If you love the irresistible combo of zesty citrus and creamy sweetness, Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls will quickly become your new go-to treat. Flaky, buttery crescent dough wraps around a tangy, luscious lemon cream cheese filling, then gets topped with a delicate glaze for the ultimate morning pick-me-up or easy dessert. With minimal effort and just a handful of accessible ingredients, these bakery-worthy pastries deliver maximum flavor and sunny brightness in every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every element in this recipe is straightforward but oh-so-important, coming together to create a treat with delightful texture and bold, fresh taste. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and why each goes into making the perfect Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls:
- Crescent roll dough: Gives these rolls their signature flaky, tender layers that bake up golden and delicious every time.
- Cream cheese (softened): The base of the creamy filling; it adds richness and a subtle tang that pairs perfectly with lemon.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling just the right amount, keeping the rolls bright and not too sweet.
- Lemon juice: Provides a fresh, vibrant punch of citrus flavor that makes the whole pastry sing.
- Lemon zest: Intensifies the lemon aroma and brings extra depth to both the filling and the garnish.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the tanginess and brings a comforting, mellow note to the filling.
- Powdered sugar: The foundation for the silky, drizzle-worthy glaze.
- Milk: Loosens the glaze to that perfect pourable consistency without watering down the sweet flavor.
- Additional lemon zest (optional): For an extra pop of color and zippy flavor right before serving.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), making sure to give it enough time to get nice and hot—this helps guarantee your Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls puff up beautifully. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so cleanup stays easy and nothing sticks.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until you have a silky smooth mixture. You want to whisk out any lumps so every bite inside the rolls is decadent and consistent. This tangy-sweet filling is the secret to the pastry’s irresistible gooey center!
Step 3: Fill and Roll the Dough
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles along the perforated lines. Spoon about a tablespoon of your lemon cream cheese filling onto the wide end of each triangle. Then, starting at that wide end, roll each triangle up toward the pointed tip to encase the filling. Try to keep the rolls fairly loose to allow them to bake evenly and the filling to settle perfectly inside.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Arrange the filled rolls on your prepared baking sheet with a bit of space between each one. Bake in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed and golden brown. They’ll start smelling absolutely heavenly—resist the temptation to pull them out too early so you get that beautifully crisp exterior.
Step 5: Glaze and Garnish
While the rolls cool just enough to handle, whisk together the powdered sugar and one to two teaspoons of milk until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls, letting it drip down the sides for that classic bakery look. For even more lemon flavor and a gorgeous finishing touch, sprinkle with extra zest before serving.
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Garnishes
A light rain of fresh lemon zest really brightens things up and offers a pretty visual cue to all the citrus waiting inside. If you want, a dusting of additional powdered sugar gives an instant “special occasion” vibe, and a few berries alongside add contrast and freshness.
Side Dishes
Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls pair splendidly with a cup of coffee or a floral tea for breakfast, or you can serve them after brunch with a fruit salad. For dessert, offer them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to make every bite extra indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the rolls on a cake stand for a dramatic centerpiece at brunch, or nestle them in cupcake liners for a pretty, grab-and-go presentation. For grab-and-mingle parties, you can slice each roll in half and arrange on a platter with a bowl of extra glaze for dipping. They’re just as welcome at a picnic as on a holiday dessert table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for two to three days, though the texture is at its best on the day they’re baked. Place parchment between layers to keep the glaze from sticking.
Freezing
These rolls freeze surprisingly well! Once cooled completely, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll maintain great flavor and texture for up to a month—perfect for prepping ahead for gatherings or surprise cravings.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked taste, reheat the rolls in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 8 minutes, or until gently warmed through. The microwave works in a pinch (try 10–15 seconds), but the oven helps preserve their crisp edges and hot, melty centers.
FAQs
Can I use homemade crescent dough instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! If you prefer scratch-made dough, go for it—the rolls may be a bit more time-intensive, but you’ll be rewarded with an incredible homemade flair. Just make sure your dough is rolled nice and thin for optimal flakiness.
Can I add more lemon flavor?
Yes! For super zingy Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls, simply add a few drops of lemon extract to the glaze or bump up the lemon zest in the filling. Taste as you go so the citrus remains balanced and not overpowering.
Do these work with low-fat cream cheese?
You can use low-fat or even Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter version. The texture may be a touch less creamy, but they’ll still taste delicious and satisfying.
Why did my crescent rolls leak filling?
Some seepage is totally normal, but to minimize leaks, don’t overfill the triangles and make sure to pinch the dough edges just slightly before baking. A little resting time before oven helps the filling stay put, too.
Can I make Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls ahead for a party?
Definitely! You can assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate them for up to 12 hours before baking. Simply add a minute or two to the bake time if the dough is chilled from the fridge, then glaze right before serving for the freshest taste and look.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hunting for a sunny, crowd-pleasing pastry with almost no fuss, these Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are sure to impress. Try baking up a batch soon—your kitchen will smell incredible, and your family or guests will be clamoring for more!
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Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are a delightful combination of tangy lemon and creamy cheese wrapped in a flaky crescent roll. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat, these rolls are easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients
Crescent Rolls:
- 1 (8 oz) package refrigerated crescent roll dough
Lemon Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons milk
Garnish:
- additional lemon zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Filling: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Fill and Roll: Unroll crescent dough, place a tablespoon of filling on each triangle, and roll up. Arrange on baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Make Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and milk together for glaze. Drizzle over warm rolls and sprinkle with lemon zest if desired.
- Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For an extra burst of lemon flavor, add a bit of lemon extract to the glaze.
- Best enjoyed the day they’re made but can be stored in the fridge and reheated.
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