Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
• Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
• 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
• knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
• Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8 crescent rolls. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, and baking takes 12 minutes. Total time: roughly 25 minutes from start to finish.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover crescent rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until soft and warm. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy. You can also freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat before serving.

Variations and Customizations

Maple Pecan Rolls – Replace corn syrup with maple syrup for a deeper, more rustic sweetness.

Chocolate Pecan Pie Rolls – Add a few chocolate chips inside before rolling for a rich, dessert-style twist.

Apple Pecan Rolls – Add finely chopped apples to the filling for a fruity, caramel-pecan combination.

Pumpkin Pecan Rolls – Mix a tablespoon of pumpkin puree into the filling for a cozy fall flavor.

Pecan Cream Cheese Rolls – Spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese before adding the pecan filling for extra creaminess.

Salted Caramel Pecan Rolls – Drizzle caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt on top before serving.

Honey Pecan Rolls – Use honey instead of corn syrup for a lighter, floral sweetness.

Bourbon Pecan Rolls – Add a teaspoon of bourbon to the filling for a boozy, Southern-inspired twist.

Mini Pecan Bites – Cut the dough triangles in half for bite-sized treats — perfect for parties or brunch buffets.

Pecan Pie Crescent Ring – Arrange the crescent rolls in a circular pattern and bake as a ring for a stunning holiday presentation.

FAQs

Can I use homemade crescent dough?

Yes, homemade dough works great, but store-bought keeps this recipe quick and easy.

Can I use whole pecans instead of chopped?

Chopped pecans are best for even distribution and easier rolling.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and fill the rolls, then refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

Can I skip the corn syrup?

You can replace it with honey or maple syrup for a natural alternative, though the texture will be slightly less gooey.

Do I need to grease the baking sheet?

No, parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

How can I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Don’t overfill the rolls and make sure to tuck the edges in while rolling.

Can I add chocolate or caramel?

Absolutely — both pair beautifully with pecans and add extra indulgence.

Can I make these nut-free?

Substitute chopped sunflower seeds or omit nuts entirely and fill with brown sugar and cinnamon.

Can I freeze them before baking?

Yes, freeze unbaked rolls on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the time.

How should I serve them?

They’re delicious on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or hot coffee for a sweet finish.

Conclusion

Pecan pie crescent rolls are the perfect shortcut dessert — flaky, buttery, and filled with that classic caramelized pecan flavor. They’re quick enough for weekday treats but elegant enough for the holidays. The combination of crispy pastry and gooey, nutty filling makes every bite a little taste of Southern comfort. Whether you make them for a brunch spread, a cozy dessert, or a festive gathering, these rolls are guaranteed to impress. Simple to make, easy to love — a sweet twist on pecan pie you’ll come back to again and again.

Looking for more tasty recipes? Visit our website for full details and follow us on Pinterest for daily food ideas to save and share