Crescent Roll Dough

Highlighted under: Fast Dinner Recipes

This crescent roll dough is a versatile base for a variety of sweet and savory baked goods. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dinner rolls.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-05T16:14:21.011Z

This crescent roll dough is not just for breakfast; it's a staple in many households for its endless possibilities. You can fill it with cheese, meats, or sweet fillings for delightful treats. Once you master this dough, you'll find it hard to go back to store-bought!

Why You'll Love This Crescent Roll Dough

  • Flaky and buttery texture that melts in your mouth
  • Perfect for both sweet and savory fillings
  • Quick and easy to prepare, great for last-minute baking

The Versatility of Crescent Roll Dough

Crescent roll dough is not just for breakfast—its versatility makes it a fantastic choice for a variety of meals and snacks. You can use it to create savory treats like cheesy pinwheels or delicious stuffed crescents filled with your favorite meats and vegetables. Alternatively, indulge your sweet tooth by filling them with fruit preserves, chocolate, or cream cheese for a delightful dessert. The possibilities are endless!

This dough is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impromptu gatherings. Since it’s easy to prepare, you can whip up a batch in no time. Whether you need a last-minute appetizer or a sweet treat for a family gathering, crescent roll dough is your go-to solution. It’s a staple that every home baker should have in their repertoire.

Tips for Perfect Crescent Rolls

To achieve the perfect flaky texture, make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This ensures that the dough has the right amount of moisture and fat, resulting in that delightful melt-in-your-mouth quality. Additionally, kneading the dough properly is crucial. Aim for a smooth texture after kneading, as this helps to develop the gluten and gives your rolls their structure.

When it comes to shaping your rolls, remember that uniformity is key. Cutting the dough into even wedges will help ensure that your rolls bake evenly. If you want to experiment, try adding some spices or herbs to the dough for added flavor. A sprinkle of garlic powder or dried thyme can elevate your rolls to a whole new level.

Serving Suggestions

Crescent rolls are best enjoyed warm right out of the oven. Serve them as a side with soups or salads, or as a base for your favorite sandwiches. They also make a fantastic addition to brunch tables, paired with fruit, yogurt, or spreads. For an extra touch, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle a little sea salt before baking for a savory twist.

If you're feeling adventurous, consider making a dessert bar by offering a selection of fillings for guests to create their own custom rolls. This interactive element adds a fun and creative touch to any gathering, allowing everyone to enjoy a personalized treat. From chocolate chips to caramel sauce, the options are limited only by your imagination!

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk, warmed
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 large egg

Mix everything together to create a smooth dough.

Instructions

Prepare the Yeast

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.

Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly. Stir in the yeast mixture and beaten egg until a dough forms.

Knead the Dough

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Shape the Rolls

Punch down the dough and roll it out into a large circle. Cut into wedges, roll each wedge from the wide end to the point, and place on a baking sheet.

Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy warm!

Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Storing and Freezing

If you have leftover crescent rolls, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them fresh longer, consider refrigerating them, although this may slightly alter the texture. When reheating, wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven to restore some of their original flakiness.

For longer storage, crescent roll dough can be frozen before baking. After shaping the rolls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to bake, simply place them on a baking sheet and let them rise before baking as usual. This makes for an incredibly convenient meal option.

Creative Filling Ideas

When it comes to fillings, the sky's the limit! For a savory option, try mixing cream cheese with cooked spinach and garlic for a delicious savory filling. Alternatively, you can create a meat and cheese roll by adding deli meats and your favorite cheeses, then baking until golden and melty.

If you have a sweet tooth, consider a classic apple cinnamon filling. Just mix diced apples with cinnamon and sugar, fill the rolls, and bake for a delightful dessert. Don't forget to drizzle a simple glaze on top after baking for an extra touch of sweetness. Each bite will be a burst of flavor, making them a hit for any occasion.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight before shaping and baking.

→ What can I fill these rolls with?

You can fill them with cheese, ham, chocolate, or any filling of your choice.

→ Can I freeze the rolls?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked rolls. Just thaw and let rise before baking.

→ How do I store leftover rolls?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Crescent Roll Dough

This crescent roll dough is a versatile base for a variety of sweet and savory baked goods. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dinner rolls.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Fast Dinner Recipes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 rolls

What You'll Need

Dough Ingredients

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  3. 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  4. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  5. 1/2 cup milk, warmed
  6. 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  7. 1 large egg

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly. Stir in the yeast mixture and beaten egg until a dough forms.

Step 03

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 04

Punch down the dough and roll it out into a large circle. Cut into wedges, roll each wedge from the wide end to the point, and place on a baking sheet.

Step 05

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy warm!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 2g