Crescent Roll Dough

Highlighted under: Cozy Cravings Kitchen

This crescent roll dough is the perfect base for delicious homemade crescent rolls that are flaky, buttery, and irresistible.

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-05T18:10:31.172Z

This crescent roll dough is a game changer for your baking endeavors. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create light and fluffy rolls that are perfect for any meal or occasion. Whether you're making them for breakfast or as a side dish for dinner, these crescent rolls will surely impress!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Flaky and buttery texture that melts in your mouth
  • Versatile dough that can be used for sweet or savory treats
  • Quick and easy preparation for homemade rolls anytime

Perfect for Any Occasion

Crescent roll dough is incredibly versatile, making it a fantastic choice for any meal or event. Whether you're preparing a family dinner, hosting a holiday gathering, or simply craving a snack, this dough can be transformed into a variety of delicious treats. You can fill it with sweet ingredients, like cinnamon and sugar, or savory fillings, such as cheese and ham. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

Another great feature of this dough is its ability to adapt to different cuisines. You can create a Mexican-inspired dish by adding some spices and cheese for delicious quesadillas or go for an Italian twist with pesto and mozzarella. This flexibility ensures that everyone will find something to love, and you’ll never grow tired of experimenting with flavors.

Easy Preparation

One of the best parts about making crescent roll dough is how simple it is to prepare. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal time, you can whip up a batch of dough that rivals anything you’d find at a bakery. The process involves mixing, kneading, and allowing the dough to rise, which is straightforward even for novice bakers. This ease of preparation means you can enjoy fresh, homemade rolls without spending hours in the kitchen.

Additionally, the dough can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy schedules. You can prepare the dough, let it rise, and then refrigerate or freeze it for later use. This way, you’ll always have a batch ready to bake up fresh rolls at a moment's notice, perfect for unexpected guests or last-minute meal plans.

Tips for Perfect Rolls

To achieve the best results with your crescent roll dough, pay close attention to the temperature of your ingredients. Using warm milk (around 110°F) is crucial for activating the yeast, which will help the dough rise properly. If your milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast, so always check the temperature before mixing. A good rule of thumb is to make sure the milk feels warm to the touch but not scalding.

Another important tip is to ensure that your dough has enough time to rise. Allowing it to double in size not only improves the texture but also enhances the flavor. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the dough in a slightly warmed oven (turned off) to speed up the rising process. Remember to keep the dough covered to prevent it from drying out during this time.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your crescent roll dough:

Ingredients

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

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you're set to start making your dough!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your crescent roll dough:

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Mix well until evenly combined.

Add Wet Ingredients

Add the melted butter, warm milk, and egg to the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms.

Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Let it Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Roll Out the Dough

Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out into a large circle. Cut into triangles for crescent shapes.

Your crescent roll dough is now ready to be shaped and baked!

Storing and Freezing

If you have leftover crescent roll dough, storing it properly is essential for maintaining its freshness. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out again.

For longer storage, you can freeze the dough. Portion it into desired amounts, wrap each piece tightly, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This way, you can enjoy homemade crescent rolls any time you wish without starting from scratch.

Creative Fillings

While the classic crescent roll is delicious on its own, adding fillings can elevate your rolls to a whole new level. Sweet options include chocolate chips, fruit preserves, or almond paste, creating delightful desserts that are perfect for brunch or dessert tables. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top before baking for an extra touch of sweetness.

For savory variations, consider filling your crescent rolls with a mixture of cooked meats, cheeses, and vegetables. Spinach and feta, ham and cheddar, or even pizza toppings like pepperoni and mozzarella are all excellent choices. These filled rolls make for a wonderful appetizer or snack, and they are sure to impress your friends and family.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser.

→ How do I store leftover dough?

You can store the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Just wrap it tightly and store it for up to 3 months.

→ What can I add to the dough for flavor?

You can add herbs, cheese, or spices to enhance the flavor of your crescent rolls.

Crescent Roll Dough

This crescent roll dough is the perfect base for delicious homemade crescent rolls that are flaky, buttery, and irresistible.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration12 minutes
Overall Time27 minutes

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: Cozy Cravings Kitchen

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 1 batch

What You'll Need

Ingredients

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

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Mix well until evenly combined.

Step 02

Add the melted butter, warm milk, and egg to the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms.

Step 03

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 04

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 05

Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out into a large circle. Cut into triangles for crescent shapes.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 3g