Mom's Crescent Rolls

My mom passed this recipe down to me, which is always a favorite at the holidays. Using a stand-mixer makes the kneading easier and the recipe can be done within a few hours, depending on rise time. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

• Ready In: 5 hrs 12 mins
• Yields: 48 rolls

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 ounce  yeast (one envelope)
• 1⁄2 cup warm water
• 2  teaspoons sugar
• 1 1⁄2 cups milk, warmed
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 3  tablespoons shortening
• 1  tablespoon butter
• 2  eggs, beaten
• 6  cups flour
•  butter, softened

Directions

1. Dissolve yeast and sugar in the warm water. Let stand for a few minutes.
2. Warm the milk, add shortening, butter, sugar, and salt. Add 2 cups of flour and beat until smooth. Add yeast mixture, eggs, and remaining flour (1 cup at a time). Knead with a stand mixer or on a floured surface until smooth. Place in a bowl and cover with a lightweight kitchen towel; let rise until double in bulk in a warm place.
3. Cut the dough into fourths. Roll out each section until 1/4" thick. Butter well with softened butter. Cut into 12 pie-shaped pieces using a pizza cutter. Begin rolling at the largest end to form crescents. Place on a lightly greased cookie sheets. Let rise for about 4 hours. Bake 12-15 minutes at 350°F Brush with butter while warm.