Gluten-free baking can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right recipe, you can create delicious treats that everyone will love. Gluten-free crescent rolls are a perfect example. They are flaky, buttery, and perfect for any meal.
Here’s a simple gluten-free crescent roll recipe that’s soft, flaky, and delicious.
Gluten-Free Crescent Roll Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum, or add 1 tsp xanthan gum if not included)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk (dairy or non-dairy, about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (helps with texture)
Instructions:
Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and apple cider vinegar. Mix until a soft dough forms. The dough will be slightly sticky but should hold its shape.
Rest the Dough:
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for 30-45 minutes in a warm place. It won’t rise as much as regular dough, but it will become slightly puffy.
Shape the Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface (use gluten-free flour). Divide the dough into two equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a circle about 1/4-inch thick. Cut each circle into 8 triangles (like a pizza).
- Roll each triangle up into a crescent shape starting at the wide end. Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.
Bake:
- Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.
Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with butter, jam, or your favourite spread.
Related
Useful Tips:
- You can add 1-2 teaspoons of garlic powder or herbs to the dough for a richer flavor.
- If the dough is too sticky to handle, lightly oil your hands or dust them with gluten-free flour.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Frequency Asked Questions
1. Can I use any gluten-free flour blend?
Yes, but make sure it’s a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Some blends work better than others, so look for ones that include xanthan gum (or add 1 tsp xanthan gum if it’s not included).
2. Why is my dough so sticky?
Gluten-free dough is often stickier than traditional dough because it lacks gluten. To handle it more easily:
- Lightly dust your hands and work surface with gluten-free flour.
- Use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to roll out the dough.
- Chill the dough for 10-15 minutes before shaping if it’s too soft.
3. Why didn’t my rolls rise much?
Gluten-free dough doesn’t rise as much as regular dough because it lacks gluten’s elasticity. However, you can improve the rise by:
- Ensuring your yeast is fresh and activated properly.
- Letting the dough rest in a warm, draft-free place.
- Adding a bit more yeast (up to 1/2 tsp extra) if needed.

Gluten-Free Crescent Rolls
Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum, or add 1 tsp xanthan gum if not included)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk (dairy or non-dairy, about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (helps with texture)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and apple cider vinegar. Mix until a soft dough forms. The dough will be slightly sticky but should hold its shape.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for 30-45 minutes in a warm place. It won’t rise as much as regular dough, but it will become slightly puffy.
Shape the Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface (use gluten-free flour). Divide the dough into two equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a circle about 1/4-inch thick. Cut each circle into 8 triangles (like a pizza).
- Roll each triangle up into a crescent shape starting at the wide end. Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.
Bake:
- Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with butter, jam, or your favourite spread.