Icebox Butterhorns
Icebox Butterhorns are flaky, buttery pastries with a delightful crescent shape, perfect for breakfast or brunch. Their rich flavor and tender texture make them a favorite for family gatherings or special occasions, offering a homemade touch with a delicious, warm aroma that entices everyone.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast and sugar in lukewarm water and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Add salt, beaten eggs, lukewarm milk, oil, and 2 cups of flour; beat thoroughly.
- Stir in the remaining flour to form a soft dough.
- Cover and let rise until doubled in bulk, then refrigerate overnight or use immediately.
- Remove from refrigerator and divide the dough in half.
- Roll out each portion in a circle; spread with melted butter and cut into 12 pie-shaped wedges.
- Start at the large end and roll up each wedge to form a crescent shape.
- Place on a greased baking sheet and let rise for about 3 hours or until doubled in bulk.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg to the dough. If you don’t have Crisco, vegetable oil or melted butter makes a great substitute. To speed up the rising process, place the dough in a warm, draft-free area. For a fun twist, try filling the butterhorns with fruit preserves, similar to the concept in Filled Drop Cookies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these butterhorns warm with a spread of butter or jam for breakfast or brunch. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a delightful dessert, consider serving them alongside Old-Fashioned Egg Custard Pie or with a scoop of Strawberry Sorbet for a refreshing finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover butterhorns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a resealable bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Icebox Butterhorns contains roughly 88 calories, with 1g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 5g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of cake yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for cake yeast. Use about 1/4 the amount called for in the recipe, and there's no need to dissolve it in water beforehand. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients for the same great results.
How can I tell when the dough has risen enough?
The dough is ready when it has doubled in size and feels puffy to the touch. You can also perform the 'poke test': gently poke the dough with your finger; if the indentation remains, it has risen sufficiently.
Can I make these butterhorns ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just remember to allow enough time for the shaped butterhorns to rise before baking, or you can freeze the rolled butterhorns and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).