Description
If pecan pie had a little cousin, this would be it.
These golden crescents are buttery, flaky, and filled with that rich, nutty, caramel-like pecan filling we all adore. They’re the kind of sweet treat that makes a regular afternoon feel like a holiday.
Ingredients
1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
1 cup pecans, chopped
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup corn syrup
¼ cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg, beaten
½ teaspoon salt
Directions
1. Warm up the oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). The smell that’s about to fill your kitchen is pure comfort.
2. Make the filling
In a bowl, stir together pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla, beaten egg, and salt. This gooey mixture is what makes each crescent taste like pecan pie in a pocket.
3. Prepare the dough
Unroll the crescent dough and separate into individual triangles.
4. Fill & roll
Spoon a little filling onto the wide end of each triangle, then roll it up toward the tip, sealing the edges so that nutty goodness stays tucked inside.
5. Bake
Place crescents on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, until they’re golden brown and irresistible.
6. Enjoy warm
Let them cool just a bit—though honestly, they’re nearly impossible to resist fresh out of the oven.
These Pecan Pie Crescents are perfect for holiday trays, cozy weekends, or even as a sweet little surprise with coffee. The way the filling seeps into the flaky layers is enough to make anyone smile.
Tell me—would these remind you more of Thanksgiving dessert or a cozy winter morning treat?
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect crescents every time. First, ensure all ingredients, especially the egg and butter, are at room temperature for a smoother filling. When preheating your oven, place a rack in the center position for even baking. For the filling, whisk the beaten egg, melted butter, corn syrup, and vanilla first until emulsified, then stir in the brown sugar, salt, and finally the pecans. Unroll the crescent dough on a clean surface, and if any triangles tear, simply press the perforations back together. Use about one heaping tablespoon of filling per crescent, placing it on the wide end. Gently stretch the dough slightly as you roll to create more layers, and firmly pinch the final tip to seal. Before baking, you can brush the tops with a little extra beaten egg for a deeper golden finish.
Serving Suggestions
These crescents are versatile. For a decadent dessert, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of bourbon-spiked whipped cream. As a brunch item, pair them with coffee or a chai latte. For a festive holiday platter, dust them lightly with powdered sugar and arrange alongside other cookies and pastries. They also make wonderful edible gifts when packaged in a nice box or tin.
How-to Summary
In short: Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla, egg, and salt for the filling. Unroll crescent dough triangles, spoon filling onto the wide end, and roll up tightly. Bake on a parchment-lined sheet for 12-15 minutes until golden. Cool slightly and enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the crescents, place them on the baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and bake from frozen, adding 2-4 extra minutes.
Can I use a different nut? Absolutely. Walnuts make a great substitute, or use a mix of pecans and walnuts for a different flavor profile.
My filling leaked out. What happened? This is often due to overfilling or not sealing the dough edges properly. Ensure you leave a small border and pinch the seams securely.
Is there a substitute for corn syrup? You can use pure maple syrup or honey, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
How should I store leftovers? Store cooled crescents in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the oven or toaster oven to restore flakiness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls: 1) Using cold ingredients, which can lead to a lumpy filling. 2) Overfilling the dough triangles, which guarantees leakage. 3) Not pinching the dough seams securely. 4) Baking on an unlined or ungreased sheet, risking sticking. 5) Overbaking; remove them as soon as they are golden brown to keep the dough tender.
Conclusion
These Pecan Pie Crescents brilliantly capture the soul-warming essence of the classic dessert in a simple, handheld form. They are a testament to how a few quality ingredients and a simple technique can create something truly special for any occasion. Whether they remind you of a holiday feast or a cozy morning, one bite of that flaky, nutty, caramel-filled pastry is sure to become a cherished memory. We hope this enhanced guide helps you bake them to perfection.