Buttery Crescent Rolls with Pecan Filling

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Buttery Crescent Rolls with Pecan Filling are the perfect treat for any occasion, combining flaky, buttery dough with a rich, nutty filling.

Skylar Jennings

Created by

Skylar Jennings

Last updated on 2025-12-21T00:41:01.397Z

These buttery crescent rolls are not just a side dish; they're a delightful addition to any meal or a treat on their own. The pecan filling adds a delicious crunch and a hint of sweetness, making them irresistible.

Why You'll Love These Rolls

  • Flaky, buttery texture that melts in your mouth
  • Sweet and crunchy pecan filling for a delightful contrast
  • Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack

The Perfect Combination of Flavors

Buttery Crescent Rolls with Pecan Filling offer an exquisite blend of flavors that is hard to resist. The flaky, buttery dough serves as a canvas for the rich, sweet pecan filling, creating a harmonious balance of taste and texture. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch from the pecans, paired with the softness of the roll. This delightful combination makes these rolls a standout choice for any gathering or as a comforting snack at home.

The sweet and nutty flavor profile of the pecan filling elevates these rolls to a new level. With the addition of brown sugar and cinnamon, the filling becomes a warm, aromatic treat that perfectly complements the buttery dough. Whether served fresh from the oven or enjoyed as leftovers, these rolls promise a delicious experience that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Versatile for Any Occasion

These buttery crescent rolls are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, attending a potluck, or simply enjoying a cozy breakfast at home, these rolls fit the bill perfectly. They can be served alongside coffee or tea, or paired with fresh fruit for a complete meal.

Moreover, they can be customized to suit different tastes. If you want to experiment, consider adding chocolate chips or dried fruits to the pecan filling. This flexibility allows you to create unique variations of the recipe that cater to your guests’ preferences, ensuring that these rolls are always a hit.

Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with your Buttery Crescent Rolls, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, and precise measurements can make a significant difference in texture and flavor. Additionally, when kneading the dough, ensure that it becomes smooth and elastic, which is a sign that the gluten has developed properly.

Another important tip is to allow the dough sufficient time to rise. A warm, draft-free environment is ideal for this process. If your kitchen is cool, you might consider placing the dough in the oven with just the light on to create a cozy atmosphere. A well-risen dough will yield light and airy rolls that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create these delicious rolls:

Dough

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon instant yeast
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup milk, warmed
  • 1 large egg

Pecan Filling

  • 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Make sure to have all ingredients ready before you start.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your buttery crescent rolls:

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add the softened butter, warmed milk, and egg. Stir until a dough forms, then knead for about 5 minutes until smooth.

Let the Dough Rise

Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.

Make the Filling

In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.

Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large circle. Cut the circle into 12 equal wedges.

Fill and Roll

Place a spoonful of the pecan filling at the wide end of each wedge. Roll the wedge towards the point to form a crescent shape.

Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve Warm

Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor!

Enjoy your freshly baked buttery crescent rolls!

Storage and Reheating

If you find yourself with leftover rolls, storing them properly is key to maintaining their freshness. Allow the rolls to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps restore their flaky texture, making them taste as if they were just baked. For a quick fix, you can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds, but be cautious not to overheat, as this can make them tough.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are delightful on their own, but you can take them to the next level with some simple serving suggestions. Drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over the top for added sweetness, or serve them with a dollop of whipped cream cheese for a creamy contrast. Fresh fruit or a side of yogurt can also complement the rolls beautifully, enhancing your dining experience.

For a festive touch, consider dusting the rolls with powdered sugar or serving them with a fruit compote. These delicious additions not only elevate the presentation but also provide different flavor layers that your guests will appreciate.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

→ What can I substitute for pecans?

You can use walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nut flavor.

→ How should I store the leftover rolls?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

→ Can I add chocolate to the filling?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips to the pecan filling will create a delicious chocolate-pecan combination.

Buttery Crescent Rolls with Pecan Filling

Buttery Crescent Rolls with Pecan Filling are the perfect treat for any occasion, combining flaky, buttery dough with a rich, nutty filling.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Skylar Jennings

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 rolls

What You'll Need

Dough

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  4. 1 tablespoon instant yeast
  5. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  6. 1/2 cup milk, warmed
  7. 1 large egg

Pecan Filling

  1. 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
  2. 1/2 cup brown sugar
  3. 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  4. 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add the softened butter, warmed milk, and egg. Stir until a dough forms, then knead for about 5 minutes until smooth.

Step 02

Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.

Step 04

Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large circle. Cut the circle into 12 equal wedges.

Step 05

Place a spoonful of the pecan filling at the wide end of each wedge. Roll the wedge towards the point to form a crescent shape.

Step 06

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 07

Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 200 kcal
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 6g
  • Protein: 3g