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Homemade crescent rolls topped with sesame seeds on a light platter, with a split roll showing the soft, fluffy interior.

Easy Homemade Crescent Rolls – Soft and Buttery

Soft, fluffy homemade crescent rolls with buttery swirls and golden sesame tops. This simple savory bread recipe makes 32 rolls, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or serving alongside your favorite meals.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting & Rising Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 32 rolls
Course: Bread, Breakfast, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: European
Calories: 127

Ingredients
  

For the Dough

  • 5 cups all-purpose flour 600 g, spooned and leveled
  • 2 teaspoons sugar 8 g
  • 2½ teaspoons fine salt 15 g
  • 1 tablespoon instant yeast about 9 g
  • 6 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons neutral oil 100 ml
  • 6 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons plain sparkling water 100 ml
  • 6 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons milk 100 ml
  • ½ cup + 2 tablespoons plain pourable yogurt 150 ml

For the Butter Layer

  • 7 tablespoons unsalted butter 100 g, softened

For the Topping

  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons milk 30 ml
  • 2 teaspoons sesame seeds about 6 g

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • Rolling Pin
  • Baking sheets lined with parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Combine the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
  2. Warm the liquids. Place the oil, sparkling water, milk, and yogurt in a small saucepan. Warm gently over low heat, stirring until lukewarm. Do not let the mixture become hot.
  3. Make the dough. Pour the warmed liquid mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms, then knead until smooth and elastic.
  4. Divide and rest. Divide the dough into two equal balls. Cover and let rest in a warm place for 15 minutes.
  5. Roll and butter. On a lightly floured surface, roll one dough ball into a large circle. Spread evenly with half of the softened butter, keeping the second dough ball covered.
  6. Shape the crescents. Cut the circle into 16 equal wedges. Roll each wedge from the wide end toward the pointed tip. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet with the tip underneath, leaving room between the rolls.
  7. Repeat. Roll out the second dough ball, spread with the remaining butter, and shape another 16 crescents. You should have 32 rolls total.
  8. Let rise. Cover the rolls loosely and leave in a warm place for approximately 1 hour, until visibly puffy. Toward the end of the rising time, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  9. Add the topping. Whisk the egg with 2 tablespoons of milk. Gently brush over the risen rolls and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  10. Bake. Bake for approximately 20 minutes per batch, until golden brown and baked through. Transfer to a wire rack and cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Flour: Metric measurements are most accurate. If using cups, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off.
  • Yogurt: Use plain, pourable yogurt rather than thick Greek yogurt.
  • Butter: It should be soft enough to spread easily, rather than melted.
  • Rising: A cooler kitchen may require more time. The rolls should look puffy before baking.
  • Storage: Cool completely and store airtight at room temperature for 2–3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze cooled rolls for up to 2 months for the best texture.
  • Reheating: Thaw, wrap loosely in foil, and warm at 300°F (150°C) for approximately 8–10 minutes.
 
 

Nutrition per Serving

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 127 kcal · Carbohydrates: 15.2 g · Protein: 2.6 g · Fat: 6.2 g · Saturated Fat: 2.2 g · Fiber: 0.6 g · Sugar:0.7 g · Sodium: 191 mg
Nutrition is approximate and based on whole milk, plain whole-milk yogurt, unsalted butter, and the full egg wash.