Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls

Total Time Prep: 50 min. + rising Bake: 15 min./batch
Yield 4 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
Our crescent roll cinnamon rolls recipe takes classic cinnamon roll flavor and packs it into a cute, flaky crescent. A sweet glaze drizzle on top makes these even more delectable, whether enjoying them for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

  • 6-1/2 to 7 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup butter, cubed
  • 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • FILLING:
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened, divided
  • GLAZE:
  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine 3 cups flour, yeast, sugar and salt. In a large saucepan, heat the butter, milk, shortening and water to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Add egg yolks; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
  2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon; set aside.
  3. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead about six times. Divide dough into four portions. Roll out one portion into a 12-in. circle; spread with 2 tablespoons butter and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons cinnamon-sugar. Cut into 12 wedges. Roll up each from the wide end and place point side down 3 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Curve ends to form crescents.
  4. Repeat with remaining dough, butter and cinnamon-sugar. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
  5. Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks. Combine the confectioners' sugar, milk and vanilla; drizzle over warm rolls. Combine sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over rolls.
I always whip up a batch of these flaky, drizzled crescents to take to family gatherings at Christmastime. Serve the rolls at breakfast, as a snack or for dessert—you can't go wrong! —Sharon McKee, Denton, Texas
Recipe Creator

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