Homemade Crescent Rolls
These light, flaky, and irresistibly soft homemade crescent rolls are the ultimate upgrade to your dinner table. Made with just a few simple pantry staples, these golden rolls boast buttery layers and a delicate texture that melt in your mouth. Whether served fresh out of the oven or made ahead for busy weeknights, they’re bound to be the star of any meal. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or everyday indulgence!
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Dough hook or hands for kneading
- Rolling Pin
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife
- Pastry brush
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap (for covering dough)
- Oven
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk about 110°F / 43°C
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened (for brushing)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Add warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a soft, sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough by hand or with a dough hook for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Roll out the dough into a 16-inch circle on a floured surface. Spread with the softened butter.
- Cut the circle into 12 even wedges using a pizza cutter.
- Starting at the wide end, roll each wedge toward the point to form a crescent. Curve the ends slightly to shape.
- Place the rolls on a baking sheet, point side down. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- (Optional) Brush with melted butter immediately after baking for a glossy finish.
Notes
Make-ahead tip: You can refrigerate shaped rolls overnight or freeze them unbaked for up to 2 months. Just thaw, let rise, and bake as usual.
For extra flakiness: Chill the dough for 2 hours before rolling and shaping.
Variations:
Cheese Rolls: Add 1/2 cup grated cheddar before rolling.
Cinnamon Sugar Rolls: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar over the butter layer.
Herb Rolls: Add 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough or sprinkle on top before baking.
Brush with garlic herb butter for a savory twist that pairs beautifully with soups and stews.