Crescent rolls and biscuits are two popular bread options that share some similarities but have distinct differences. Understanding the differences can help you decide when to use one versus the other in recipes and for serving at meals.
The Main Differences
Here are the key differences between crescent rolls and biscuits:
| Crescent Rolls | Biscuits |
|---|---|
| Made from a yeast-leavened dough | Made from a baking powder-leavened dough |
| Have a light, airy texture | Have a flaky, layered texture |
| Shaped into crescents | Cut into rounds |
| Typically eaten as a bread/roll | Can be used for sandwiches, shortcakes, etc. |
| Have a mildly sweet flavor | Tend to be more savory |
Ingredients
While both crescent rolls and biscuits rely on basic ingredients like flour, milk, and butter, the specific ingredients differ:
Crescent Roll Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Salt
- Instant yeast
- Milk
- Water
- Unsalted butter (melted)
Biscuit Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Cold butter (cut into pieces)
- Milk or buttermilk
As you can see, crescent roll dough relies on yeast for leavening and rising. Biscuit dough gets its lift from baking powder instead. The other main difference is that the butter for crescent rolls is melted and incorporated into the dough, while cold butter pieces are cut into the biscuit dough.
Preparation Methods
The leavening agents also impact the preparation method for crescent rolls versus biscuits:
Crescent Rolls
- Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm milk.
- Mix the yeast mixture with flour, sugar, salt, water, and melted butter to form a dough.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
- Let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Punch down dough and roll into a large rectangle.
- Cut into triangles and roll up starting at the wide end.
- Curve ends to form crescent shape.
- Rest for 30 minutes then bake.
Biscuits
- Whisk together dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut cold butter into dry mixture using pastry cutter or fork.
- Add milk and stir just until combined.
- Turn out dough onto floured surface and knead gently.
- Roll or pat out dough to 3/4-inch thickness.
- Cut dough into rounds using biscuit cutter.
- Arrange on baking sheet and bake.
The main differences are the yeast activation, rise time, and shaping method required for crescent rolls versus the quick biscuit method of cutting cold butter into dry ingredients.
Cooking Methods
Crescent rolls and biscuits require slightly different cooking techniques:
Crescent Rolls
- Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Can be stuffed with cheese, spices, herbs before rolling into crescent shape.
- Great for breakfast breads, sandwiches, appetizers.
Biscuits
- Bake at 450°F for 8-12 minutes until risen and golden brown.
- Can be dropped or cut into rounds, squares, etc.
- Great for breakfast, sandwiches, shortcakes, pizza crust, etc.
Crescent rolls require a lower temperature and longer bake time than biscuits to fully cook through and develop color.
Flavor and Texture
The ingredients and preparation result in some noticeable differences in the taste and texture of crescent rolls versus biscuits:
Crescent Rolls
- Light, airy, and fluffy interior
- Thin, delicate, flaky layers
- Slightly sweet, yeasty, buttery flavor
- Soft and tender crumb
Biscuits
- Flaky, layered texture
- More dense and substantial interior
- Savory flavor
- Tender and flaky crumb
Crescent rolls have a lighter mouthfeel and hint of sweetness from the dough itself. Biscuits tend to be more savory, dense, and flaky.
Uses
The different textures and flavors of crescent rolls and biscuits make them suited for some distinct uses:
Crescent Rolls
- Breakfast breads and pastries
- Dinner rolls
- Sandwich wraps
- Appetizers and snacks
- Sweet roll-ups with cinnamon and icing
Biscuits
- Breakfast sandwiches
- Chicken biscuits
- Shortcakes
- Bread for pot pie or stew
- Pizza crust
Crescent rolls work well for lighter fare where you want a sweet, soft dough. Heartier biscuits are great for soaking up gravy and sauces or standing up to heftier sandwich fillings.
Availability
You can find both crescent rolls and biscuits ready-made or make them from scratch:
Crescent Rolls
- Sold refrigerated or frozen in tubes or cans
- Common brands: Pillsbury, Rhodes, Sister Schubert’s
- Also find ready-to-bake crescent roll dough
Biscuits
- Sold refrigerated or frozen raw or pre-baked
- Common brands: Pillsbury, Red Lobster, Popeye’s, Grands
- Can make from scratch or using biscuit mixes
Pre-made crescent roll and biscuit dough provides a convenient shortcut for homemade baked goods. But you can also prepare both items entirely from scratch for the freshest taste.
Nutrition
Crescent rolls and biscuits have comparable nutrition profiles, being made from refined flour, butter, and dairy:
| Nutrition Facts (per 1 roll/biscuit) | Crescent Roll | Biscuit |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 100 | 170 |
| Fat | 3.5g | 9g |
| Carbs | 15g | 23g |
| Protein | 2g | 3g |
| Sodium | 260mg | 490mg |
Biscuits tend to be higher in calories, fat, carbs, and sodium since they use more butter and have a more substantial dough. But both provide a similar glycemic spike from refined flour. Those looking for a lighter option may favor crescent rolls.
Cost
Pre-made crescent rolls and biscuits are quite affordable convenience products. Here are some average prices:
Crescent Rolls
- Refrigerated tube: $2.50
- Canned: $3.50
- Ready-to-bake rolls: $4
Biscuits
- Refrigerated raw: $3
- Frozen raw: $4
- Frozen baked: $5
Making either from scratch costs just a few dollars in basic ingredients. Biscuit mixes may run $2-3 per batch. Overall the costs are comparable, with pre-made biscuits perhaps a bit pricier on average.
Conclusion
While crescent rolls and biscuits share some core ingredients, they differ in terms of preparation method, texture, flavor, and ideal uses. Crescent rolls offer a sweet, airy, yeast-bread profile perfect for lighter dishes and appetizers. Heartier biscuits work well for breakfast sandwiches, shortcakes, and soaking up savory sauces. Both provide a tasty and affordable addition to meals.