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Overhead shot of gluten-free crescent rolls piled in a bowl with flaky salt.
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Gluten-Free Crescent Rolls

These gluten-free crescent rolls are soft, flaky, and buttery with beautiful pull-apart layers. Made with my enriched yeast dough and a simple lamination technique using frozen grated butter, they bake up golden and tender every time. Perfect for Thanksgiving dinner, holiday meals, or serving alongside soup, these rolls prove you don't need gluten for that classic crescent roll texture.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings 12 rolls

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

  • 160 g (1 cup) brown rice flour - finely ground
  • 115 g (1 cup) tapioca starch
  • 75 g (1/2 cup) potato starch
  • 50 g (0.25 cup) granulated sugar
  • 8 g (1.5 teaspoons) kosher salt
  • 7 g (2.25 teaspoons) instant yeast - 1 packet
  • 6 g (2 teaspoons) xanthan gum
  • 8 g (2 teaspoons) baking powder

Psyllium Mixture:

  • 16 g (2 tablespoons) whole psyllium husk
  • 160 g (2/3 cup) warm water - about 100°F

Wet Ingredients:

  • 160 g (2/3 cup) warm whole milk - 100–110°F
  • 1 (1 egg) large egg
  • 42 g (3 tablespoons) unsalted butter - melted and slightly cooled
  • 5 g (1 teaspoon) apple cider vinegar

For Laminating:

  • 42 g (3 tablespoons) unsalted butter - frozen and grated on the largest hole of your cheese grater

For Baking and Finishing:

  • 1 (50 grams) egg - beaten, for egg wash
  • 14 g (1 tablespoon) melted butter - for brushing after baking
  • ½ teaspoon (½ teaspoon) flaky sea salt - for finishing, such as Maldon salt

**Use the toggle button above to turn the instruction photos on and off!

Instructions

  • Mix the dry ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 160 g (1 cup) brown rice flour, 115 g (1 cup) tapioca starch, 75 g (1/2 cup) potato starch, 50 g (0.25 cup) granulated sugar, 8 g (1.5 teaspoons) kosher salt, 7 g (2.25 teaspoons) instant yeast, 6 g (2 teaspoons) xanthan gum, and 8 g (2 teaspoons) baking powder. Whisk to combine evenly.
  • Make the psyllium gel: In a small bowl, whisk together 16 g (2 tablespoons) whole psyllium husk and 160 g (2/3 cup) warm water until thickened into a gel. Set aside for about one minute to hydrate fully.
  • Combine the wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 160 g (2/3 cup) warm whole milk, 1 (1 egg) large egg, 42 g (3 tablespoons) unsalted butter, and 5 g (1 teaspoon) apple cider vinegar. Add in the psyllium gel and whisk until smooth and uniform.
  • Make the dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on medium speed for about 5 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. The dough should be soft, thick, and slightly sticky.
  • First roll: Lightly dust your work surface with tapioca starch. Turn out the dough and pat into a rough rectangle. Roll into a 10×14-inch rectangle about ¼-inch thick.
  • Add the frozen butter: Using a box grater, grate 42 g (3 tablespoons) unsalted butter(frozen) evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving no bare spots.
  • First letter fold: Fold the right third of the dough over the center, then fold the left third over that. Give the dough a quarter turn so the whole thing is now horizontal in front of you.
  • Second roll and fold: Roll the dough back out into a 10×14-inch rectangle. Fold the right third over the center, then fold the left third over that. The dough should feel cool but pliable.
  • Roll into cylinder: With your hands, roll up the folded dough from the short side into a cylinder (it will look like a massive cinnamon roll) to distribute the butter layers evenly, then roll out with the rolling pin into a 14-inch circle about ⅛-inch thick.
  • Cut the crescents: Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the circle into 12 equal wedges (like cutting a pizza).
  • Shape the rolls: Starting from the wide end of each wedge, roll toward the point. Place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each roll. Curve the ends slightly inward to create the classic crescent shape.
  • Proof the rolls: Cover loosely and let rise in a warm spot (75–80°F) for about 45–60 minutes, or until puffy and nearly doubled in size.
  • Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops with 1 (50 grams) egg (beaten) for shine. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and the centers reach 200°F.
  • Finish: While still warm, brush the tops with 14 g (1 tablespoon) melted butter and sprinkle lightly with ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Flour Blend: Store-bought gluten-free blends don't perform well in yeast recipes. This custom blend gives the best soft, flaky texture.
  • Make-Ahead: Shape the crescents and place on the baking sheet. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let sit at room temperature for about 1 hour to finish rising before baking.
  • Best Served: Fresh on the day they're baked. Reheat leftovers gently in the oven, wrapped in foil, at 300°F for 5–7 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 205kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 492mg | Potassium: 143mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 265IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 1mg
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