Crescent Roll Dough

Highlighted under: Fast & Simple Meals

This crescent roll dough is perfect for making flaky, buttery rolls that are a delightful addition to any meal.

Olivia

Created by

Olivia

Last updated on 2025-12-05T19:02:21.515Z

This crescent roll dough is a family favorite, bringing warmth and comfort to the dinner table. It's easy to make and perfect for any occasion!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Flaky and buttery texture that melts in your mouth
  • Versatile dough for sweet or savory fillings
  • Easy to make, even for beginners

The Perfect Dough for Any Occasion

Crescent roll dough is a culinary staple that can elevate any meal. Whether you're hosting a festive dinner or simply craving a warm, buttery snack, this dough is the perfect base for countless recipes. Its versatility allows it to be filled with sweet jams, savory cheeses, or even vegetables, making it suitable for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

The unique texture of crescent rolls comes from the way the dough is layered and rolled, creating that signature flaky exterior. When baked, these rolls develop a golden-brown crust that gives way to a soft, tender inside. This combination of textures is sure to impress your family and friends.

Tips for Perfect Crescent Rolls

To ensure your crescent rolls turn out perfectly every time, pay close attention to the temperature of your ingredients. The milk should be warm, around 110°F, to activate the yeast without killing it. Using fresh yeast is also crucial; expired yeast can result in flat, dense rolls.

Kneading the dough is an essential step that develops gluten, giving your rolls that delightful chew. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. If you're new to baking, don't worry—this dough is forgiving and easy to work with, making it a great choice for beginners.

Ingredients

Crescent Roll Dough Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour

Mix well and let rise for the best results!

Instructions

Activate Yeast

In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.

Mix Ingredients

Add sugar, melted butter, salt, and egg to the yeast mixture. Stir well.

Add Flour

Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes.

Let Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.

Shape and Bake

Roll out the dough, cut into triangles, and shape into crescent rolls. Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.

Enjoy your freshly baked crescent rolls!

Creative Filling Ideas

While crescent roll dough is delicious on its own, adding fillings can take your rolls to the next level. For a sweet treat, consider spreading a layer of cream cheese and your favorite fruit preserves before rolling. For a savory option, try filling them with shredded cheese, cooked ham, or sautéed vegetables for a delightful twist.

Don't be afraid to experiment with spices and herbs in your fillings, such as garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or fresh herbs. These additions can enhance the flavor profile of your crescent rolls, making them a standout side dish or appetizer.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftover crescent rolls, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked rolls. Simply shape them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and keep for up to three months.

To reheat, simply pop the rolls back in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. They'll regain their flaky texture and buttery flavor, making them taste freshly baked.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. You won't need to activate it in warm milk.

→ How do I store leftover dough?

You can wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the crescent rolls?

Absolutely! After shaping, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag.

→ What can I fill the rolls with?

You can fill the rolls with cheese, ham, or even sweet fillings like chocolate or fruit preserves.

Crescent Roll Dough

This crescent roll dough is perfect for making flaky, buttery rolls that are a delightful addition to any meal.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Olivia

Recipe Type: Fast & Simple Meals

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 12 rolls

What You'll Need

Crescent Roll Dough Ingredients

  1. 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  2. 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
  3. 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  4. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  5. 1 teaspoon salt
  6. 1 large egg
  7. 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.

Step 02

Add sugar, melted butter, salt, and egg to the yeast mixture. Stir well.

Step 03

Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes.

Step 04

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.

Step 05

Roll out the dough, cut into triangles, and shape into crescent rolls. Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 19g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 3g