When does a college student have time to carefully fold layers of butter into a pastry dough to create perfect, flaky croissants? Maybe in a parallel world or at culinary school, but last I checked ain’t nobody got time for that.
But that’s why we love Pillsbury Crescent Rolls. Here are five awesome crescent roll recipes, because why make plain ol’ rolls when you could think outside the tube? Get it???
1. Nutella Crescent Rolls
Photo by Hannah Cooper
Nutella crescent rolls are pretty similar to pain au chocolat because when they come out of the oven, the Nutella hardens a bit and tastes like heavenly perfection. If you don’t have Nutella or are allergic to nuts, chocolate chips are a perfect substitute.
Photo by Hannah Cooper
Place a small spoonful at the bottom of the triangular piece of dough. Roll it up as you would a normal crescent roll. Bake for 9 minutes at 375ºF.
2. Apricot Challah
Photo by Hannah Cooper
This was hands down my favorite of the five. The apricot jam and cream cheese are awesome together since they aren’t overly sweet, making it the perfect breakfast pastry.
Photo by Hannah Cooper
Take 2 crescent roll triangles and reform them into a rectangle. Cut 4 slits on each side of the rectangle. Spread a tablespoon of cream cheese and a tablespoon of apricot jam onto the center of the dough. Fold and pinch the sides on top of each other. Bake for 9 minutes at 375ºF.
3. Brie, Apple and Pecan Roll-Up
Photo by Hannah Cooper
This crescent roll is a little on the fancier side. I don’t think many college kids would have a hunk of Brie sitting in their fridge, but yolo, right?
The tartness of the Granny Smith apple is countered by the mild flavors of the pecan and cheese, which makes this a perfect appetizer. Time to throw a dinner party and show your friends who’s boss.
Photo by Hannah Cooper
Place a thin slice of Brie at the base of the triangular dough. Top with a thin apple slice and a roasted pecan. Roll up and bake for 9 minutes at 375ºF.
4. Raspberry Jam Pop-Tart
Photo by Hannah Cooper
Ah, the classic childhood snack. These homemade Pop-Tarts are great on-the-go snacks that can be filled with whatever you want.
Photo by Hannah Cooper
Form two crescent roll triangles into a rectangle (you may need a bit of flour). Top one half with raspberry jam and fold the other half on top. Use a fork to pinch the sides together. Top with a couple drops of olive oil and sprinkles. Bake for 9 minutes at 375˚F.
5. Cinnamon Roll
Photo by Hannah Cooper
Cinnamon rolls are one of my favorite breakfast items, but sometimes they are too sugary and dense. These small cinnamon crescent rolls are a great alternative and can easily be made for breakfast every day.
Photo by Hannah Cooper
In a small bowl combine the cinnamon and sugar (about 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon sugar). Melt a small amount of butter and spread it on one side of the dough. Top with cinnamon sugar and roll up. Bake for 9 minutes at 375ºF.