There’s a special kind of magic that comes with a package of refrigerated dough. For home bakers and busy families alike, Pillsbury refrigerated dough is an absolute game-changer, offering endless possibilities beyond just plain rolls. Its incredible versatility makes it a staple in my kitchen, allowing me to whip up everything from savory bites to decadent desserts with minimal effort. Today, we’re diving into a recipe that perfectly embodies that effortless charm: Cinnamon Sugar Crescents.

Easy Cinnamon Sugar Crescents: Your New Favorite Quick Treat

When the craving strikes for something light, sweet, and utterly comforting, these Cinnamon Sugar Crescents are my go-to. The aroma of cinnamon instantly transports me to cozy autumn evenings, crisp leaves, and festive gatherings. Here in Spokane, fall often signals a shift towards warmer, more inviting flavors, and cinnamon is undoubtedly at the heart of that transition. This recipe captures that essence perfectly, delivering a warm, sugary hug in every bite.

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar Crescents

These delightful pastries are more than just a simple snack; they’re a testament to how easy and rewarding home baking can be. Here’s why they’re destined to become a regular in your recipe rotation:

• Effortlessly Simple: Using store-bought crescent roll dough drastically cuts down on prep time, making this an ideal recipe for beginner bakers or those short on time.
• Irresistibly Delicious: The combination of flaky, buttery crescent dough with a generous coating of sweet, spiced cinnamon sugar creates a flavor and texture sensation that’s hard to beat.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect as a quick breakfast treat, a delightful addition to brunch, an afternoon snack with coffee, or a comforting dessert after dinner.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Involving kids in cutting out shapes with cookie cutters makes this a fun kitchen activity for the whole family.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the flavors with different spices, glazes, or fillings.
• Budget-Friendly: Crescent rolls are often on sale, making this an economical way to enjoy a homemade treat.

Cinnamon and Sugar Crescents Recipe

Ingredient List

• 1 package (8 oz) Refrigerated Crescent Rolls: Any brand will do, though I often grab whichever is on sale. You can also opt for seamless crescent dough sheets for even easier cutting.
• 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter: Melted. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
• Pastry Brush: Essential for evenly coating the crescents with melted butter.
• Cinnamon and Sugar Mixture: A simple blend of ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. You can prepare your own by whisking them together, or purchase a pre-made mixture. For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar or adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom.
• Cookie Cutters: Leaf-shaped cookie cutters are perfect for a fall theme, but feel free to use any shapes you have on hand – stars, hearts, circles, or even just simple squares cut with a knife.
• Non-stick Cooking Spray: For preparing your baking sheet.
• All-Purpose Flour: A small amount to lightly dust your cookie cutters and rolling pin, preventing the dough from sticking.

Recommended Equipment

Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience, ensuring both ease and safety.

• Baking Sheet with Sides: I highly recommend using baking sheets with a raised edge. This simple feature prevents any accidental spills or rolls sliding off the sheet and into the oven – a lesson I unfortunately learned the hard way! It keeps everything contained and makes transferring them much easier.
• Parchment Paper: A true kitchen hero! Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper ensures a non-stick surface, preventing your crescents from sticking and making cleanup an absolute breeze. It’s also great for easily sliding the baked goods off the tray.
• Heat-Resistant Potholders: Safety first! A few years ago, we had a scary incident where a cloth potholder accidentally caught fire on a hot burner. Since then, we’ve exclusively used heat-resistant silicone potholders. They provide superior protection and peace of mind when handling hot pans and baking sheets.
• Rolling Pin: A standard rolling pin for re-rolling dough scraps.

Directions: Crafting Your Cinnamon Sugar Crescents

1. Prepare Your Workspace and Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, lightly spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray or, even better, line it with parchment paper for effortless cleanup.
2. Unroll and Cut the Dough: Carefully open the package of crescent rolls. Unroll the dough onto a clean countertop. The key here is to keep the crescents connected; do not separate them into individual triangles yet. Dip your chosen cookie cutters into a small bowl of flour to prevent sticking, then press firmly into the dough to cut out your desired shapes. Arrange these delightful shapes onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Continue this process until you’ve used all the dough from the first unrolling.
3. Re-Roll Scraps for More Treats: After your first round of cutting, you’ll inevitably have some dough scraps leftover. Don’t let them go to waste! Gently gather these scraps and form them into a ball. Lightly dust your rolling pin with flour, and then roll the dough ball out into another thin sheet, aiming for a thickness similar to the original crescent dough.
4. Cut and Arrange Remaining Shapes: Dip your cookie cutters into flour again and cut out more shapes from the re-rolled dough. Place these new shapes onto the baking sheet alongside the others. Repeat the re-rolling and cutting process if there are still usable scraps, maximizing your yield.
5. Butter Up Your Crescents: Once all your shapes are beautifully arranged on the baking sheet, it’s time for the butter. Using your pastry brush, generously brush each crescent piece with the melted butter. Ensure an even coating, as this will help the cinnamon sugar adhere and give them a golden, rich finish.
6. Sprinkle and Bake to Perfection: Now for the grand finale – generously sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture over each buttered crescent. Don’t be shy; a good coating makes all the difference! Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 13-15 minutes. It’s crucial to keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color. They should be lightly crisp but not hard or burnt. Oven temperatures can vary, so adjust baking time as needed.

Yield: This recipe typically makes approximately 2 dozen crescents, though the exact number will depend on the size of your cookie cutters. Enjoy your warm, aromatic, and perfectly sweet treats!

Tips for Achieving Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Crescents

While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your crescents from good to absolutely amazing:

• Don’t Overwork the Dough: When re-rolling scraps, handle the dough as little as possible. Overworking it can make the crescents tough. A light touch will keep them tender and flaky.
• Flour Your Cutters (and Rolling Pin): Dipping your cookie cutters and dusting your rolling pin in flour is crucial. This prevents the sticky dough from adhering, ensuring clean cuts and easy release.
• Even Butter Distribution: Use a pastry brush to ensure every bit of the dough surface is coated with melted butter. This creates the perfect sticky base for the cinnamon sugar and promotes even browning.
• Generous Cinnamon Sugar: Don’t skimp on the cinnamon sugar mixture! A thick, even coating provides the best flavor and a beautiful sugary crust.
• Watch for Doneness: Ovens can be unpredictable. Start checking your crescents around the 10-minute mark. They should be puffed up and golden brown. If they brown too quickly, you can loosely tent them with foil.
• Cool Slightly Before Serving: While tempting to eat immediately, letting them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet allows them to set slightly, making them easier to handle and preventing burnt tongues!

Creative Variations to Explore

These cinnamon sugar crescents are fantastic on their own, but they also serve as a wonderful canvas for creativity:

• Nutty Crunch: Before baking, sprinkle a handful of finely chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon sugar for added texture and flavor.
• Chocolate Delight: Tuck a few mini chocolate chips or a small piece of chocolate bar inside each crescent before rolling (if using traditional crescent shape) or on top of your cutouts.
• Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to your cinnamon sugar mixture for a bright, aromatic twist.
• Cream Cheese Filling: Mix softened cream cheese with a little sugar and vanilla, then add a small dollop to the center of each crescent before folding or cutting.
• Simple Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar with a splash of milk (or lemon juice for a zesty glaze) until smooth. Drizzle over the warm crescents after baking.
• Savory Surprise: While this recipe is sweet, remember crescent dough’s versatility! Try a savory version with garlic butter, parmesan, and herbs.

Serving Suggestions

These Cinnamon Sugar Crescents are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Breakfast or Brunch: Serve warm alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning meal.
• Dessert: A perfect light dessert on their own, or try them à la mode with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Afternoon Snack: A delightful pick-me-up with an espresso or a glass of milk.
• Holiday Treat: Their beautiful golden color and comforting aroma make them a lovely addition to any holiday spread.

Storage and Reheating

If you happen to have any leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Storage: Store cooled cinnamon sugar crescents in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating: To enjoy them warm again, pop them in a toaster oven or a regular oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until heated through. The microwave can work in a pinch but may make them a little soft.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you master these delicious crescents.

Q: Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?
A: Yes, you can! Puff pastry will give you an even flakier, crispier result. The baking time might need slight adjustment, so keep an eye on them.

Q: How do I prevent the cinnamon sugar from falling off?
A: The melted butter acts as the adhesive! Ensure your crescents are thoroughly brushed with butter before sprinkling. You can also press the sugar mixture gently onto the dough.

Q: What if I don’t have cookie cutters?
A: No problem! You can simply unroll the dough, brush with butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and then cut the dough into squares, strips, or even small triangles with a pizza cutter or knife. They’ll still taste fantastic!

Q: Can I prepare these ahead of time?
A: It’s best to bake these fresh. However, you can melt the butter and mix the cinnamon sugar ahead of time. You could also cut out the shapes and store them covered in the refrigerator for an hour or two before baking, but they’re best when baked immediately after assembly.

Q: My crescents aren’t getting golden brown. What am I doing wrong?
A: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature. Make sure you’re using melted butter and a generous sprinkle of sugar, as sugar helps with browning. Also, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this can trap steam and prevent crisping.

Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast pastry, a delightful dessert, or a cozy fall treat, these Easy Cinnamon Sugar Crescents are sure to impress with their simplicity and delicious flavor. Grab a package of Pillsbury dough, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a little piece of heaven!

Other Amazing Recipes You Might Enjoy

Explore more fantastic recipes using versatile ingredients like crescent dough:

• Crock Pot Monkey Bread
• Bite Size Apple Pie Crescents
• Cheesy Biscuit Bites
• Crescent Braided Cheesesteak Recipe

Do you love discovering new recipes? Be sure to check out our copycat recipes, dessert recipes, and our CrockPot Recipes for more culinary inspiration.

For all our latest recipe posts and delicious ideas, follow Tammilee Tips on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Cinnamon And Sugar Crescents

Author: Tammilee Tips

This recipe is a delightful treat that’s incredibly easy to make. Perfect for a quick snack or a light dessert, these cinnamon sugar crescents are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 package Refrigerated Crescent Rolls (any brand; seamless pastry sheets also work well, but crescent rolls are often more affordable)
• 3 Tablespoons Butter, melted
• Pastry brush
• Cinnamon and Sugar Mixture (¼ cup granulated sugar & 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, mixed)
• Leaf Cookie Cutters (or any cookie cutters you have on hand)
• Non-stick cooking spray
• All-purpose flour (to dip cookie cutters in)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray (or line with parchment paper).
2. Open the crescent package and unroll the dough onto a countertop. Do not separate the crescents. Dip your cookie cutters into flour and cut out desired shapes. Place the shapes on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until you have used all the dough from the initial unrolling.
3. Gather any extra dough scraps, roll them into a ball, and use a flour-coated rolling pin to roll out another sheet.
4. Cut more shapes from the re-rolled dough using the cookie cutters and place them on the baking sheet.
5. Once all your shapes are cut and on the baking sheet, brush each crescent piece generously with the melted butter using a pastry brush.
6. Sprinkle generously with the prepared cinnamon & sugar mixture. Bake for 13-15 minutes. Keep a close watch to prevent burning; you want them golden brown and lightly crisp, not overly crunchy.
7. This recipe makes approximately 2 dozen crescents, depending on the size of your cookie cutters.

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