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Recipe: Crescent Roll Pecan Cinnamon Rolls

Soft, fluffy crescent roll cinnamon rolls topped with a gooey caramel pecan glaze. Ready in just 30 minutes, these rolls are the perfect quick breakfast or dessert treat.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tube of crescent roll dough
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Pecan Topping

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie pan and set aside.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
  • Roll out the crescent roll dough on a clean surface. Pinch together the seams to create a smooth sheet.
  • Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the dough, covering the entire surface.
  • Roll the dough tightly from the shorter end to create a log. Use string or dental floss to slice the log into 9 equal pieces.
  • Place the rolls into the greased pie pan, forming a circle with one roll in the center.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  • While the rolls bake, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, and pecans. Cook until the mixture is smooth and gooey, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately pour the warm pecan topping over them. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Tips for Perfect Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls

  1. Seal the Dough Seams
    When rolling out the crescent dough, pinch the seams tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
  2. Use String for Clean Slices
    Dental floss or kitchen string is the best tool for slicing the dough log. It keeps the rolls perfectly round and avoids squishing the delicate dough.
  3. Don’t Overbake
    Watch the rolls closely toward the end of baking. Pull them out as soon as they’re golden brown to keep them soft and tender.
  4. Prep Ahead
    You can assemble the rolls the night before and refrigerate them in the pan. In the morning, bake and prepare the topping fresh.
  5. Customize the Filling
    Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the filling for extra warmth. You can also sprinkle in chopped nuts or raisins if desired.
  6. Control the Gooeyness
    For a less sticky glaze, use less maple syrup or reduce the butter slightly. For extra gooeyness, double the topping recipe.
  7. Serve Fresh
    These rolls are best enjoyed warm right out of the oven, but leftovers can be reheated in the microwave for a few seconds to restore their gooey goodness.
  8. Make It Your Own
    Swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or omit the nuts entirely to accommodate allergies or preferences.