If there is a recipe that defines my family, it would be this one. No recipe is as loved or as frequently requested as these crescent rolls. In fact, it’s a rare family gathering where you won’t find these rolls on the table, lovingly prepared by some aunt, cousin, mom, or occasionally, me. Trust me—they’re the best! And fair warning: once you try them, you won’t be able to stop at just one.
These rolls are simple to make but require a bit of time and patience due to the self-rising yeast. They’re perfect for big meal preparations since you work on them in three stages, each spaced an hour apart: mixing the dough, rolling it out, and finally, baking the rolls. By the end, your kitchen will smell like buttery, yeasty heaven.
I’ve included detailed instructions in my recipe below, and I promise—you can make them, and everyone will LOVE them!
Why These Rolls Are Worth the Effort
Sure, you could grab a pack of rolls from the store, but where’s the fun in that? These crescent rolls are worth every minute of effort. They’re soft, fluffy, buttery, and perfectly golden. Whether slathered with homemade jam or served alongside a roast dinner, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Every time I’ve shared these rolls with friends or neighbors, they’ve been met with rave reviews—and requests for the recipe. But let’s be honest, the best compliment is watching someone reach for their third roll when they swore they’d only have one.
Roll With It: The Irresistible Family Recipe You’ll Crave Forever
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons yeast
- 1/2 cup oil
- 2 cups milk scalded
- 1 cup mashed potatoes (potato flakes)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 8 cups flour
- 1/2 cup butter (for rolling and topping)
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water (add 1T. sugar).
- In a separate bowl, mix liquid ingredients.
- Add yeast once it’s doubled in size and mix in dry ingredients (add flour slowly).
- Let dough double in size (about 45 minutes).
- Use 1/4 of dough and roll into large circle, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Use pizza cutter and cut into pizza like slices.
- Brush with melted butter.
- Roll up pizza slices like a croissant. Place on greased pan.
- Cover; let rise until doubled in size (45-60 minutes).
- Bake at 375º for 12-15 minutes.
A Few Helpful Hints
While the recipe is straightforward, a few tips can make all the difference. Here are my best tricks to ensure your rolls come out perfectly every time:
- Scalded Milk is Key: Don’t skip this step. A quick minute in the microwave will do the trick, but don’t forget it. Scalded milk helps activate the yeast and gives the dough a richer texture.
- Mashed Potatoes for the Win: Yes, you read that right—mashed potatoes in rolls. It’s the secret ingredient for a pillowy-soft texture. Instant potatoes work great for convenience. My mom even freezes 1-cup portions in ziplock bags just for roll-making days. Talk about being prepared!
- Warm Water for Yeast: Use warm water—not hot—to activate the yeast. Add a tablespoon of sugar to help it grow. The yeast should double in size, reaching at least two cups before you add it to the dough. If it’s not bubbling, start over—happy yeast is the foundation of great rolls.
- Be Patient: Good things come to those who wait. Letting the dough rise properly at each stage is what makes these rolls so light and fluffy. Don’t rush it.
Rolling Out the Dough (and the Fun!)
The most satisfying part of this process has to be rolling out the dough. There’s something therapeutic about transforming that mound of dough into perfect crescents. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to get the kids involved. My kids love helping me roll and shape the dough, though they’re not above sneaking a nibble of raw dough when I’m not looking.
To get the perfect crescent shape, divide the dough into sections, roll each into a circle, and cut it into wedges like a pizza. Roll each wedge from the wide end to the point, and voila—crescent perfection.
The Payoff: Golden, Buttery Rolls
Once these rolls come out of the oven, golden brown and smelling divine, you’ll realize they were worth every minute of effort. Slather them with butter, drizzle honey over the top, or enjoy them plain. Either way, they’ll steal the show at any meal.
These rolls have become such a staple in our family that they’re not just a food—they’re a tradition. Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner, a casual Sunday lunch, or just a random Tuesday, they’re always a hit.
Bonus Tip: Try Lion House Rolls Too
If you’re a roll enthusiast, you might also enjoy trying Lion House dinner rolls for some variety. But fair warning—once you’ve tasted these family-famous crescent rolls, nothing else will compare.
Give them a try, and let me know how they turn out. Just don’t forget to save one for yourself before the plate gets emptied!
How many wedges do you cut in each circle?