5-Ingredient PB&J Crescents (Ready in 15 Minutes!)

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If you’re searching for croissant recipe ideas that don’t require hours in the kitchen, you’ve landed in the right place. These PB&J Crescents are about to become your new favorite go-to for busy mornings, after-school snacks, or even a quick dessert that tastes like childhood wrapped in buttery, flaky layers.

Imagine biting into a warm, golden crescent roll filled with creamy peanut butter and your favorite jam. The combination is pure comfort food magic sweet, salty, and utterly satisfying. Best of all, this recipe uses just five simple ingredients and comes together in under 20 minutes. No fancy equipment, no complicated techniques, just delicious results every single time.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Flaky Croissant Recipe

This recipe proves that you don’t need to master a French croissant recipe to enjoy bakery-quality treats at home. Using refrigerated crescent rolls as your base, you get all the flaky, buttery goodness without the work. Here’s why this recipe is a winner:

• Super Quick: From opening the can to pulling golden crescents from your oven, you’re looking at just 15 minutes of baking time
• Kid-Friendly: Children love the familiar PB&J flavor, and they can even help assemble these
• Versatile: Swap jams, try different nut butters, or add chocolate chips for endless variations
• Budget-Friendly: With just five ingredients, this is an affordable treat that doesn’t sacrifice taste
• Perfect for Any Time: Enjoy these as crossiant breakfast recipes, midday snacks, or even a fun croissant dessert recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything required to make these irresistible PB&J Crescents:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Refrigerated Pillsbury Original Crescent Rolls	1 can (8 oz, 8 count)	Keep chilled until ready to use
Creamy Peanut Butter	1/4 cup	Can substitute with almond or sunflower seed butter
Jam or Preserves	2 tablespoons	Strawberry, grape, or raspberry work beautifully
Butter, Melted	1 tablespoon	For that golden, glossy finish
Sesame Seeds	1 teaspoon	Optional, but adds a delightful crunch

These simple pantry staples transform into something truly special with just a few easy steps.

Essential Kitchen Equipment

To make this recipe as smooth as possible, gather these basic tools:

• Oven preheated to 375°F
• Baking sheets (ungreased works perfectly)
• Cutting board for workspace
• Measuring cups and spoons set for accurate portions
• Kitchen utensils including a pastry brush for butter
• Mixing bowls for organizing ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Open the can of crescent rolls and carefully separate the dough into 8 individual triangles. Arrange them on your cutting board with the wide end facing you. The pre-cut perforations make this step incredibly easy.

Step 2: Add the Filling

Using a butter knife or small spatula from your kitchen utensils set, spread about 1½ teaspoons of creamy peanut butter evenly across each triangle, leaving a small border around the edges. Next, dollop about ¾ teaspoon of jam on top of the peanut butter. Don’t overfill you want the filling to stay inside during baking.

Step 3: Roll Them Up

Starting from the wide end of each triangle, gently roll the dough toward the point. Roll loosely to allow the dough to expand as it bakes. Place each rolled crescent on your ungreased baking sheet, making sure they’re spaced about 2 inches apart.

Step 4: Brush and Sprinkle

Melt your tablespoon of butter and use a pastry brush to lightly coat the top of each crescent. This creates that beautiful golden-brown finish. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the tops for added texture and a hint of nutty flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Watch for the crescents to turn golden brown and puff up beautifully. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let the crescents cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a serving plate. The filling will be hot, so give them a moment to cool down before that first bite.

Pro Tips for Perfect PB&J Crescents

• Don’t Overfill: Too much filling will leak out during baking. Less is more here
• Seal the Edges: Press the dough edges gently to help seal in the filling
• Try Different Jams: Experiment with flavors apricot preserves, blueberry jam, or even Nutella for a chocolate twist
• Make Them Ahead: Assemble these the night before, cover with plastic wrap, and bake fresh in the morning
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days, then reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes

Creative Variations to Try

This basic recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some stuffed crossiant recipes variations:

• Chocolate PB Crescents: Replace jam with chocolate hazelnut spread
• Apple Cinnamon: Use apple butter instead of jam and add a sprinkle of cinnamon
• Savory Version: Skip the jam and add cream cheese with everything bagel seasoning
• Honey Almond: Use almond butter and drizzle with honey after baking
• Berry Cream Cheese: Spread cream cheese first, then add berry preserves

Nutritional Information (Per Crescent)

• Calories: Approximately 145
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fat: 8g
• Sugar: 4g
• Fiber: 1g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on specific brands used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade croissant dough instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! If you’re feeling ambitious and want to make a French croissant recipe from scratch, you can use homemade dough. Just roll it out, cut into triangles, and follow the same filling and baking instructions.

What’s the best jam to use?
Any jam works beautifully! Strawberry and grape are classic choices, but raspberry, apricot, or even fig preserves add a gourmet touch. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the crescents, place them on a baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. When ready to bake, brush with butter, add sesame seeds, and bake as directed (you may need to add 1-2 extra minutes).

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
The key is not overfilling and rolling loosely. Also, make sure to start from the wide end and roll toward the point. A light touch helps the dough expand properly without bursting.

Can I freeze PB&J Crescents?
You can freeze the baked crescents! Let them cool completely, wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in a 325°F oven for 8-10 minutes.

Are these suitable for people with nut allergies?
If you or someone you’re serving has a nut allergy, substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter. Both work wonderfully and maintain that creamy texture.

Can I add more protein?
Definitely! Spread an extra layer of peanut butter or add a sprinkle of chia seeds or hemp hearts over the jam before rolling.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Mornings

As someone juggling multiple tasks every day, I understand the need for recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimum effort. These PB&J Crescents check every box. They’re quick enough for weekday mornings yet special enough for weekend brunch. Kids can help assemble them, making breakfast a fun family activity.

The beauty of using refrigerated crescent rolls is that you skip the time-consuming process of making dough from scratch while still enjoying that flaky, buttery texture. It’s a smart shortcut that doesn’t compromise on taste. Plus, with most ingredients already in your pantry, you can whip these up whenever the craving strikes.

Serving Suggestions

These crescents are delicious on their own, but here are some serving ideas to elevate your presentation:

• Serve warm with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee
• Dust with powdered sugar for a dessert-style presentation
• Pair with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or banana
• Serve alongside scrambled eggs for a complete breakfast
• Pack in lunchboxes for a special midday treat

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftover crescents in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, place on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re new to croissant recipe ideas or you’re a seasoned baker looking for quick leftover croissant recipes, these PB&J Crescents prove that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. The combination of buttery, flaky pastry with the nostalgic flavors of peanut butter and jelly is pure comfort food at its finest.

This recipe is proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen or professional pastry skills to create something special. With just five ingredients and 15 minutes, you can serve up a breakfast or snack that looks impressive and tastes even better.

So next time you’re wondering what to make for breakfast, remember these PB&J Crescents. They’re quick, they’re delicious, and they’re guaranteed to put smiles on faces. Give them a try and watch them become a regular favorite in your home!

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