Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the apple pie bites from sticking to the sheet. Parchment paper also helps ensure an even bake, so your bites come out golden and crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Sugar-Spice Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and apple pie spice. Stir to combine, ensuring that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sugar. Set this mixture aside for later use. This will become the sweet filling that will be sprinkled on top of the crescent rolls before baking.

Step 3: Toss the Apple Slices in Butter

Melt the butter in a small bowl, then toss the apple slices in the melted butter. This step is essential because the butter helps the apples cook evenly while adding flavor and richness to the filling. Make sure each apple slice is evenly coated, and set them aside.

Step 4: Arrange the Crescent Roll Dough

Next, open the tube of Pillsbury crescent rolls and carefully separate the dough into 8 individual triangles. Lay the crescent roll triangles flat on your prepared baking sheet. If you’re using a baking sheet without parchment paper, you can lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Add the Brown Sugar Mixture

Take the brown sugar and apple pie spice mixture and evenly distribute it onto each crescent roll triangle. You’ll want to sprinkle enough so that each bite has a sweet and flavorful filling inside. Be generous with the sugar mixture, but not too much that it overflows when wrapped.

Step 6: Sprinkle with Chopped Pecans

Once the brown sugar mixture is added, sprinkle the chopped pecans on top of each crescent roll triangle. The pecans add a lovely crunch and bring out a toasted, nutty flavor that enhances the apple pie filling. If you prefer a different nut, you can swap out the pecans for walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.

Step 7: Add the Apple Slices

Place one buttered apple slice on the wide end of each crescent roll triangle. The apple slice should fit comfortably on the dough. If necessary, gently press the apple slice into the dough so it stays in place as you wrap it. You want to make sure each bite has enough apple filling, but don’t overstuff the crescent rolls, or it may be harder to wrap them properly.

Step 8: Wrap the Crescent Rolls

Carefully wrap the crescent dough around the apple slice, starting at the wide end and rolling it towards the point. You want the dough to encase the apple slice fully. Don’t worry if the rolls aren’t perfectly shaped; they’ll still turn out beautifully, with the apple slice and sugar mixture tucked inside.

Step 9: Brush with Butter and Sprinkle with More Spice

Use the remaining melted butter to brush the tops of the wrapped crescent rolls. This will help them achieve a golden, crispy crust when baked. After brushing with butter, lightly sprinkle the wrapped crescents with an additional ¼ teaspoon of apple pie spice. This will enhance the flavor and aroma of the final product, giving them that quintessential apple pie taste.

Step 10: Bake the Apple Pie Bites

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the apple pie bites for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. The crescent rolls should be crispy on the outside, while the apple slices inside will become tender and sweet. You’ll know they’re done when the edges of the crescent rolls are golden and the apples have softened.

Step 11: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the apple pie bites from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. This brief cooling period will make them easier to handle and allow the filling to set slightly. After cooling, serve them warm and enjoy their flaky, buttery goodness.