Best Einkorn Rolls: Classic Crescent Roll Recipe

Welcome the comforting aroma of freshly baked Einkorn rolls into your home, where every bite carries a piece of tradition. The entire family will revel in the indulgent, buttery essence of these classic crescent rolls made with Einkorn flour, while you take pride in serving a delicacy made from the wholesome nutrition of Einkorn wheat. It’s more than a recipe; it’s a heartwarming experience that connects the past with the present, one delightful roll at a time. Let’s get baking!

At the heart of our family’s holiday traditions are homemade Einkorn crescent rolls and homemade cranberry sauce. It would not be the holidays without them.

When we switched to Einkorn wheat flour due to health considerations, one thing was clear: mastering the art of crafting these flaky, buttery crescent rolls had to be at the top of my list. Right alongside them, Einkorn Christmas cookies were eagerly anticipated by all.

If you’re new to Einkorn wheat flour, you can learn more about it in our dedicated post.

Cooking with Einkorn flour comes with a learning curve, I won’t deny that. To make this transition as seamless as possible for you, I’ve put together an invaluable Einkorn Conversion Chart, born from my own experiences.

I’m also happy to share my tried-and-true tips for cooking with Einkorn flour. These resources aren’t just about saving time and ingredients; they’re about ensuring that your journey into the world of Einkorn is both enjoyable and efficient, just as it has been for our family. You’re not alone on this journey; I’m here to help you.

Einkorn Rolls: Classic Crescent Roll Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose Einkorn 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 salted butter, softened – unsalted if you prefer
• Filling:
• 5 tablespoons salted butter, softened – unsalted if you prefer

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Add the yeast mixture, sugar, warm milk, real salt, and butter to the bowl and combine well.
3. By hand or with the dough hook of your mixer, add 1/2 cup of all-purpose Einkorn flour and combine well by hand or on low speed. Continue adding 1/2 cup of flour at a time, combining well between them, until you have added 2 cups of the all-purpose einkorn flour.  Continue mixing until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
4. Once the dough pulls away from the sides of the mixing bowl, knead it for 2 minutes with the dough hook of your electric mixer. If mixing by hand, knead in the bowl for 3 minutes. The dough is sticky so I use my favorite hand-mixing tool instead of my hands.
5. Cover and let the dough rise until about 60% increased.
6. When the dough has risen 60%, begin kneading it again and begin adding the remaining flour 1/4 cup at a time, combining well between.
   • Continue mixing until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl once again. At this point, you will probably have about 1/4 of the flour left.
7. Use any remaining flour to lightly cover your rolling surface.
8. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into two equal portions and shape each portion into a ball.
9. Place one ball on your floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll it into a 16 to 17-inch circle(ish) shape.
10. Use a small spoon to spread about half of the 5 Tablespoons of softened butter onto the circle of dough.
11. Use a pastry wheel to cut the round into 16 triangles, kind of like you’re cutting a pizza.
    • If you want larger rolls, cut the triangles into the number of triangles you want.
12. Starting with the wide outside edge, roll the triangle pieces towards the middle of the dough circle. Once you’ve rolled a section, place it on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet.
13. Curve the edges in to make the crescent shape. Repeat with the second half of the dough. Let rise until almost doubled – should be around 20 minutes.
14. While your rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 400 F.
15. Brush the tops with melted butter before placing in the oven. For a softer top, brush with butter after baking instead of before.
16. Bake 15 to 18 minutes until rolls are puffed and golden brown. Serve warm. Enjoy!

FAQs

1. What is Einkorn wheat flour, and why should I use it for making crescent rolls?

Einkorn wheat is an ancient grain, one of the oldest cultivated by humans. It’s known for its nutritional value, distinct flavor, and ease of digestion compared to modern wheat varieties. Using Einkorn flour in your crescent roll recipe enhances the nutritional content, overall flavor, and texture, creating a delightful twist on the classic crescent roll.

2. Are Einkorn crescent rolls difficult to make?

Not at all! Einkorn rolls can be easily made, especially if you follow a reliable recipe and have a basic understanding of baking. The transition to Einkorn flour may require a slight adjustment in handling, but the process itself remains straightforward. Plus, the rewarding taste and nutritional benefits make it all worthwhile.

3. Can I use Einkorn flour in other baking recipes as well?

Absolutely! Einkorn flour is versatile and can be used in various baking recipes, including bread, cakes, and cookies. It’s a fantastic substitute for all-purpose or whole wheat flour in many traditional recipes. The unique properties of Einkorn flour add a wholesome touch to your baked goods.

4. How do I store Einkorn crescent rolls, and do they keep well?

Like traditional crescent rolls, einkorn rolls are best stored in an airtight container or a resealable bag. They can be kept at room temperature for a few days, or you can extend their freshness by refrigerating them. Einkorn rolls maintain their quality and taste well, making them perfect for batch preparation or holiday baking.

5. Can I incorporate Einkorn flour into other holiday recipes?

Certainly! Einkorn flour is a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Whether you’re making cookies, pies, or other holiday treats, substituting Einkorn flour for traditional flours can infuse your recipes with a unique flavor and enhanced nutrition. You can find all of our Einkorn Recipes here.

6. Do Einkorn crescent rolls taste different from regular crescent rolls?

Yes, Einkorn rolls do have a slightly different flavor profile due to the distinct taste of Einkorn flour. They offer a nuttier and more wholesome flavor that many find delightful. It’s a subtle yet delightful departure from the familiar taste of traditional crescent rolls.

Wrap UP

Our journey into the world of Einkorn flour began with a simple desire for a healthier, more flavorful alternative. Mastering the art of creating these flaky, buttery crescent rolls became a top priority for my family.

If you follow our recipe, we’re sure your family will enjoy Einkorn rolls for the holidays and any special meal you want to make.

As you serve these Einkorn crescent rolls to your loved ones, remember that you’re not just serving a meal; you’re sharing a piece of tradition and a commitment to nourishing your family with the wholesome goodness of Einkorn wheat. Here’s to bridging the past with the present one delightful roll at a time. Happy Baking!