These crescent roll carrots are one of my favorite Easter treats! They’re so adorable that both kids and adults love them. I make them in the air fryer for convenience, but the oven works fine as well. Stuff them with egg salad, ham salad, cream cheese, or other favorites for an app, snack, or lunch!
What Are Crescent Roll Carrots?
Crescent roll carrots are a fun and festive springtime treat made by shaping crescent roll dough into carrot-like forms, baking or air frying them until golden, and filling them with sweet or savory fillings.
The dough is wrapped around foil cones or cream horn molds to give it the carrot-like shape. Brush it with an egg wash or orange food coloring to make it look more like the vegetable, and enjoy once it’s crispy and flaky!
Once cooled, they can be filled with savory options like herbed cream cheese, egg salad, or chicken salad, or sweet fillings like whipped cream, vanilla pudding, or cheesecake mousse.
For a final touch, fresh parsley, dill, or leafy greens can be added to resemble carrot tops, making these treats a perfect addition to Easter brunches, garden parties, or other spring occasions!
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Ingredients List
- 1 tube crescent roll dough, such as Pillsbury (use the sheet, not the perforated rolls)
- 1 cup of your favorite filling (I use my Air Fryer Egg Salad)
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ tsp paprika (for color)
- ¼ tsp turmeric (for color)
- Fresh dill or parsley (about 18 sprigs)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can use other types of dough instead of crescent dough, like puff pastry or pizza dough, but cooking times will vary slightly. If you can only find original crescent rolls (the perforated type), press seams together and proceed as normal
- Other good filling options include: ham or chicken salad, herb and garlic cream cheese, whipped cream and fresh berries, vanilla pudding, or cheesecake filling!
- Instead of the seasonings for color, you can also use food coloring if you prefer. Two drops of orange, or a drop each of red and yellow works well! I recommend using food coloring or not coloring them at all if you plan on using a sweet filling
- The herbs are optional, but make it look like a carrot top for an extra cute presentation!
Equipment Note
You’ll need something to form the carrot shape for the dough. I use cream horn molds as I think they’re easiest to work with. However, you can also use similar cone-shaped molds, or use aluminum foil and shape it into a cone shape if you prefer.
Step By Step Instructions
- Roll out your crescent dough sheet and cut lengthwise into approximately 8 1-inch strips (I use a pizza cutter but a sharp knife is also fine)
- Start at the bottom of your cream horn forms (or foil mold) and wrap the strip of dough up the cone, overlapping each layer slightly. I usually tuck the ending piece back under the rest of the dough to not leave a loose edge
- Beat the egg with the turmeric and paprika (or food color), and use 1 tsp water to thin if needed to make it easier to brush. Brush onto the dough to color the carrots
- Place the cones into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer, allowing air space between each one. I like to use perforated parchment under them to prevent sticking, but it’s not strictly necessary
- Cook on the air fry setting at 330°F for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through (if you want a browner bottom, you can flip them after about 4 minutes, but it’s not necessary for cooking through)
- Cool slightly (at least 5 minutes; more is fine too), then gently twist the molds or cones to release them. As they cool they should harden a bit which makes this easier
- Use a spoon or pipe your chosen filling into the cavity of each crescent carrot
- Insert the dill or parsley sprigs into the top to look like carrot greens for garnish. Enjoy!
Alternate Oven Directions
- Place wrapped dough on a parchment paper lined baking sheet
- Bake in an oven preheated to 400°F for 6-9 minutes, or until golden brown
Recipe Tips For the Best Crescent Roll Carrots
- I did not spray my cream horn molds and they released just fine. Just be patient, don’t force them, and twist them gently for best results!
- My first batch (without preheating my air fryer) took about 7 minutes. My second batch only took 5, so you can expect to reduce cooking time for subsequent batches. Time can still vary between different air fryers, so adjust as needed for your specific unit
Pairing Suggestions
Savory Pairings
- Spring and Easter Brunch – Serve alongside deviled eggs, quiche, or a fresh fruit salad for a festive spread. Try my Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Quiche or Air Fryer Deviled Eggs for some delicious options!
- Soups & Salads – Pair with creamy soups like tomato basil, asparagus, or potato leek, or serve as a side to a fresh garden or Caesar salad. My creamy Air Fryer Potato Leek Soup is a great compliment!
- Charcuterie Boards – Arrange on a platter with cheese, meats, and dips like hummus or spinach-artichoke dip for a unique appetizer
- Egg-Based Dishes – Complement scrambled eggs, omelets, or an eggs Benedict for a hearty breakfast or brunch. You can even make Air Fryer Eggs Benedict!
Sweet Pairings
- Fruit Platters – Serve with strawberries, blueberries, or orange slices for a light and refreshing pairing!
- Dipping Sauces – Offer with honey, chocolate ganache, or a citrus glaze for extra sweetness
- Coffee & Tea – Enjoy with a cup of vanilla chai, earl grey, or a caramel latte for a cozy treat. For a boozy twist, try one of my amazing Chai Cocktails!
- Dessert Platters – Pair with mini cupcakes, macarons, or chocolate-covered pretzels for a fun dessert spread
Recipe FAQs
Are Pillsbury Crescent Rolls the Same as Croissants?
No, Pillsbury crescent rolls and croissants are not the same, although they share a similar shape. Crescent rolls are made with a softer, bread-like dough that contains baking powder or yeast, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.
Croissants, on the other hand, are a type of laminated pastry made by layering butter between thin sheets of dough, creating a rich, flaky, and buttery texture that is much more delicate. While crescent rolls offer a convenient shortcut for recipes, they lack the distinct layers and crispiness of traditional croissants.
Can You Prepare Pillsbury Crescent Rolls in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare Pillsbury crescent rolls ahead of time. You can shape and refrigerate unbaked dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
If you want to make them even further in advance, you can bake them first, then store them without fillings in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or freeze them for up to a month.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers (without filling) in an airtight container or zippered bag for up to 2 days to keep them fresh, or refrigerate them for up to about 5 days. Wrap them in foil or place them in an airtight container to prevent drying out (you’ll need to do this if they have fillings)
- For longer term storage, freeze baked shells in freezer-safe bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, and store for up to 1 month
- To reheat carrot crescents, bake in the oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through. If reheating from frozen, bake for 10-12 minutes. Air fry at 300°F for 3-4 minutes for a slightly crispy exterior (add 1 extra minute for frozen). You can also microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for 10-15 seconds for a soft texture
- Deviled Egg Jello Shots
Final Thoughts
These adorable stuffed crescent roll carrots are just perfect for your Easter get-togethers! They can be prepared either sweet or savory, and make for a great appetizer or lunch option. I love to stuff them with egg salad or ham salad to use up Easter leftovers too!
Of course, these fun treats aren’t just for Easter. They make a perfect springtime dish for garden or tea parties, and even baby showers as adorable treats.
Whether you choose to make them in your air fryer or your oven, these carrot crescents are easy to prepare, offer tons of customization options with different fillings, and are loved by kids and adults alike!
Crescent Roll Carrots (Air Fryer or Oven)
Equipment
- Perforated parchment (optional but recommended)
- Pizza Cutter (or sharp knife)
- 8 Cream horn molds (or foil shaped into a cone)
Ingredients
- 8 ounce tube crescent dough (sheet)
- 1 cup favorite filling (such as egg salad)
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- ½ tsp paprika (for color)
- ¼ tsp turmeric (for color)
- 18 sprigs fresh dill or parsley
Instructions
- Roll out your crescent dough sheet and cut lengthwise into approximately 8 1-inch strips with a pizza cutter (or sharp knife)8 ounce tube crescent dough
- Start at the bottom of your cream horn forms (or foil mold) and wrap the strip of dough up the cone, overlapping each layer slightly. Press the loose end at the top into the row below so it doesn’t flap
- Beat the egg with the turmeric and paprika (or food color), and use 1 tsp water to thin if needed to make it easier to brush. Brush onto the dough to color the carrots1 large egg, ½ tsp paprika, ¼ tsp turmeric
- Place the cones into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer, allowing air space between each one. I recommend perforated parchment under them to prevent sticking
- Cook on the air fry setting at 330°F for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through (if you want a browner bottom, you can flip them after about 4 minutes, but it’s not necessary for cooking through)
- Cool slightly (at least 5 minutes; more is fine too), then gently twist the molds or cones to release them. As they cool they should harden a bit which makes this easier
- Use a spoon or pipe your chosen filling evenly into the cavity of each crescent carrot1 cup favorite filling
- Insert the dill or parsley sprigs into the top to look like carrot greens for garnish. Enjoy!18 sprigs fresh dill or parsley
Alternate Oven Directions
- Place wrapped dough on a parchment paper lined baking sheet
- Bake in an oven preheated to 400°F for 6-9 minutes, or until golden brown
Notes
- You can use other types of dough instead of crescent dough, like puff pastry or pizza dough, but cooking times will vary slightly. If you can only find perforated crescents, press seams together and proceed as normal
- Other good filling options include: ham or chicken salad, herb and garlic cream cheese, whipped cream and fresh berries, vanilla pudding, or cheesecake filling!
- Instead of the seasonings for color, you can also use food coloring if you prefer. Two drops of orange, or a drop each of red and yellow works well! I recommend using food coloring or not coloring them at all if you plan on using a sweet filling
- I did not spray my cream horn molds and they released just fine. Just be patient, don’t force them, and twist them gently for best results!
- My first batch (without preheating my air fryer) took about 7 minutes. My second batch only took 5, so you can expect to reduce cooking time for subsequent batches, if needed. Time can still vary between different air fryers, so adjust as needed for your specific unit
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, type of filling, any garnishes added added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
