Easy, Flaky, Homemade Crescent Rolls Recipe

Few things evoke the feeling of love and warmth quite like the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting from the oven, wouldn’t you agree? In this case, it’s the hot, buttery homemade crescent rolls that have the magical power to elevate any meal, particularly those cherished holiday gatherings. This easy recipe for homemade crescent rolls creates more than a side dish; it’s sure to become a cherished cornerstone of your family’s holiday traditions, ensuring every meal is filled with love and togetherness. Let’s get baking!

Easy, Homemade Crescent Rolls

There’s an old saying that says, “Anything homemade is better than anything store-bought.” There’s a certain indescribable quality that permeates homemade dishes, a touch of magic that’s inherently woven into every from scratch creation. It’s the essence of love and joy, an unspoken energy that transfers from you to the thing you’re making, making it uniquely yours.

Now, I’m not saying that you’re doing a disservice to your family by not making everything from scratch. Far from it! Every family has its own preferences, challenges, and demands. If you don’t enjoy cooking from scratch, the energy transfer will not be the same. For those of us who do enjoy it, this flaky, flavorsome recipe will be a hit.

When I made homemade crescent rolls for the first time, I’ll admit I felt intimidated. Once I got started, I realized it wasn’t as hard as I had feared. In fact, the majority of the time is spent in a patient waiting game, similar to most bread recipes.

It would have been a disaster at my house if crescent rolls weren’t on the table at mealtime. We left processed, prepackaged food behind so it became this mom’s mission to make it happen. My sons would think the holidays were incomplete without their crescent rolls or homemade cranberry sauce.

I tried to find an easy, peasy recipe. After a lot of searching, I combined some of the ones I found to create this one. The family loved them. They even said they were better than…well you know…the ones made by the little fat boy who likes his tummy tickled.

We have since had to leave modern wheat flour behind and switch to Einkorn flour. If you have gastrointestinal issues due to the gluten in modern wheat, try my recipe for homemade Einkorn flour crescent rolls.

Homemade Crescent Roll Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast or 2 teaspoons of instant yeast
• 1/3 cup warm water
• 3/4 cup warm milk
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons sugar
• 2 eggs 
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Filling

5 tablespoons butter, softened

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour with sugar and salt.
   • I have an amazing tool the kids gave me once for my birthday. I could not believe how well it works even on bread dough.
2. Dissolve the yeast in the warm water and add that to the flour mixture.
3. Add the eggs and warm milk mixing everything really well.
4. Add the 4 tablespoons of very soft butter and mix well.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead just until it’s smooth and soft – about 10 minutes.
6. Grease the bowl and return the dough to it, turning the dough to coat both sides. Cover the bowl with a clean, dry cloth and let rise until doubled. This takes about an hour in a warm place.
7. When the dough has doubled, punch down with the flat of your hand and divide it into two equal parts. Shape each half into a ball.
8. Place one ball on a floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll one of the halves into a 16 to 17-inch round or roundish shape. Use a small spoon to spread about half of the 5 Tablespoons of softened butter onto the circle of dough.
9. Use a pastry wheel to cut the round into 16 triangles, kind of like you’re cutting a pizza.
10. Starting with the wide outside edge, roll the triangle pieces into crescents. Once you’ve rolled a piece, place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a lightly greased baking sheet.
11. Curve the edges in to make the crescent shape. Repeat with the second half of the dough. Let rise for about 20 minutes.
12. Preheat oven to 400 while the rolls are rising. Before placing in the oven, brush the tops with melted butter. For a softer top, brush with butter after baking instead of before.
13. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, depending on your oven until the rolls are puffed and golden brown. Serve warm. Enjoy!

FAQs About Homemade Crescent Rolls

How long can I store homemade crescent rolls?
You can store homemade crescent rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, place the airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months. Just thaw them and reheat them before serving.

Can I make the crescent rolls in advance for holiday gatherings?
Absolutely! Homemade crescent rolls are a fantastic make-ahead option for holiday feasts. All you need to do is follow the recipe to prepare the dough and shape the rolls. After shaping the rolls, don’t do the rise, instead refrigerate them. When you’re ready to eat them, set them out and allow them to rise until doubled in size and bake according to the recipe.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover crescent rolls?
You can reheat leftover crescent rolls in several ways.

In the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the rolls on a baking sheet, and warm them for about 5-10 minutes. To Keep Them Moist: You can wrap them in foil before reheating. We don’t use aluminum foil for this so I wrap mine in a damp dish towel and then in parchment paper and it works great.

You can also reheat them in your Instant Pot. Place them in a pan designed for the Instant Pot and put the lid on it. Put the trivet in with 1 – 2 cups of water. Set the pan on the trivet and place the lid on your IP. Set the vent to “Sealing” then use the steam function for 7-10 minutes. They’re moist and piping hot!

Wrap UP

In the world of homemade goodness, few things rival the comforting allure of freshly baked crescent rolls. Their warm, buttery embrace has the power to turn any meal into a special occasion, particularly those cherished holiday gatherings. The magic of homemade crescent rolls isn’t just in the flavor but in the love and joy that goes into their creation.

While some find immense joy in crafting dishes from scratch, others may not share the same enthusiasm, and that’s perfectly okay. What truly matters is the authenticity of your choices and the pleasure you derive from cooking for your family.

Homemade crescent rolls are not just a side dish; they are a testament to the love and togetherness that define special gatherings. So, whether you’re preparing them for a holiday feast or simply to enjoy their homemade goodness, let the aroma of fresh-baked crescent rolls fill your home with comfort and delight. After all, the joy of homemade cooking is rooted in your unique journey and the smiles it brings to those you share it with.

I truly hope you have a holiday season filled with memory-making moments of love, laughter, and loads of good food. 

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