Yields: 8 crescents
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Recipe Intensity: Very Easy – This is an accessible recipe for bakers of all skill levels. It involves simple stovetop cooking and easy rolling techniques.
Ingredients
For the Pecan Filling:
-
1 cup pecans, finely chopped
-
¼ cup unsalted butter
-
¼ cup packed dark brown sugar
-
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or dark corn syrup
-
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
-
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
-
Pinch of salt
For Assembly:
-
1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
-
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for dusting)
For the Glaze (Optional but Recommended):
-
½ cup powdered sugar
-
2-3 teaspoons milk or cream
-
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Toast and Chop the Pecans
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature for the crescent dough to bake up flaky and golden without burning the sugary filling. While the oven heats, spread the pecans in a single layer on a small, dry baking sheet. Toast them for 5-7 minutes, until fragrant. Watch them closely to prevent burning! Let them cool for a few minutes, then give them a fine chop. Toasting is a non-negotiable step—it unlocks the nuts’ deep, buttery flavor and is the foundation of a great pecan pie.
Step 2: Create the Gooey Filling
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, dark brown sugar, and maple syrup. Stir continuously until the butter has melted and the mixture is smooth and begins to bubble gently. Let it simmer for 1 minute; this allows the sugar to dissolve completely and the mixture to thicken slightly.
Remove the pan from the heat. Immediately stir in the finely chopped toasted pecans, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir until every pecan is gleaming and coated in the syrupy mixture. Set the filling aside to cool for 10-15 minutes. It will thicken as it cools, making it much easier to handle.
Pro-Tip: The filling will be very hot! Allowing it to cool is crucial to prevent it from melting the delicate crescent dough and causing leaks during baking.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough for Assembly
Lightly flour a clean work surface. Unroll the sheet of crescent dough and separate it into 8 pre-cut triangles. If your dough is perforated, gently press the perforations together to seal them, creating a more solid triangle. This prevents the filling from leaking out the sides.
Step 4: The Art of the Roll
Spoon a heaping teaspoon of the cooled pecan filling onto the wide end of each dough triangle. Resist the urge to overfill! A little filling goes a long way, and too much will ooze out during baking.
Gently lift the wide end of the dough over the filling and start rolling it toward the narrow point, tucking the filling in as you go. Place each rolled crescent on an ungreased or parchment-lined baking sheet, curving the ends slightly to form the classic crescent moon shape. Ensure they are spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for even baking and expansion.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescents are puffed and a deep, golden brown. The filling may bubble out slightly—this is normal and a sign of deliciousness! The wonderful, nutty, buttery aroma filling your kitchen will be your first clue that they are done.
Step 6: The Glaze and The Cool Down
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the crescents cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This initial cooling period lets them set.
While they cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons of milk, and vanilla extract for the glaze. If it’s too thick, add the remaining teaspoon of milk, a few drops at a time, until it reaches a drizzling consistency.
Once the crescents are on the wire rack, drizzle the glaze over them while they are still slightly warm. The warmth will help the glaze set into a beautiful, shiny finish.
Nutrition Information
Please note: The following is an estimate based on the ingredients used and can vary significantly based on specific brands. It is provided for informational purposes only.
Serving Size: 1 glazed crescent
Calories: ~265
Total Fat: 17g
-
Saturated Fat: 5g
-
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 220mg
Total Carbohydrates: 28g -
Dietary Fiber: 1g
-
Sugars: 18g
Protein: 3g
Dietary Considerations: This is a decadent dessert. For a slightly lighter version, you can reduce the brown sugar by one tablespoon. To make them gluten-free, use a certified gluten-free crescent dough alternative. The recipe contains nuts and dairy.
Storing, Freezing, and Pro-Tips
-
Storing: These crescents are best enjoyed the day they are made. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The glaze may soften over time.
-
Freezing: You can freeze the baked and cooled (unglazed) crescents in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm gently in the oven before glazing and serving.
-
Make-Ahead Magic: You can assemble the crescents, place them on the baking sheet, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked crescents and bake them directly from frozen, adding 2-4 minutes to the baking time.
-
The Cool Filling Rule: A cool, thickened filling is the key to a neat crescent. A hot filling will melt the butter in the dough, leading to a greasy, leaky mess.
-
Don’t Overfill: It’s the most common mistake! A heaping teaspoon is perfect. Any more, and the filling will burst through the seams before the dough has a chance to set.
-
Customize Your Flavor:
-
Bourbon Pecan: Add a teaspoon of bourbon to the filling along with the vanilla.
-
Chocolate Drizzle: Replace the vanilla glaze with a drizzle of melted chocolate.
-
Spiced: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice along with the cinnamon.
-
The Pecan Pie Crescent is more than a recipe; it’s a little parcel of comfort and joy. It delivers all the nostalgic satisfaction of a holiday classic in a fun, flaky, and perfectly portable form. Simple enough for a spontaneous baking session yet elegant enough for your most cherished celebrations, this recipe is destined to become a new family favorite. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to bake a batch of pure, buttery happiness.