Step 1

In a medium-size bowl, place the bread flour, granulated sugar, and instant yeast, and whisk to combine well. Add the warm water, and mix until smooth and well-combined.

Step 2

The mixture will be thick and shapeless. Cover and set the bowl aside in a warm, draft-free location to rise until doubled in size (about 45 minutes).

Step 3

In the bowl of a stand mixer, place the flour and salt, and whisk to combine well with a separate handheld whisk.

Step 4

Add the honey, yogurt or buttermilk, egg, room temperature butter, and risen starter to the bowl, and mix to combine.

Step 5

Place the bowl in your stand mixer fitted with the dough hook and knead for about 5 minutes on medium-high speed or until the dough is smooth and stretchy, and appears to have lightened a bit in color.

Step 6

Spray a silicone spatula with cooking oil spray, and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl or proofing bucket large enough for the dough to rise to double its size, and cover tightly with oiled plastic wrap or the oiled top of your proofing bucket.

Step 7

Place the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours and up to 5 days.

Step 8

On baking day, line a rimmed baking sheet with unbleached parchment paper and set it aside.

Step 9

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, sprinkle it very lightly with more flour. Handling the dough very gently so you don’t incorporate too much flour into the dough, turn the dough over a few times until it’s smoother.

Step 10

Divide the dough into two equal portions. Set one aside and cover so it doesn’t dry out.

Step 11

Working with the remaining piece of dough, roll it into a 10-inch circle, turning the dough over frequently, sprinkling very lightly with more flour as necessary, and moving it around to prevent sticking.

Step 12

With a pizza wheel or sharp knife, slice the round of dough into 4 equal pieces, each a very wide triangle. Slice each quarter into thirds, making twelve triangles total.

Step 13

Brush the dough liberally with 2 tablespoons melted butter, then allow the dough to sit briefly to allow the butter to set.

Step 14

Repeat with the second half of the dough.

Step 15

Once the butter has begun to set, separate one triangle from the circle, and roll it gently but securely from base to tip. Place the shaped crescent roll on the prepared baking sheet, with the tip of the triangle secured on the bottom.

Step 16

Repeat with the remaining 11 triangles, spacing the rolls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 17

Cover the baking sheet with lightly oiled plastic wrap, and place it in a draft-free location to rise until about 150% of its original size (30 to 45 minutes). Do not overproof.

Step 18

About 15 minutes before the end of the rolls’ rise, preheat your oven to 350°F.

Step 19

Once the rolls have finished rising, remove the plastic wrap and brush the tops generously with more melted butter.

Step 20

Place the baking sheets in the center of the preheated oven and bake until the rolls are just browned (about 15 minutes). Remove from the oven, and serve warm.