If you’ve ever wished you could capture the irresistible, bakery-fresh flavor of homemade bread right in your kitchen, look no further than these Homemade Crescent Rolls. Buttery, pillowy-soft, and golden brown, these crescents are the kind that vanishes within minutes of hitting the table. The dough is rich yet simple, accentuated with a kiss of sweetness and the kind of tender crumb that only comes from scratch baking. Whether you craft them for a holiday, a family dinner, or to satisfy a carb-loving craving, these Homemade Crescent Rolls are bound to become a cherished tradition in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for these Homemade Crescent Rolls is probably already in your pantry and fridge! Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building that signature fluffy texture, delicate crumb, and golden finish that sets these rolls apart.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the rolls, it gives structure while keeping the crumb tender and soft.
- Active dry yeast: This tiny powerhouse makes the dough rise and gives the rolls their light, airy lift.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness for well-rounded flavor and helps feed the yeast.
- Salt: Enhances and balances the flavors, keeping the rolls from tasting flat.
- Whole milk (warmed): Provides richness and helps the dough stay moist and tender.
- Water (warmed): Works with the yeast to get things bubbling and rising beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Gives that classic buttery flavor throughout the dough.
- Large eggs: Add richness, color, and help bind the dough neatly together.
- Unsalted butter (softened, for brushing): Brushed over the dough before rolling, this creates those melt-in-your-mouth layers.
How to Make Homemade Crescent Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining the warmed water and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let this mixture sit for about five minutes, until it becomes foamy on top. This proofing step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to bring your Homemade Crescent Rolls to life with a gorgeous rise.
Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. This helps distribute the sugar and salt evenly, creating a balanced flavor in every single bite of roll.
Step 3: Make the Dough
Add the foamy yeast mixture, warm milk, melted butter, and eggs to your dry ingredients. Mix together until a soft dough forms. At first, it might look a bit shaggy, but keep mixing — it will soon turn smooth and cohesive, ready for a good kneading session.
Step 4: Knead to Perfection
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook) and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough feels smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky to the touch. This step is essential for that soft, tear-apart texture we all love in Homemade Crescent Rolls.
Step 5: First Rise
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and set it in a cozy spot to rise for about an hour. Watch as it doubles in size and turns pillow-soft — this is where the magic truly happens!
Step 6: Shape the Crescents
Punch down the risen dough and divide it in half. Roll each half into a large, 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Brush each circle generously with the softened butter. Next, cut each circle into 12 even wedges, then roll each wedge up from the wide end to the point to create the classic crescent shape.
Step 7: Final Rise
Arrange the shaped crescent rolls point-side down on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let them rise one more time for about 30 minutes, until they look puffed and irresistibly plump. This step guarantees tall, fluffy Homemade Crescent Rolls.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 12-15 minutes, until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells like pure buttery heaven. If you’d like, brush the rolls with a bit of extra melted butter while they’re still warm for a glistening, bakery-worthy finish.
How to Serve Homemade Crescent Rolls
Garnishes
Reach for a simple brush of melted butter right out of the oven for extra shine and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives for a savory touch. Even a drizzle of honey will send them over the top for brunch spreads.
Side Dishes
These crescent rolls are the ultimate companion to soups, stews, and hearty salads. Serve them alongside creamy tomato soup or a big bowl of chili, or pair them with roasted meats and veggies for the kind of meal people linger over. During the holidays, they’re perfect for soaking up gravy at Thanksgiving or as a dreamy addition to breakfast buffets.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them in a tall basket lined with a crisp kitchen towel for that fresh-from-the-oven look. For parties, arrange the Homemade Crescent Rolls in a wreath shape on a platter, or split them and fill with ham and cheese for easy sandwiches. Leftovers also make playful French toast or bread pudding the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Homemade Crescent Rolls fresh by storing them in an airtight container or zipper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you plan to hang onto them for longer, pop them in the fridge to extend their softness and enjoy them all week long.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead, freeze the shaped, unbaked rolls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Pull out as many as you need, let them thaw and rise again before baking as directed for Homemade Crescent Rolls whenever the craving strikes. Fully baked rolls can also be frozen and reheated individually.
Reheating
Warm leftover rolls in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, loosely covered with foil to keep them soft. A quick 20-second zap in the microwave works in a pinch, though the oven truly revives their signature flaky, fresh-from-the-oven feel.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! Instant yeast can be swapped in a 1:1 ratio. You can add it directly to the flour without proofing, but using warm liquids will still give you a quicker, fluffier rise in your Homemade Crescent Rolls.
Can I make these ahead for a special occasion?
Yes! Shape the unbaked rolls and store them covered in the fridge overnight. Let them come to room temperature and complete their final rise before baking fresh just when you want to serve.
What makes Homemade Crescent Rolls so fluffy?
The magic is in the double rise and gentle kneading, which builds structure while trapping lots of little air bubbles. Rich ingredients like milk, eggs, and butter keep the crumb plush and cloud-like.
Can I add fillings to these crescent rolls?
Definitely! Before rolling up each wedge, add a little slice of cheese, a spoonful of jam, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for an indulgent twist on the classic Homemade Crescent Rolls.
How do I know when the rolls are perfectly baked?
They should be golden brown on top, feel light for their size, and sound slightly hollow when tapped underneath. Avoid overbaking, as you want them soft and tender inside.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wanted to impress guests or simply treat your family to something unforgettable, make these Homemade Crescent Rolls your next baking adventure. They offer comfort, joy, and a wonderful aroma that no store-bought bread can match. Give them a whirl, and don’t be surprised if they disappear before you even sit down — they really are that good!
Print
Homemade Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours (including rise time)
- Yield: 24 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious homemade crescent rolls that are soft, buttery, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup water, warmed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
For Brushing:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Prepare Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and yeast, let sit for 5 minutes.
- Mix Dough: Whisk flour, sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture, warm milk, melted butter, eggs. Mix into a soft dough.
- Knead: Knead dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Let rise for 1 hour.
- Shape Rolls: Roll dough into circles, brush with softened butter, cut into wedges, roll into crescents.
- Rise and Bake: Let rise for 30 minutes, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Finish: Brush with melted butter and serve.
Notes
- Rolls can be made ahead and frozen before baking. Thaw and let rise before baking.
- Delicious when served warm with jam or honey butter.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
