Go Back
Step-by-step process of making homemade crescent dough, showing ingredients on the counter, dough being kneaded on a floured surface, shaped crescents on a baking sheet before and after rising, and the final golden-brown crescent rolls fresh out of the oven, ready to be served.

Homemade Crescent Dough

Max Dennison
Making homemade crescent dough is easier than you think and gives your Cinnamon Crescent Rolls an extra buttery, flaky texture. This simple dough is made with flour, yeast, butter, milk, sugar, and salt, creating a soft, pliable base perfect for rolling and baking. Unlike store-bought dough, homemade crescent dough has a richer, fresher taste and allows you to control the ingredients. With just a little kneading and rising time, you’ll have a delicious, from-scratch alternative that takes your crescent rolls to the next level!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 27 minutes
Course Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine American cuisine
Servings 7 Servings

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl: To combine and knead the dough.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Whisk or fork: To mix dry and wet ingredients together.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: To stir the dough before kneading.
  • Stand mixer with dough hook (optional): Makes kneading easier, but you can do it by hand.
  • Rolling pin: To roll out the dough into a thin sheet.
  • Sharp knife or pizza cutter: To cut the dough into triangles.
  • Baking sheet: To bake the crescent rolls evenly.
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
  • Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap: To cover the dough while it rises.

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/4 Tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 3/4 Cup Warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
  • 1/2 Cup Granulated sugar
  • 1 Tsp Salt
  • 1/2 Cup Unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 Cup Milk, lukewarm
  • 1 Large egg
  • 4 Cups All-purpose flour, more for dusting
  • Additional butter for brushing (about 1/4 cup melted)

Instructions
 

  • Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
  • Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the sugar, salt, softened butter, milk, and egg to the yeast mixture. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
  • Add Flour: Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, stirring until the dough begins to form.
  • Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until it's smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky, but try to add as little as possible to keep the dough soft.
  • First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  • Shape the Crescents: Once risen, punch down the dough gently and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough in half, and roll each half into a circle about 1/4 inch thick. Cut each circle into 8 wedges. Roll up the wedges starting from the wide end to form crescents.
  • Second Rise: Place the shaped crescents on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure the tip is tucked under each roll to prevent unrolling during baking. Cover and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, or until nearly doubled.
  • Preheat the Oven: While the crescents are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Bake: Brush the tops of the crescents with melted butter, then bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm for the best taste.

Notes

Make-Ahead Instructions

Homemade crescent dough can be prepared in advance to save time and ensure fresh, flaky rolls whenever you need them. Here’s how to prep ahead:
  • Refrigerate the Dough: After kneading, cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to use, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before rolling and shaping.
  • Freeze the Dough: To store for longer, shape the dough into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then let it come to room temperature before rolling.
  • Freeze Pre-Cut Crescent Dough: After rolling and cutting the dough into triangles, layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze. When ready to bake, simply thaw, fill, and roll.

How to Store Leftover Baked Crescent Rolls

  • Room Temperature: Store baked crescent rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days in a cool, dry place.
  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Warm before serving for the best texture.
  • Freezer: Fully baked crescent rolls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.

How to Reheat Homemade Crescent Rolls

  • Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and warm for 5-7 minutes to restore their fresh-baked texture.
  • Microwave: Heat individual rolls for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
  • Air Fryer: Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 minutes for a crispier texture.
With these tips, you can always have fresh, homemade crescent dough or rolls ready to go for any meal or occasion.
Keyword Best Homemade Crescent Dough, Crescent Roll Dough for Baking, Easy Crescent Roll Dough, Flaky Crescent Roll Dough Recipe, Homemade Crescent Dough Recipe, Homemade Pastry Dough Recipe, How to Make Crescent Roll Dough from Scratch, No-Yeast Crescent Roll Dough, Simple Crescent Dough for Pastries, Soft and Buttery Crescent Dough