Homemade Crescent Rolls

Pillowy soft with a sweet, buttery taste, these Homemade Crescent Rolls are perfect for all the holidays or a weekend baking project.

Course Bread

Cuisine American

Prep Time 3 hours 20 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 4 hours

Servings rolls

Calories 112kcal

Author Meggan Hill

Ingredients

1 cup milk (see note 1)
1/2 cup butter divided (1 stick)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons Salt
2 eggs
4 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast or 2 envelopes (see note 2)
1/4 cup warm water (110 degrees)
4 1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

In a small saucepan, bring the milk to a scalding temperature (170 degrees). Remove immediately from heat.
Meanwhile, combine 1/3 cup butter, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Pour scalded milk over the top and cool to 110 degrees to 115 degrees, stirring occasionally. Whisk in the eggs.
While the scalded milk mixture is cooling, soften (bloom) the yeast in the warm water (110 degrees) for 5 minutes.
In an electric mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine 4 1/2 cups flour, yeast, and water. With the motor running on low, slowly drizzle in the scalded milk mixture.
Increase the mixer speed to medium and mix until shiny and smooth, 6 to 10 minutes. If the dough is sticky after 3 minutes, add the remaining ½ cup flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Using a small, microwave-safe dish, melt the remaining butter for 15 to 20 seconds.
Turn out the dough onto a heavily floured surface and shape into a ball. Place in a greased bowl and brush with 1 teaspoon melted butter. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place (80 degrees to 85 degrees, see recipe notes) until doubled in volume, about 2 hours.
Coat 3 or 4 baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 4 equal portions of dough. Working with 1 portion of dough at a time, roll the dough into a 10-inch circle. Using a knife or a pizza cutter, cut each circle into 8 wedges.
Starting at the wide end of a wedge, roll up the dough. Place each roll 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets with the pointed tip on the bottom. Repeat with remaining wedges and portions of dough.
Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place (80 degrees to 85 degrees) until doubled in size, about 30 to 45 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Bake, 2 sheets at a time, until the rolls are golden brown, about 20 to 25 minutes. Switch the positions and rotate the orientation of the sheets halfway through baking time. Remove from the oven and immediately brush with the remaining melted butter. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Video

Notes

Milk: Scald the milk around 170 degrees Fahrenheit. However, yeast dies at 138 degrees Fahrenheit, so allow the scalded milk to cool before using.
Yeast: Active dry yeast lies dormant and needs a warm liquid to become “activated.” Store open jars of yeast in the refrigerator for up to 4 months or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Use straight from the freezer (no need to thaw). Unopened packets of yeast can be stored in a cool, dry place.
Yield: This recipe makes 32 rolls. If you have the time, I highly suggest doubling the recipe and freezing extra rolls for future meals.
Storage: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days at room temperature, or store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezer: Place on a baking sheet or plate and put in the freezer until frozen solid. Transfer the individually-frozen rolls to a freezer-safe plastic bag, then bag again (I like the double-bag method for best results). Freeze for up to one month. Thaw for 30 minutes at room temperature. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350-degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes.
Proofing the dough: Turn your oven on to the lowest temperature it will go, usually 200 degrees. Once it reaches 110 degrees, turn the oven off. Place the dough in the oven and close the door. Opening the oven door will lower the heat a bit, and that’s okay (you’re aiming for 75 to 85 degrees).
Cinnamon rolls: I used this same dough to make my homemade cinnamon rolls, and they were delicious!

Nutrition