Crescent rolls are a classic and versatile baked good that can elevate any meal. With their flaky texture and buttery taste, these rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a side dish with dinner. Making your own crescent rolls from scratch may seem daunting, but fear not!
In this recipe, we will guide you through a simple and foolproof recipe that will have you enjoying homemade crescent rolls in no time.
What is crescent rolls?
Crescent rolls are a type of bread roll characterized by their crescent or horn shape. They are usually made from a yeast-based dough that is rolled out into a circle and then cut into triangular pieces. The wedges are then rolled from the wider end towards the tip, creating the distinctive crescent shape.
The rolls are typically baked until they turn golden brown and develop a crispy texture. Crescent rolls are known for their light and buttery flavor, making them a popular choice for a variety of dishes and occasions. They are often served as a side dish with meals, used as a base for sandwiches or sliders, or enjoyed as a standalone snack or breakfast item.
Crescent rolls can also be filled with sweet or savory fillings, such as bacon and cheese, chocolate or cinnamon sugar, to add extra flavor and variety.
What are the ingredients for Crescent rolls?
Crescent rolls require a few basic ingredients to create their delicious texture and buttery flavor. Here are the common ingredients used to make crescent rolls and their purposes:
- All Purpose Flour: The main ingredient in the dough, providing structure and texture to the rolls.
- Granulated sugar: Gives a sweet touch to the rolls, enhancing their overall taste.
- Active dry yeast: A leavening agent that helps the dough rise by fermenting the sugars present in the dough, resulting in a light and airy texture.
- Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste of the rolls.
- Warm milk: Moisturizes the dough and helps activate the yeast, aiding in the rising process.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor to rolls, contributing to their buttery flavor and flaky texture.
- Eggs: Act as a binding agent, giving structure to the dough and contributing to its structure.
- Cooking spray or extra melted butter: Used to coat baking sheet or brush on top of rolls before or after baking, adding a glossy finish and enhancing flavor.
| Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time:25 minutes |
| Rest time: 1 hr | Servings: 12 |
Ingredients:
4 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (around 110°F or 43°C)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- Cooking spray or additional melted butter for brushing
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs until well combined.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the milk mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or a dough hook attachment on a stand mixer until the dough comes together.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead the dough with the dough hook attachment on low speed for the same amount of time.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and divide it into two equal portions.
- Working with one portion at a time, roll out the dough into a large circle, approximately 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the circle into 8 equal wedges, like you would for a pizza.
- Starting from the wider end of each wedge, roll it up towards the tip, gently curving the ends to create the crescent shape. Repeat this process with the remaining dough portion.
- Place the shaped crescent rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or greased with cooking spray, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rest for an additional 30 minutes to rise further.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 10 minutes of the resting time.
- Once the crescent rolls have risen again, bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and have a slightly crispy exterior.
- Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. Brush the tops with melted butter for added shine and flavor.
- Serve your freshly baked crescent rolls warm and enjoy them as a delightful accompaniment to any meal or as a standalone treat.
Variations:
Crescent rolls are very versatile, allowing for a variety of delicious variations. Here are some popular variations and ways to personalize your crescent rolls:
- Stuffed Crescent Rolls: Add a nice surprise by stuffing the crescent rolls before rolling them. You can use a variety of toppings, such as cheese, bacon, cooked bacon, chocolate, Nutella, cinnamon sugar or fruit preserves. Simply place a small amount of the filling on the wider edge of the dough triangle before rolling it up.
- Delicious Herb Moon Rolls: Add a delicious twist to your rolls by incorporating herbs and spices into the dough. You can mix in herbs like rosemary, thyme or parsley, or add flavorings like garlic powder, onion powder or grated Parmesan cheese. These rolls are perfect to serve with soups, stews or alongside a hearty dinner.
Sweet Glazed Crescent Rolls: After baking the plain crescent rolls, drizzle a plain glaze on top for added sweetness. Mix powdered sugar with a small amount of milk or lemon juice to create a smooth glaze. Optionally, you can add vanilla extract or other flavoring extracts to enhance the taste.
- Mini Crescent Rolls: Make bite-sized crescent rolls by cutting the dough into smaller triangles. This variation is great for appetizers or party foods. Stuff them with cheese, bacon, or other tasty toppings for a delicious bite-sized treat.
- Whole Wheat Crescent Rolls: For a healthier option, replace some all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This adds a nutty flavor and increases the fiber content of the rolls.
- Spiced Butter Half Moon Rolls: Create a delicious topping by melting butter and mixing it with herbs, spices or shredded cheese. Brush this seasoned butter mixture over the baked rolls to enhance their taste and appearance.
- Stuffed Crescent Rolls: Instead of rolling the dough into a crescent shape, you can roll it into a rectangle, add the filling of your choice and roll it like a jelly roll. Cut the rolled dough into individual pieces and bake them for filled roll cakes.
- Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors, fillings, and shapes to suit your taste preferences and the occasion. Whether you prefer salty or sweet, there are endless possibilities to customize crescent rolls to make them uniquely yours.