Homemade Crescent Rolls

Craving warm, buttery, and flaky pastries? Homemade Crescent Rolls are the ultimate comfort food, offering a tender bite with a golden, melt-in-your-mouth crust.

Perfect for breakfast, holiday dinners, or an everyday indulgence, these rolls are versatile and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients List

Creating a perfect Crescent Roll starts with a well-balanced dough and a few simple ingredients. Below are the components needed to craft these soft and buttery rolls.

Dough Ingredients

• 1 tbsp active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm water (110–115°F)
• 1/2 tsp sugar (for proofing yeast)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup warm whole milk (110–115°F)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour

Egg Wash

• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp water

Required Kitchen Tools

When preparing Crescent Rolls from scratch, having the right tools ensures an efficient and enjoyable baking experience. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Stand Mixer with Dough Hook – Essential for mixing and kneading the dough thoroughly and evenly.
2. Mixing Bowls – For proofing the yeast and combining ingredients.
3. Rolling Pin – To evenly roll out the dough into circular sheets.
4. Pizza Cutter or Sharp Knife – Used to slice the dough into triangular wedges.
5. Pastry Brush – For applying the egg wash before baking.
6. Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper – For baking the rolls evenly and preventing sticking.
7. Plastic Wrap or Damp Kitchen Towel – To cover the dough while it rests and rises.

Dough Preparation

Crafting the perfect Crescent Roll dough is all about precision and patience. This section walks you through mixing, kneading, and allowing the dough to rise until it’s light and airy.

Mixing the Ingredients

Begin by activating the yeast: in the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast, 1/2 cup warm water, and 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly—this means your yeast is alive and ready to leaven.

Once the yeast is activated, add the remaining ingredients: 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup warm whole milk, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon salt, and 3 cups of flour. Using the dough hook attachment, begin mixing on low speed.

Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of flour, increasing the mixer speed slightly as the dough comes together. The dough should begin to form a smooth ball and pull away from the sides of the bowl. Continue kneading for about 6–8 minutes until the dough is soft, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.

Kneading and First Rise

Once kneaded, transfer the dough to a greased mixing bowl, turning it over once to coat both sides with oil or butter.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm, draft-free location for approximately 1 hour, or until the dough has nearly doubled in size.

Shaping the Crescent Rolls

Transforming the risen dough into beautiful crescent shapes is a fun and rewarding step. Follow these instructions to create perfectly uniform rolls every time.

Rolling and Cutting the Dough

1. Punch Down the Dough
   After the dough has risen, gently deflate it by pressing down with your fist. Turn it out onto a clean, unfloured surface—thanks to the butter in the dough, sticking shouldn’t be an issue.
2. Divide and Roll Out
   Split the dough in half. Roll each half into a 12-inch circle using a rolling pin, ensuring the thickness is even throughout.
3. Slice into Triangles
   Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, divide each circle into 12 equal wedges, just like slicing a pizza. You should end up with 24 total triangles.

Rolling the Crescents

4. Shape the Rolls
   Starting from the wide end of each triangle, roll it toward the pointed tip, tucking the tip underneath. This helps hold the shape during baking. Slightly bend the ends inward if you want the traditional crescent moon shape.
5. Second Rise
   Place the shaped rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them to expand. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and allow them to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until puffy.

Baking and Serving

The final step transforms your carefully prepared dough into golden, buttery crescent rolls ready to enjoy.

Baking the Crescent Rolls

1. Preheat the Oven
   While the rolls are undergoing their second rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Egg Wash
   In a small bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and 1 tablespoon of water until smooth. This egg wash gives the rolls their beautiful golden-brown finish.
3. Brush and Bake
   Gently brush the tops of the crescent rolls with the egg wash, taking care not to deflate them. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown on top.
4. Cool and Serve
   Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor—perfect with a dab of butter, jam, or alongside your favorite meal.

Storage Instructions

Homemade Crescent Rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to keep them delicious.

Keeping Them Fresh

Store cooled crescent rolls in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the oven or microwave to restore their softness before serving.

Freezing Crescent Rolls

To freeze, place the baked and cooled rolls in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Store for up to 1 month. Reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until warmed through.

Conclusion

With their soft, fluffy interiors and golden, buttery exteriors, homemade Crescent Rolls are a timeless addition to any table.

With a simple ingredient list and approachable steps, you can create bakery-quality rolls that impress at breakfast, dinner, or any special occasion.

Embrace the joy of baking from scratch—these crescent rolls are sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.