Pecan Cream Cheese Rolls

Indulge in the comforting flavors of these decadent Pecan Cream Cheese Rolls, where tender crescent roll dough envelops creamy pockets of chilled cream cheese and a sweet, cinnamon-infused pecan filling.

Baked to golden perfection and bathed in a buttery, caramelized sauce of melted butter and cream soda, these rolls emerge from the oven with a delightful aroma that promises a deliciously satisfying treat.

Perfectly suited for brunches or as a delightful dessert, these rolls are best enjoyed warm, making them a delightful addition to any occasion.

Pecan Cream Cheese Rolls

Ingredients

8 oz refrigerated crescent roll dough

1 cup pecan pieces

½ cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 tablespoons butter, melted

4 oz cream cheese, chilled

6 tablespoons butter, melted

½ cup cream soda

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.

In a small bowl, combine pecan pieces, brown sugar, cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter.

Cut the cream cheese into 8 equal squares.

Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles.

At the wide end of each triangle, place a square of cream cheese and a spoonful of the pecan mixture. Roll up the dough, starting from the filled end, and seal it.

Place the filled rolls in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Drizzle the rolls with the remaining 6 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle the remaining pecan mixture on top.

Carefully pour the cream soda around the rolls in the dish.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown on top. Serve warm.

Notes:

Chill Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is well chilled before cutting it into squares. This will make it easier to handle and prevent it from melting too quickly when baked.

Handling Crescent Roll Dough: Work quickly with the crescent roll dough to prevent it from becoming too warm and sticky. This helps in easier rolling and sealing of the rolls.

Even Filling Distribution: When placing the cream cheese and pecan mixture onto the crescent dough, distribute them evenly to ensure every roll has a balanced amount of filling.

Sealing Rolls: Seal the edges of the crescent rolls tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Press the seams together firmly.

Drizzling Butter: When drizzling melted butter over the rolls, try to distribute it evenly to ensure all parts of the dough get a nice buttery flavor and golden color.

Cream Soda Pouring: Carefully pour the cream soda around the rolls rather than directly over them. This helps in creating a caramelized sauce around the rolls as they bake.

Baking Time: Keep an eye on the rolls towards the end of baking to ensure they are baked to a golden brown color without overcooking. Oven temperatures can vary, so adjust as needed.

Serve Warm: These rolls are best enjoyed warm when the cream cheese is soft and the pecan filling is gooey. Allow them to cool slightly after baking before serving.

Variations: Feel free to customize the filling with additions like raisins, chopped apples, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for added sweetness.

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving to maintain their texture.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of your favorite nuts.

Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese to lighten the recipe?

Yes, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese if you prefer a lighter option.

The texture and flavor may vary slightly.

What can I use instead of cream soda?

If you prefer not to use cream soda, you can substitute it with a similar amount of another soda like cola or ginger ale, or with a mixture of brown sugar and water for sweetness.

Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time and bake them later?

Yes, you can assemble the rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake.

Just remember to drizzle with butter and pour cream soda just before baking.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked rolls (before adding butter and soda) in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

What should I serve with Pecan Cream Cheese Rolls?

These rolls are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

How can I prevent the rolls from becoming too soggy from the cream soda?

Pour the cream soda carefully around the rolls rather than directly over them to prevent them from becoming overly moist during baking.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the rolls?

Yes, you can adjust the sweetness by reducing or increasing the amount of brown sugar used in the pecan filling according to your preference.

How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

The rolls should be golden brown on top and the dough should be cooked through.

Use a toothpick to test; it should come out clean from the center of a roll.