Best Buttery Gluten Free Crescent Roll Recipe
A tender, buttery gluten free crescent roll, warm from the oven and bursting with delicious flavor... no, it's not a dream! These gluten free crescent rolls are the real deal.
Light, easy to prep and quick to bake - And to top it all off - the ingredients list is not complicated.
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Gluten Free Crescent Rolls Recipe at a Glance
Who doesn't love a fresh from the oven, light and tender golden brown crescent roll? They're just the perfect dinner bread to pass around a table full of hungry tummies. But this crescent roll recipe is extra special for a few tasty reasons:
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1. They're homemade.
2. They're gluten free and dairy free.
3. They make a great addition to your holiday meals!
A bite of a fluffy, gluten free crescent roll means even those with celiac disease can enjoy the same delicious crescent rolls without sacrificing taste. Follow the "Step by Step" directions and "Baking Pro Tips" below for making the very best crescent rolls without spending hours in the kitchen. And make sure to reference the post on measuring gluten free flours for the most accurate measurements.
Ingredients
Note on these ingredients: Since this recipe was first published in March of 2019, I've gotten many requests for a yeast version. We decided to revamp this recipe with this yeast version on 11/2023. The original, yeast-free recipe can be found in my cookbook √. This new recipe uses yeast to make a true, gluten-free crescent roll.
Below is the simple ingredients list for making this crescent roll recipe:
- Whole Psyllium Husks: Making the psyllium husk slurry helps with the texture of the baked rolls.
- Warm Water: The water is essential for the whole psyllium husk (and active dry yeast if you use that variety, more on that in the "Substitutions" section below.)
- Tapioca Starch: A starch is needed for a balanced flour-starch ratio.
- Millet Flour: Millet flour works beautifully as it's got an even ratio of protein to fiber.
- Sorghum Flour: Sorghum flour is also nicely balanced and very mild.
- Granulated Sugar: Sugar adds a hint of sweetness, resembling store-bought crescent rolls (remember the canned crescent rolls?!)
- Instant Yeast: Yeast is essential for rising.
- Baking Powder: Baking powder works alongside the yeast to give the rolls some added lift.
- Xanthan Gum: The gum is needed for the texture of the bread.
- Salt: Just a hint of salt for flavor.
- Almond Milk: The almond milk is essential for the liquid portion of the ingredients.
- Eggs: One egg for the dough and one egg for the egg wash.
- Vegan Butter: The butter adds the right amount of fat for the dough.
Exact measurements and instructions for making the crescent rolls are in the recipe card below.
Step by Step to Gluten Free Crescent Rolls
STEP ONE: In the measuring cup or small bowl, mix the psyllium husks and warm water, stirring well until mixed.
STEP TWO: In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the dry ingredients and, using the paddle attachment, mix until combined.
STEP THREE: To the dry ingredients, add the wet ingredients, including the psyllium husk mixture.
STEP FOUR: Mix until the dough forms, then mix for 8 minutes on medium speed.
STEP FIVE: Wrap the crescent dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
STEP SIX: Place chilled dough on a lightly floured surface (I recommend tapioca starch as it doesn't dry the dough out as much), and gather the rolling pin, pizza cutter and parchment paper lined cookie sheet.
STEP SEVEN: Roll the gluten free crescent roll dough out to a 14 inch circle on your work surface.
STEP EIGHT: Use a pizza cutter and cut the dough into 4 equal sections.
STEP NINE: Cut each ¼ section into 3 equal sections.
STEP TEN: Cut the remaining sections.
STEP ELEVEN: Starting at the wide end of the long triangles, roll each section up to the narrow end.
STEP TWELVE: If the dough sticks to the work surface, use a butter knife or flat spatula to loosen it as you roll. You may need to use a bit of starch if it's sticking too much.
STEP THIRTEEN: Place rolls onto the prepared baking sheet and form them into a crescent shape.
STEP FOURTEEN: Let rise in a warm place until 50% larger in volume. This may take 30 minutes - 1 hour, depending on the dough temperature and the environment temperature.
STEP FIFTEEN: Toward the end of the rise time, preheat the oven to 350F. Use a pastry brush to brush risen rolls with a beaten egg.
STEP SIXTEEN: Bake rolls for 22-25 minutes or until an instant read thermometer registers 205F. Serve warm.
Storing Gluten-Free Crescent Rolls
These baked crescent rolls are best enjoyed the same day they're made, but they do store well for a couple days.
At room temperature: After the rolls have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container and seal well. Enjoy them within 2 days. Rolls can be warmed in the microwave for 30 seconds.
Freezing: For longer storage, rolls can be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag. Defrost rolls in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Follow this post on warming frozen rolls for more complete information.
Unbaked dough: Once the dough has been mixed, it can be chilled for up to 2 days before rolling and shaping. Unbaked dough can also be frozen for up to 1 month, then defrosted in the refrigerator, and prepared as directed.
Substitutions
Below are some substitutes for this recipe:
Whole psyllium husks: You may use the powder version of psyllium husk. Reduce the amount to 10 grams and there is no need to make the slurry. Just add the water with the wet ingredients.
Tapioca starch: Also called tapioca flour. You may use cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or potato starch as a substitute.
Millet flour: Reference this flour substitute chart or this post specifically on millet flour substitutes. You may use teff flour, buckwheat flour, or sorghum flour. I do not recommend using a gluten-free flour blend.
Sorghum flour: Reference the gluten free flour substitutes chart or this post on sorghum flour substitutes.
Granulated sugar: Swerve sweetener may be used as a substitute.
Instant yeast: Active dry yeast may be used, but you will need to proof it in some of the warm water from the psyllium husks.
Xanthan gum: Guar gum may be used or find more acceptable xanthan gum substitutes here.
Almond milk: Any dairy milk or non-dairy milk will work.
Eggs: Find an egg substitute here for the dough. An egg replacer may be substituted for the egg wash. Alternatively, the egg wash can be omitted, but the rolls will be on the 'dull' side.
Vegan butter: Regular butter may be used.
Most of these ingredients can be found in my Amazon store.
Variations
Here are some ideas for alternatives with this crescent roll dough:
- Use it to make these gluten free pigs-in-a-blanket!
- Sprinkle the tops of the dough with sesame seeds before baking.
- Sprinkle some garlic powder and Italian seasoning on the dough before baking.
- Sprinkle the tops with additional sugar and some cinnamon for a sweet treat.
- Make ham rolls by rolling sliced ham in the long triangles and baking as directed.
Baking Pro Tips
Room temperature ingredients
All ingredients, unless noted, should be at room temperature. Find out how to quickly bring eggs to room temperature here.
Tools & Equipment
Have these tools on hand for making the crescent rolls:
- Stand mixer (or hand mixer, but be prepared for a long mixing time) (A food processor may be used, but it would need to be a very large one to hold the ingredients)
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Measuring tape
- Pizza cutter (or sharp knife)
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
- Pastry brush
These tools can be found in my Amazon store.
Refrigeration time
Even though it's tempting to roll out and bake the crescent rolls immediately, the refrigeration time is important. It gives the dough time to firm up and the fat to re-solidify, allowing you to roll it out much easier. And the good news is that you CAN make this dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to two days before shaping and baking it.
FAQs & Troubleshooting
These are very similar to the Pillsbury, canned crescent rolls! They are a bit sweet and very light.
To make these vegan, I offer an egg substitute in the "Substitutions" section above. The egg for the egg wash will need to be omitted or use an egg replacer.
Active dry yeast may be used, but it must be proofed first. Use some of the water from the psyllium husks for proofing. Reference the "Substitutions" section above for exact directions.
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Recipe
Buttery Gluten Free Crescent Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- In a measuring cup, mix the psyllium husks with the warm water until smooth. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the tapioca starch, millet flour, sorghum flour, sugar, yeast, baking powder, xanthan gum, and salt. Mix until combined.
- Add the almond milk, egg, melted butter, and psyllium husk mixture to the stand mixer bowl and mix until combined, about 30 seconds on low speed.
- Stop the machine and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Mix again on medium speed for 8 minutes.
- Form dough into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
- Remove from the refrigerator and place it on a surface sprinkled with tapioca starch (have more on hand in case the dough sticks).
- Roll the dough into a 14 inch circle.
- Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife and cut the circle into 4 equal sections.
- Then cut each section into 3 more equal pieces, ending with 12 long triangles total.
- Start at the wide end and gently roll each triangle up, using the extra tapioca starch and a flat spatula to help you roll if the dough sticks too much.
- Place each roll on a parchment-lined baking pan and set the pan aside to rise for 30 minutes - 1 hour, or until the rolls are 50% larger. Judge the rise by volume rather than time.
- Preheat oven to 350F. Prepare the egg wash by beating the egg in a small bowl.
- Brush each roll with the egg using a pastry brush.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes or until an instant read thermometer registers 205F.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve warm.
Video
Notes
- Make sure the ingredients are at room temperature (warmer for the water).
- Mix the dough for the full 8 minutes. A hand mixer can be used, but be prepared for the long mixing time. I do not recommend mixing by hand.
- Use starch to flour the work surface as it doesn't dry out the rolls as much as flour does.
- Keep a small flat spatula or butter knife handy for loosening the dough if it sticks while rolling.
- The rise time may take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour - judge it by volume rather than time.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check the rolls for doneness.
- These rolls will last for 2 days at room temperature. For full storage tips see the "Storage" section in the post.
Original pictures from original recipe:
The video doesn't match the written recipe at all! While the written recipe looks great I'd love to try the cottage cheese version as well. Help?
Hi!
You are right, I changed this recipe after I did the video with the other recipe. The other recipe is in my cookbook https://zestforbaking.com/gluten-free-rolls-cookbook!
Christine
Can I substitute firm silken tofu for the dairy free ricotta cheese? I cannot find the ricotta.
Hi Carolyn,
I haven't tested it, but judging from the consistency, it is very close so I bet it will work very well.
Let me know if you try it.
Christine
Hi Christine I'm a Chef and have an easier way to make the Daisy Cottage Cheese smoother. I simply open the container and use my emersion blender. I slowly insert the emersion blender into the Cottage Cheese and move it up, down and around until it is smooth. I have been doing this for years. It makes the cottage cheese so smooth you won't believe it!
I use this technique to make cottage cheese into Queso, use as cream for soups and sauces, to thicken casseroles and potatoe dishes that call for cheese.
I hope this helps.
Connie Miracle
Hi Connie,
Oh what a fantastic tip! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
~Christine
Hi, I live in the UK and am also a Vegan & was hoping you could suggest something I could replace the cottage cheese with please, may be a thick Vegan yogurt? Thanks Lucy
Hi Lucy,
Yes! Kite Hill ricotta cheese would also work in place of the cottage cheese. I wouldn't recommend yogurt - texture is too different. And then vegan butter for the butter.
Hope that helps!
Christine
I made these today for my daughter who has celiac disease and a severe tree nut allergy. I used Cup4cup gf flour blend. They were so easy and delicious! I can’t believe it!! Thank you so much for posting this ❤️
Hi Rebecca,
So glad you enjoyed them! Thanks for the feedback!
~Christine
I really wanted these too work out. Love that it’s easy prep in the morning. The prep was easy. I followed it exactly step by step. The only difference is I used parchment paper. The next morning when I pulled the dough out it was extremely sticky. You couldn’t even roll it. I ended putting it in clumps on the pan. It cooked through and tasted fine. I used the flour blend the linked clicked through to. In the comments, other flours were mentioned. Not sure...
Going to make this recipe just wondering though can I use a 1-1 flour mix?
Hi Kim,
I haven't tested it with any other mix, so I can't say for certain how the results will be. But if you try it, let me know.
Hope that helps!
Christine
This recipe looks great for me to make for guests that that are gluten free. I need something similar that is both gluten free and dairy free for myself. Do you have any suggestions?
Hi Rose,
Thanks! And yes! These are so good - actually everyone will enjoy them: https://zestforbaking.com/best-gluten-free-dairy-free-dinner-rolls
Thanks for asking and hope you enjoy them!
Christine
Hi Christine, I enjoy your recipes - beer bread is a favorite, but the pop-up to subscribe is really annoying! It’s hard to by-pass and since I already subscribe and it’s offering the same recipes again it’s redundant. And every time I se a metal tape measure used in your crescent roll recipe I cringe! They have nasty industrial oil on them and can’t be properly cleaned; please get a sewing tape measure or a kid’s plastic ruler! I guess this rainy grey weather is making me cranky, stay well!
Hi Meredith,
Thank you for writing - I will try to use a different measuring tape!
Stay well yourself!
~Christine
I’m looking for a recipe that is similar to a crescent roll but that I can use for recipes that call for it like a crust. Such as fruit “pizza” or a breakfast casserole crust layer. This seems easy enough to spread out and prebake in that manner. What are your thoughts on if this would work?
Hi,
So I would bet that this crescent roll dough would work really well for that. But instead of using wax paper to roll it out, try using parchment, because you'd have to be able to transfer it to a baking sheet without actually moving the dough. And try rolling it a bit thicker, maybe to a 10 - 11 inch circle, to give you a bit more crust.
Oh and prick it a few times with a fork before baking so the dough doesn't puff up too much.
Monitor the baking time - start checking at about 15 minutes in.
Let me know how it turns out!
~Christine
Can the cheese be substituted as my husband is allergic to dairy
Hi,
I am not sure the texture of a dairy free cottage cheese would produce the same results. You can certainly try it, I'd be curious as to how it turns out.
Hello! These look and sound yummy. However we are eating a low carb/keto way, so is there a way to make these work with almond and/or coconut flours and baking powder? Thanks!
Hi Sandra,
Thanks for the comment!
So for this recipe, I wouldn't recommend subbing keto-friendly flours. BUT, I am working on another crescent roll recipe that is keto friendly. Hoping to have it ready in a few weeks!
Stay tuned!
Oh, thank you! I can’t wait!
Do you have any suggedtions for sunstitutong xantham gum for these rolls. Husband tummy has issues with xanthum gum. Thanks.
Hi Renee,
Thanks for asking!
Yes, I definitely have some options for that. Here's the info on it: https://zestforbaking.com/make-substitutions-xanthan-gum-baking
Hope this helps!
Thankks for the quick reply... I made 2 batches done separately. And even baked them a little longer... The second batch baked a little more but the outside got hard.. Did you butter the croissants on the outside before baking?? I might try putting the cottage cheese in an Oscar to smooth it out more. Just so disappointed... Easy to put together, good taste, but don't know what else to do....
Hi Susan,
It sounds like you've done everything right... however, my cottage cheese was pretty smooth. And the upper rack baked them perfectly. I'm glad the taste was there though. Maybe I need to check my oven temp! 🙂
Good afternoon.... Made the dough for the croissants yesterday, refrigerated over night and baked them today. Very disappointed. Followed the recipe to a T and they certainly didn't brown like the picture. Actually, the only part that browned was the tiny pieces of cottage cheese.. They didn't bake inside . The taste was good, they were crunchy, so don't know what I did wrong.... I am a baker and used to baking GF... Any suggestions?????? Thanks. Sue
Hi Sue,
Thanks for the comment. It sounds like they could have used a few extra minutes baking. One thing you might do is move your oven rack up to get that golden brown color. The cottage cheese should be really well blended in with the butter.
I hope that helps and that you'll give them another go.
Let me know if I can help any more.
I have looked and looked, and I can't find a recipe for a rice/sorghum bread flour mix on the link at all. What am I missing? Thanks!
Hi!
Thanks for reaching out. My apologies on this - so the flour mix here: https://zestforbaking.com/how-to-make-gluten-free-bread-flour-mix, in parentheses I mention an option using rice and sorghum flour - that's what I'm referring to.
Let me know if I can help with anything else.
Sorry for the confusion!
Can these be made ahead of time and frozen?
Hi Linda,
Thanks for asking. I don't have answer based on experience but if you wrap them well and place them in an air tight plastic bag, they should freeze just fine.
Hope that helps.
I have a question about the cottage cheese. As you know there are many different brands of cottage cheese and they produce a vast difference in product from very dry to a very moist soupy curd. Could you recommend which variety works best.
Second, the link for Gluten-free-bread light flour mix goes to a recipe for Gluten Free Bread Flour Mix is the correct blend?
Thank you
Hi Jack,
Great question - so the Daisy brand is the only one I've ever used actually! It works well though.
And yes, that link is correct. Use only 1 tsp. total of xanthan gum. And I did update the recipe to mention to use the combination of flours - rice and sorghum.
Let me know if you have other questions.
Hope that helps!