Homemade Butter Crescent Rolls
Prep time: 20 mins | Rise time: 2 hours | Cook time: 12-15 mins | Servings: 16 rolls
Ingredients
For the Dough:
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4 cups All-purpose flour (sifted)
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1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) Active dry yeast
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1 cup Warm milk (110°F/43°C)
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⅓ cup Unsalted butter, melted and cooled
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½ cup Granulated sugar
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1 tsp Salt
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2 Large eggs, room temperature
For the Assembly:
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¼ cup Unsalted butter, very soft (for spreading)
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1 Egg + 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
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Flaky sea salt (optional topping)
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and stir gently. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Mix the Dough
Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook attachment, gradually add the flour one cup at a time on low speed. Once the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl, increase the speed to medium and knead for 5 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky (but not sticky).
3. The First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Shape the Crescents
Punch the dough down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into two equal balls.
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Roll each ball into a large circle (about 12 inches across).
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Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the circles.
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Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut each circle into 8 even wedges (like a pizza).
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Starting at the wide end of each wedge, roll the dough toward the point. Curve the ends slightly inward to create the “crescent” shape.
5. The Second Rise
Place the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving at least 2 inches between them. Cover lightly and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
6. Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gently brush the tops of the rolls with the egg wash. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until they reach a deep golden brown.
7. Finish
Remove from the oven and immediately brush with a little extra melted butter if desired. Let them cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving.