If you’re craving a dessert that combines tangy brightness with creamy richness wrapped in flaky, golden dough, you’re in for a treat with this Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe. It’s a wonderful blend of smooth cream cheese and zesty lemon nestled within buttery crescent rolls, creating an irresistibly delightful bite that feels both comforting and fresh. These rolls bake up beautifully golden and are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack any time you want to impress without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients is all it takes to whip up these delightful rolls. Each component plays a key role—from the creamy tang of the cream cheese to the refreshing zing of lemon peel and juice, plus the buttery crescent dough that makes this recipe so wonderfully flaky and inviting.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces): Softened at room temperature to blend smoothly without lumps, providing the rich cheesecake base.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Adds subtle sweetness that balances the tartness of lemon.
- Grated lemon peel (4 teaspoons): Freshly grated zest from one large lemon brings vibrant citrus aroma and flavor.
- Refrigerated crescent rolls (1 can, 8 ounces): The flaky dough that forms the perfect golden exterior.
- Butter (1 tablespoon, melted): Adds richness and helps give the rolls a beautifully glossy finish.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Used to make a sweet, smooth glaze that ties everything together.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 to 3 teaspoons): For the glaze, offering a fresh citrus punch.
- Fresh grated lemon peel (optional): For garnish to add a pretty pop of color and extra zing.
How to Make Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prep for baking
Start by preheating your oven to the temperature indicated on the crescent roll package, usually around 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it so the rolls don’t stick. This simple prep sets you up for perfect baking results without any hassle.
Step 2: Mix the cheesecake filling
In a medium bowl, blend softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and freshly grated lemon peel. Stir or beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This tangy and sweet filling is the heart of the Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe, delivering that luscious cheesecake flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Assemble the rolls
Carefully unroll the crescent dough onto your work surface. Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture onto each triangle section of the dough. Roll each one up snugly, starting from the wide end toward the point, making sure the filling stays inside as you roll. This step is fun and gives you that satisfying anticipation of the delicious outcome.
Step 4: Bake until golden
Place the filled rolls onto the prepared baking sheet with space between each. Brush the tops lightly with melted butter to encourage a beautiful golden color as they bake. Pop them into the oven and bake until golden brown and puffed, usually 12 to 15 minutes. The aroma alone at this stage is enough to make you eager to taste.
Step 5: Prepare and drizzle lemon glaze
While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice to create a smooth glaze. Once the rolls come out warm, drizzle this glaze generously over the top. The glaze adds a sweet-tart finish that perfectly complements the cream cheese filling and flaky pastry.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
For an optional but delightful touch, sprinkle fresh grated lemon peel over the glazed rolls. This not only adds a burst of color but an extra citrus zing that brightens the entire dish. Serve these rolls warm for the ultimate taste experience.
How to Serve Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest or a few small edible flowers can turn these rolls from simple to truly special. Whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar also works beautifully if you want to elevate the presentation when serving guests.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with a fresh fruit salad or a vibrant berry compote for a light, refreshing contrast. A cup of your favorite tea or freshly brewed coffee rounds out the perfect breakfast or brunch experience centered on this Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the rolls on a pretty platter with lemon slices and sprigs of mint for a stunning centerpiece. You can also serve them individually wrapped in parchment paper tied with twine for a charming gift or party favor that’s as delicious as it is thoughtful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain their softness and flavor, making it easy to enjoy a quick treat the next day without losing that fresh-baked appeal.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked crescent rolls with the cream cheese filling assembled on a baking sheet first. Freeze them thoroughly, then transfer into a sealed container. When ready to enjoy, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for perfect results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back the flaky crispness on the outside while gently warming the luscious filling inside. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the texture.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese, but the rolls might be slightly less creamy and rich. For the best texture and flavor, full-fat cream cheese is preferred.
What if I don’t have fresh lemon peel? Can I use bottled lemon zest?
Fresh lemon peel gives the brightest flavor, but bottled zest can work in a pinch. Use a bit less, as bottled zest tends to be more concentrated or sometimes dried.
Can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
Absolutely! Adjust the powdered sugar or lemon juice amounts. For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar; for a thinner glaze, add a little more lemon juice, drop by drop.
Is it possible to prepare these rolls vegan?
To make a vegan version, use vegan cream cheese and crescent dough made without dairy or eggs. The lemon glaze can easily be adapted by using a plant-based milk mixed with powdered sugar and lemon juice.
How long do these rolls keep their best taste?
They are best enjoyed fresh or within 1 to 2 days of baking. Beyond that, the crescent dough can start to lose its flakiness and the filling may firm up.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe a whirl—it’s one of those simple yet impressive pastries that feels like a treat every time you bite into one. Whether for a cozy morning at home or a special occasion, these rolls bring sunshine and smiles with every flaky, tangy, creamy bite. Happy baking and even happier tasting!
Print
Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully tangy and creamy, these Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls combine the soft, flaky texture of crescent dough with a luscious lemon cream cheese filling. Topped with a zesty lemon glaze and optional fresh lemon peel garnish, they’re a perfect sweet treat for breakfast or dessert, ready in just under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Filling
- 1 block package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons grated lemon peel (zest) from 1 large lemon
Crescent Rolls
- 1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls or crescent dough sheets
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Lemon Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh grated lemon peel for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix cream cheese, sugar, and lemon peel until smooth: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and grated lemon peel. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Fill crescent dough with the cream cheese mixture and roll up: Unroll the crescent rolls onto a clean surface. Spread the lemon cream cheese mixture evenly over each triangle. Starting from the wide edge, roll each crescent into a crescent shape, ensuring the filling stays inside.
- Bake until golden brown: Place the filled crescents on the prepared baking sheet, brush them lightly with melted butter. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the rolls are puffed and golden brown.
- Prepare lemon glaze and drizzle over warm rolls: While the rolls bake, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth to form a glaze. Once the crescent rolls are out of the oven and still warm, drizzle the lemon glaze evenly over them.
- Garnish with fresh lemon peel if desired and serve: Optionally sprinkle fresh grated lemon peel on top of the glazed rolls for an extra burst of citrus flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and smooth texture.
- If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add a bit more powdered sugar or reduce the lemon juice accordingly.
- You can substitute the crescent rolls with puff pastry if desired, adjusting baking time as needed.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon extract to the cream cheese mixture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving.
