The Ultimate Homemade Crescent Roll Recipe

There’s just something magical about the smell of warm bread drifting through the house, especially when it’s crescent rolls. Picture it: you’re in your kitchen, the oven’s humming, and that rich, buttery aroma is wrapping around you like a soft blanket.

Crescent rolls are the perfect mix of comfort and elegance—they can turn an ordinary Tuesday breakfast into something special, make your holiday table look like it belongs in a magazine, or simply be the thing that disappears fastest at dinner.

And the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make from scratch, with layers so tender and fluffy you’ll want to eat them right out of the oven.

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with 1 teaspoon of the sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, salt, and egg. Stir in the melted butter.
3. Add the yeast mixture and gradually mix in flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5 minutes).

2. First Rise

1. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.

3. Shape the Crescent Rolls

1. Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions.
2. Roll each portion into a 12-inch circle. Spread a thin layer of softened butter over the surface.
3. Cut each circle into 8 wedges (like pizza slices).
4. Starting from the wide end, roll each wedge toward the tip to form a crescent shape.
5. Place rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, tip side down, leaving space between them.

4. Second Rise

1. Cover the rolls loosely and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

5. Bake to Perfection

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brush tops with melted butter.
3. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. Brush again with butter right out of the oven for extra flavor.

Tips for Buttery, Fluffy, Layered Rolls

• Warm, not hot, liquid: Keep the milk around 110°F—too hot and it will kill the yeast, too cold and it won’t activate properly.
• Don’t rush the rise: Letting the dough double in size develops flavor and texture.
• Butter is your best friend: Brushing with butter before and after baking ensures a rich, tender crumb.
• Roll tightly but gently: Rolling too loosely can cause them to unfold; too tightly and they won’t puff as much.

Optional Variations

• Sweet Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle a mixture of ¼ cup sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon over the butter before rolling.
• Cheesy Garlic: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or parmesan and a pinch of garlic powder before rolling.
• Herbed Butter: Mix softened butter with chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for a savory twist.

There’s nothing like tearing into a freshly baked crescent roll, steam curling up from the soft, fluffy center. Whether you serve them alongside a roast dinner, pair them with morning coffee, or enjoy them with a drizzle of honey, they’ll bring smiles to the table every time.

Happy baking!