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Homemade Crescent Rolls
5 from 57 votes

Homemade Crescent Rolls

Homemade Crescent Rolls are soft, buttery yeast rolls made with scalded milk, sugar, butter, salt, eggs, active dry yeast, and all-purpose flour. The dough is kneaded until smooth and shiny, then shaped into rolls and baked to a golden brown. The method ensures tender, fluffy rolls with a slightly sweet flavor, suitable for dinner accompaniments or sandwiches.

Prep Time
3 hrs 20 mins
Cook Time
40 mins
Total Time
4 hrs
Servings: 32 rolls
Calories: 112 kcal
Course: Bread
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 cup milk (see note 1)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar divided
  • 1/2 cup butter divided (1 stick)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 egg
  • 2 packets active dry yeast (4 1/2 teaspoons, see note 2)
  • 1/4 cup water 110 degrees, warm
  • 4 1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a small saucepan, bring the milk to a scalding temperature (170 degrees) so a thin skin forms on the surface of the milk. Remove immediately from heat.
  2. From the 1/2 cup sugar, reserve 1 tablespoon. Set aside for feeding the yeast in Step 4.
  3. Combine 1/3 cup butter, remaining sugar (1/2 cup less 1 tablespoon), 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.
  4. While the scalded milk mixture is cooling, in the bottom of a glass measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup warm water (110 degrees), yeast, and reserved tablespoon of sugar. Let the yeast bloom for 5 minutes.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.

Notes

  • Scald milk at 170°F to form surface skin, then cool to 110°-115°F to protect yeast viability.
  • Reserve a tablespoon of sugar to activate yeast separately in warm water before mixing.
  • Store active dry yeast in the fridge or freezer to maintain freshness up to several months.
  • This recipe yields about 32 rolls; doubling and freezing extras is recommended for future meals.
  • Store cooled rolls in airtight containers for 3-4 days at room temperature or up to a week refrigerated.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 roll Calories 112kcal (6%) Carbohydrates 17g (6%) Protein 3g (6%) Fat 4g (6%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Cholesterol 11mg (4%) Sodium 150mg (6%) Potassium 38mg (1%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 154IU (3%) Calcium 14mg (1%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 32 rolls

Amount Per Serving

Calories 112

% Daily Value*

Serving 1 roll
Calories 112kcal 6%
Carbohydrates 17g 6%
Protein 3g 6%
Fat 4g 6%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 11mg 4%
Sodium 150mg 6%
Potassium 38mg 1%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 154IU 3%
Calcium 14mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.