If you’re looking for a bright, tangy treat that feels both cozy and elegant, this Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Soft, flaky crescent rolls filled with luscious lemon cream cheese create the perfect balance of sweet and citrusy flavors. These crescent rolls come together quickly yet deliver that homemade charm that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack, these rolls bring sunshine and comfort all in one bite.

Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients come together beautifully, each playing a crucial role in the flavor and texture of your Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe. From the flaky dough to the zesty lemon notes, every element is essential to create that irresistible combination of creamy, sweet, and fresh.

Crescent roll dough (1 package, 8 oz): The buttery, flaky base that forms the perfect golden rolls.
Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Provides a rich, creamy filling that contrasts beautifully with the tangy lemon.
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemon flavor.
Lemon zest (1 tbsp): Brings fresh, aromatic citrus notes that brighten the whole dish.
Fresh lemon juice (2 tbsp): Gives a punch of natural tartness to enhance the cream cheese filling.
Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Rounds out the flavors with its warm, sweet aroma.
Powdered sugar (1/4 cup, for glaze): Sweetens and thickens the glaze for that perfect finishing touch.
Lemon juice (1 tbsp, for glaze): Adds a zesty tang to the glaze making it fresh and vibrant.
Lemon zest (1/2 tsp, for glaze): Finishing flourish that hints at the lemon flavor just beneath the surface.

How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

First, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Starting with the right temperature and setup ensures your rolls bake evenly and develop that gorgeous golden-brown crust.

Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps. This filling is the heart and soul of your rolls, so take a moment to make sure it’s perfectly combined and flavorful.

Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Dough

Unroll the crescent dough and carefully separate it into 8 triangles. Each triangle will be filled with that luscious lemon cream cheese mixture, so make sure they’re evenly spaced apart to make rolling easier and ensure each bite has the perfect amount of filling.

Step 4: Add the Filling and Roll

Using about 1 tablespoon of the lemon cream cheese filling, spread it in the center of each dough triangle. Then, carefully roll each triangle up starting from the wide edge, forming classic crescent shapes. Place these rolls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough room for them to puff and expand as they bake.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the rolls in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they turn a beautiful golden brown and puff up. That flaky, buttery exterior is what makes these rolls something special.

Step 6: Whisk Together the Lemon Glaze

While the rolls bake, whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. This glaze is the perfect sweet and tangy topper that ties the whole dish together with a shiny, luscious finish.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

After baking, let the rolls cool for about 5 minutes so they’re warm but not too hot. Drizzle the lemon glaze over each roll generously. Serve them warm for that freshly baked, mouthwatering experience you and your guests will love.

How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

To make your Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe even more inviting, garnish with a sprinkle of extra lemon zest on top of the glaze. You could also add a few finely chopped fresh mint leaves for a pop of green and a subtle herbal note that complements the lemon beautifully.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair wonderfully with light, refreshing sides like a fresh fruit salad or a bowl of mixed berries. For brunch, consider serving alongside scrambled eggs or a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to echo the lemony freshness in the rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, arrange the crescent rolls on a rustic wooden board and drizzle extra glaze right before serving. You can also serve them in small individual paper liners for an elegant touch, perfect for gift-giving or serving at a party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain their freshness, avoid stacking them too tightly so they don’t lose their flaky texture.

Freezing

If you want to savor these delightful rolls later, you can freeze them before baking. Arrange the unbaked filled crescent rolls on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a zip-top bag and bake directly from frozen when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers, reheat the rolls in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 5-7 minutes until warm and flaky. If desired, drizzle a touch more glaze after reheating to refresh their flavor and appearance.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese or do I need to use a specific kind?

You can use any plain cream cheese for this recipe, but softened cream cheese works best to blend smoothly with the sugar and lemon, creating that luscious filling texture.

What if I don’t have fresh lemons for zest or juice?

Fresh lemon zest and juice really make a difference in brightness, but if you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice and dried lemon peel can work as a substitute, though the flavor may be less vibrant.

Are these rolls suitable for freezing after baking?

While freezing after baking is possible, the texture will be best if frozen before baking. Still, reheated baked rolls can taste great with proper storage and reheating methods.

Can I make the filling sweeter or more tart?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the sugar and lemon juice amounts in the filling to suit your taste preferences, just remember that the glaze also contributes to the overall sweetness.

Is this recipe okay for a beginner baker?

Yes, it’s a great recipe for beginners because the crescent roll dough is pre-made, and the filling is simple to mix. The steps are straightforward, making it easy and fun to create a bright, impressive pastry.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe brings together the best of tart lemon flavor with creamy sweetness wrapped in a flaky, buttery roll. It’s a recipe that’s quick to make, wonderfully versatile, and sure to brighten any meal or snack time. I can’t wait for you to try this and experience the joy of fresh, homemade pastries bursting with lemony goodness.