Soft Fluffy Cinnamon Crescents (Printer-Friendly)

Tender, buttery crescents with cinnamon swirls for a warm, comforting breakfast treat.

# The Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Yeast Mixture

01 - 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
02 - ¼ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
03 - 1 tsp granulated sugar (for yeast activation)

→ Dough

04 - ¼ cup granulated sugar
05 - ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - ½ tsp salt
07 - 1 large egg, room temperature
08 - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for kneading

→ Filling and Topping

09 - ⅓ cup brown sugar
10 - 2 tsp ground cinnamon
11 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
12 - Optional: ½ cup powdered sugar mixed with 1–2 tsp milk for glaze

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar in a small bowl. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
02 - In a mixing bowl, blend the remaining granulated sugar, softened butter, salt, and egg until smooth.
03 - Add the activated yeast mixture to the butter-sugar mix and stir to incorporate thoroughly.
04 - Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
05 - Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise at room temperature for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll dough into a 12 x 9 inch rectangle and brush with melted butter.
07 - Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the dough surface.
08 - Cut dough into triangles and roll each from the wide end to the tip to create crescent shapes.
09 - Arrange rolls on the prepared baking sheet, curve slightly, and let rise for 15 to 20 minutes. Brush tops with additional melted butter.
10 - Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
11 - After cooling slightly, drizzle with powdered sugar glaze if desired.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Ensure milk is warm, not hot, to prevent killing the yeast.
02 - Knead dough until elastic but do not overwork to maintain tenderness.
03 - Allow full dough rising for airy, soft layers.
04 - Cut triangles evenly for consistent baking and shape.
05 - Brushing with melted butter enhances richness and browning.
06 - Use high-quality cinnamon for optimal aroma.
07 - Optionally substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a subtle flavor difference.
08 - Handle dough gently after rising to retain lightness.
09 - Make smaller crescents for bite-sized portions.

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