Soft and Buttery Crescent Dinner Rolls
These crescent rolls are a beautiful way to add warmth to your table. The dough is soft and rich, the shape is simple and nostalgic, and the end result is buttery, golden perfection. Whether it’s a special occasion or an everyday comfort, this recipe fits the mood.
Print
Pin
Servings: 24 rolls
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) warm water (about 110°F / 45°C)
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar, plus ¼ tsp for activating yeast
- 1⅓ cups (320 ml) whole milk, warmed to 110°F / 45°C
- 5 tbsp (75 g) softened butter (for dough)
- Approx 4 tbsp (60 g) softened butter (for spreading on rolled dough)
- Approx 3 tbsp (45 g) melted butter (for brushing on baked rolls)
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 tsp table salt (reduce to 1½ tsp if using salted butter)
- 5 cups (640 g / 22.5 oz) all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil, for greasing
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the warm water, yeast, and ¼ tsp sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add ⅓ cup sugar, warm milk, 5 tbsp softened butter, egg, and salt. Mix lightly — it's okay if the butter stays slightly separated.
- Add 2 cups of flour and mix until well combined.
- Switch to a dough hook and add the remaining 2½ cups flour. Knead for 4–5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic (slightly sticky is fine).
- Transfer dough to a large greased bowl. Cover with greased plastic wrap and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1½ hours.
- Punch down the dough. Divide into two equal portions and shape each into a ball.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a circle about 35 cm / 14 inches wide. Spread each with about 2 tbsp softened butter.
- Cut each circle into 12 wedges (like a pizza). Roll each wedge from the wide end to form crescents.
- Place on baking sheets lined with parchment, with the tip tucked under.
- Cover loosely with greased plastic wrap and let rise again for about 1 hour. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 15 minutes of rising.
- Remove plastic wrap and bake rolls for 15–19 minutes, until golden brown. Brush with melted butter immediately after baking. Serve warm or allow to cool completely.
