National Cinnamon Crescent Day Date in the current year: April 10, 2024

Crescent-shaped breads and cakes have been made for centuries. The kifli — a crescent-shaped yeast bread roll originating in Austria — has been around since at least the 13th century. It is believed that it has served as an inspiration for croissants, crescents, and other crescent-shaped pastries.

Some people think that a cinnamon crescent is the same as cinnamon-flavored croissant, but it is just a common misconception. Both are sweet and fluffy, but crescent rolls are denser than airy croissants because they are made using a different technique.

Crescent rolls and croissants are both made from yeast-raised dough, but crescent roll dough is more bread-like than the so-called laminated dough used to make croissants. Lamination is the process of producing multilayered dough with alternating thin layers of dough and butter. It is thanks to lamination that croissants are so puffy and flaky.

Crescent roll dough, unlike croissant dough, consists of just one layer. Crescent rolls are still fluffy due to containing a significant amount of butter, but they are less crispy and flaky than classic croissants. However, this also makes them much easier to make.

Crescent rolls are often flavored with cinnamon because it is one of the most popular spices used in baked goods. Most people associate its warm scent with happy memories, holidays, and spending time with their loved ones. Cinnamon crescents are a type of pastry you can throw together quickly and be sure the result will be mouth-watering.

Here’s an easy cinnamon crescent rolls recipe you can try at home to celebrate National Cinnamon Crescent Day on April 10. It features refrigerated crescents, so all you really need to do is make cinnamon-flavored filling, spread it over the dough, roll it to form crescents, and bake them.

Mix together ¼ cup of softened butter, ¼ cup of light brown sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. This is your cinnamon filling. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Unpack the crescent roll dough and separate the rolls from one another (the dough should have serrated lines to make it easier for you). Place each of the unbaked rolls on the cookie sheet, making sure there is enough space between them. A standard package usually contains eight rolls.

Spread the filling on top of the dough, using a spoon. Roll each crescent up and place it on the cookie sheet seams down. Bake until the rolls are slightly golden around the edges; it should take about 9–12 minutes.

To make your cinnamon crescents even more delicious, add some sweet vanilla glaze. Whisk together ½ cup of powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons of milk and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Let the rolls cool slightly and drizzle the glaze on top.

If you’re not in the mood for baking but still want to celebrate National Cinnamon Crescent Day, drop by a bakery and buy some delicious rolls there!