Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate breakfast treat or a bright, crowd-pleasing dessert, you will love these Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls. Buttery, flaky crescent dough wraps around a soft, tangy lemon cream cheese filling, and a sweet-tart lemon glaze tops everything off for maximum lusciousness. These rolls come together in a snap but taste bakery-special, thanks to the irresistible contrast between creamy filling and golden pastry layers. They’re the kind of treat you’ll want to bake again and again, whether for brunch with friends or a sunny afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every element in these Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls plays an invaluable role—bringing a punch of citrus, a delicate creamy filling, or that glorious, golden pastry. These basics come together for something so much greater than the sum of their parts!
- Crescent roll dough: This refrigerated dough delivers that signature flaky texture and buttery taste with zero effort.
- Cream cheese (softened): Softening the cream cheese ensures a silky-smooth filling that melts beautifully into every bite.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cream cheese filling achieve just the right balance against the zingy lemon.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice brings bright, sunny flavor—don’t skip it for bottled, if you can manage!
- Lemon zest: The zest packs in pure citrus aroma and deepens the lemon flavor in the most delightful way.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash rounds out the filling, amping up the comfort factor.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): Combines with lemon juice and milk to make a glossy, pourable glaze.
- Milk (for glaze): Thins the glaze for perfect drizzling consistency—use as much or as little as you like.
- Lemon juice (for glaze): Adds extra citrus tang to amplify the bright flavors in every bite.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. This way, you’ll be ready to roll as soon as your dough is filled!
Step 2: Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is completely smooth and luscious—no lumps allowed. Taste a little if you like, and adjust for optimal lemony tang.
Step 3: Shape the Crescent Rolls
Unroll your crescent dough and gently separate it along the perforated lines into 8 triangles. On the wide end of each triangle, scoop about 1 tablespoon of your lemon cream cheese mixture. Carefully roll up each crescent, tucking in the sides if you want extra insurance that all that creamy filling stays put as they bake.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the filled rolls evenly on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little room for them to puff up. Slide them into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until your Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are puffed and gorgeously golden brown on top. Try to resist opening the oven too often—you want all the heat to stay in while those beauties rise!
Step 5: Mix and Drizzle the Lemon Glaze
While your rolls bake, whisk up the glaze: combine the powdered sugar with 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk and 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice until you have a smooth, pourable consistency. Once the rolls are out of the oven and still warm, drizzle them generously with the glaze. It should cascade into every crevice, making them as pretty as they are delicious.
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Garnishes
If you want to add a little extra flair, sprinkle the finished rolls with a dusting of lemon zest or even a scattering of powdered sugar just before serving. A few curls of finely sliced lemon peel look gorgeous if you’re feeling fancy, and fresh berries add a lovely pop of color beside that golden pastry.
Side Dishes
Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are absolutely dreamy paired with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or raspberries. For brunch, they complement classic choices like a crisp fruit salad, vanilla yogurt, or softly scrambled eggs for a satisfying sweet-and-savory spread. A mug of hot tea or fresh coffee is the perfect finishing touch.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress at a brunch or holiday table, stack the rolls high on an elegant cake stand and drizzle each roll with a little extra glaze at the last minute. Or, offer a DIY garnish bar with fresh berries and extra lemon zest so guests can add their own flourish. Mini muffin cups or festive paper liners also make individual servings look bakery-worthy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cream cheese filling stays fresh and the rolls keep their texture if you let them come to room temperature before serving again.
Freezing
You can freeze Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls for up to one month. Wrap each cooled roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before reheating for the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
For a just-baked experience, warm your Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes or until heated through. If you’re short on time, a few seconds in the microwave works too, but the oven keeps that exterior golden and flaky.
FAQs
Can I make these with homemade crescent dough?
Absolutely! If you’re up for it, homemade crescent dough will taste wonderful and give your Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls an extra personal touch. Just roll it out and proceed as you would with the store-bought version.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, this recipe doubles beautifully. Use two cans of crescent roll dough and double all the filling and glaze ingredients. Make sure to bake in batches or use multiple baking sheets so the rolls stay perfectly golden.
What can I use instead of lemon?
For a fun twist, swap out the lemon for orange or even lime. Use the same technique: juice and zest for maximum flavor. It’s a great way to change up the flavor while keeping that creamy, tangy center.
Are there any add-ins that work well with this recipe?
Definitely! Try adding fresh raspberries or blueberries inside each roll before baking, or sprinkle chopped toasted almonds on top of the glaze for crunch. The flavors are very welcoming to creative additions.
Can I make the filling in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the lemon cream cheese filling up to two days ahead. Keep it covered in the fridge, then assemble and bake the rolls when you’re ready. This trick makes brunch prep a breeze!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about pulling a pan of warm Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls from the oven—the smell alone is enough to gather everyone in the kitchen. Give this recipe a go, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple in your home for all kinds of special (and ordinary!) mornings. Happy baking!
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Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are a delightful combination of tangy lemon flavor and creamy richness wrapped in a flaky pastry. Perfect for breakfast or as a dessert, these easy-to-make treats will surely be a hit.
Ingredients
Crescent Rolls:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
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
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the filling: Mix cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Assemble the rolls: Unroll the crescent dough, place a tablespoon of filling on each triangle, roll up, and bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and lemon juice and drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- You can use puff pastry for a flakier texture.
- Try adding fresh raspberries inside each roll for a fruity twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
