Homemade Crescent Rolls

Name: Homemade Crescent Rolls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F / 45 degrees C); 1 tablespoon instant or 'fast-acting' yeast; 2 tablespoons sugar; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 4 cups all-purpose flour (500 grams); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (40 grams); 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes, like Maldon

By:

Alejandro

Published:

October 7, 2025

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Homemade Crescent Rolls are a treat that can brighten any meal, bringing a warm touch to your dining table. Imagine the buttery aroma wafting through your kitchen, instantly making you feel cozy. As you roll out the dough, the anticipation builds, and soon you’ll be rewarded with golden brown crescents that are soft, flaky, and absolutely delicious. Whether it’s a Sunday brunch or an everyday dinner, these crescent rolls effortlessly elevate your meal. The best part? They’re simple to make, even if you’re new to baking. With just a handful of ingredients and a little patience, you can create something that tastes truly homemade. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s immerse ourselves in the joy of making these delightful rolls!

Why This Recipe Works

The magic starts with a blend of warm water, instant yeast, and sugar. This trio creates the ideal environment for the dough, allowing it to rise effortlessly. As a result, you get soft and fluffy crescent rolls that everyone will adore. The addition of melted butter enhances the richness and flavor, making each bite memorable. Plus, a touch of salt helps balance out the sweetness, elevating the overall taste. You’ll be amazed at how these simple ingredients can come together to create something so delightful.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Crescent Rolls

These homemade crescent rolls are truly a crowd-pleaser. They have the ability to turn an ordinary meal into something extraordinary. The delightful buttery aroma fills your kitchen, making even the most patient diners eager to indulge. What’s more, the recipe requires minimal ingredients and is straightforward, making it accessible for cooks of all levels. With each roll, you create a little piece of heaven that’s sure to leave everyone asking for more.

Ingredients for Homemade Crescent Rolls

Here’s a simple list of what you’ll need to make these delicious rolls:

1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F / 45 degrees C)
1 tablespoon instant or “fast-acting” yeast
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 teaspoon kosher salt
4 cups all-purpose flour (500 grams)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (40 grams)
1 teaspoon sea salt flakes, like Maldon

Preparing the Dough

Mix Warm Water, Yeast, and Sugar

Start by combining the warm water, yeast, and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Give it a gentle stir and let it stand until it becomes creamy, which should take about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for activating the yeast and ensuring your rolls rise beautifully.

Add Butter, Salt, and Flour

Once it’s creamy, add in 2 tablespoons of softened butter, kosher salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix it on low speed until the ingredients begin to unite. You want to keep it gentle at this stage; we’re just bringing everything together.

Incorporate Remaining Flour

Keep mixing at low speed as you sprinkle in the remaining 1 cup of flour. Give it about a minute to combine fully. Then, add the last cup of flour and continue mixing until everything is incorporated. You should start feeling the dough take shape.

Knead the Dough

Now, it’s time to knead! Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead the dough for about 5 minutes. You want it smooth and elastic. It should be slightly sticky but should also start to make a slapping sound against the bowl. This sound is a good indicator that your dough is ready.

Let the Dough Rise

Next, remove the bowl from the mixer and cover it with a dish towel. Place it in a warm area and let it rise until it has doubled in size, which should take about 20 minutes. Patience is key here as the dough does its thing!

Shaping the Crescent Rolls

Portion the Dough

Once the dough has risen, turn it onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into an even ball. Grab a serrated knife and cut the dough into quarters. Keeping things even will make your crescent rolls uniform.

Roll Out the Dough

Take each quarter and roll it into a rough circle about 15 inches in diameter. Don’t worry about making it perfect; focus on keeping the thickness consistent, as that will ensure even baking.

Cut and Roll the Triangles

Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the circle into 8 even triangles. Start from the widest end of each triangle and gently roll it up to form that classic crescent shape. You’ll see how easy it is to shape them as you go!

Arrange and Rise

Now, place the rolls about 1 inch apart on two lightly greased baking sheets. While your oven preheats to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C), let the rolls rise for about 20 minutes. This second rise helps them get even fluffier.

Baking the Crescent Rolls

Brush with Butter

Before popping them in the oven, lightly brush the rolls with half of the melted butter. This adds to the flavor and helps achieve that beautiful golden hue.

Bake

Bake your crescent rolls until they’re golden brown, which will take about 13-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking; nobody likes dried-out rolls.

Final Touch

As soon as they come out of the oven, brush the hot rolls with the remaining melted butter and sprinkle them with sea salt flakes. This final touch elevates them, making them irresistible. Serve them warm, and enjoy every bite!

Serving Suggestions

There are so many ways to enjoy your homemade crescent rolls! Here are a few ideas:

Pair them with honey butter or jam for a delicious breakfast or snack.
Serve alongside soups, salads, or roasted dishes for a complete family meal. The versatility is endless!

Tips for Success

Always check your water temperature. It plays a crucial role in activating the yeast properly.
Don’t rush the rising process; a warm environment ensures the best texture.
If the dough feels too sticky, lightly flour your work surface instead of adding it directly to the dough.

Variations

Feel free to get creative with your crescent rolls! You could add herbs or garlic powder to the dough for an extra punch of flavor. For a healthier twist, try using half whole wheat flour.

Storage Tips

If you have any rolls left over (though that’s rare), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat them in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast, but you’ll need to activate it in warm water before adding it to the mixture.

2. How can I make these rolls ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough, shape the rolls, and place them on baking sheets. Refrigerate overnight, and then bake them the next day.

3. What if my dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and the water is at the right temperature.

4. Can I add cheese to the crescent rolls?
Absolutely! A sprinkle of shredded cheese before rolling creates a delicious cheesy twist.

5. Can I make mini crescent rolls?
Yes! Just cut the triangles smaller for bite-sized versions.

Homemade crescent rolls are an incredible addition to any meal. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll create warm, flaky, and buttery crescents that everyone will love. As you prepare these rolls, enjoy the hands-on process and the wonderful smell that fills your kitchen. There’s something truly special about fresh-baked bread; it brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. So, gather your friends and family around the table and savor the delicious results of your hard work!