Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
If you’re looking for a sunny, scrumptious treat that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat, this Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine plush, pillowy crescent rolls hugging a luscious lemon-kissed cream cheese center, with a light glaze and fresh zest bringing bright citrus flavor in every bite. Whether you’re dressing up brunch, adding a little magic to your coffee break, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, these rolls deliver happiness with minimal fuss. Trust me, you’ll want to make this recipe again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully simple, yet every ingredient truly matters. Each element brings something special—whether it’s creaminess, zestiness, or that golden, flaky exterior—to create these irresistible Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough (1 can, 8 ounces): Gives you that soft, buttery, and perfectly golden base with zero effort!
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Provides the rich, tangy heart of every roll—make sure it’s at room temp for the smoothest filling.
- Granulated sugar (3 tablespoons): Sweetens the filling and balances the fresh tartness of the lemon.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a burst of bright, real lemon flavor—freshly squeezed is always best.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Concentrates all the fragrant oils from the peel, making every bite sunshine-bright.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and makes the filling even more luscious.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup, for glaze): Melts into a sweet, delicate drizzle that finishes the rolls beautifully.
- Milk (1–2 teaspoons, for glaze): Brings the glaze to the perfect consistency for drizzling.
- Extra lemon zest (optional, for garnish): Gives a pop of color and extra citrus aroma for that showstopper finish.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot when you slide in your rolls. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this step makes cleanup a breeze and ensures the rolls won’t stick.
Step 2: Mix the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is silky smooth and creamy. This will be the tangy, cloud-like filling that sets the Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe apart!
Step 3: Fill and Roll the Dough
Unroll the crescent dough and divide it into 8 triangles along the perforations. Spoon a generous tablespoon of your cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each triangle. Gently roll each triangle up toward the point, keeping the filling snugly inside. If a little peeks out, don’t stress—rustic is delicious!
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Aromatic
Arrange your crescent rolls point-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed up and beautifully golden brown. The kitchen will start to fill with the sweet scent of lemon and pastry—just heavenly.
Step 5: Make and Drizzle the Glaze
As the rolls bake, stir together the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until the glaze is smooth and pourable. When the rolls are still warm from the oven, drizzle the glaze generously over the tops. If you’re feeling extra fancy, add another sprinkle of lemon zest for extra zing and a pop of color.
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Dress up your Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe with a flourish of fresh lemon zest just before serving. For a touch of elegance, add a light dusting of powdered sugar or even a few edible flowers. Fresh berries are also a lovely complement and look gorgeous alongside the golden rolls.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with a side of fresh fruit salad, a creamy yogurt parfait, or a citrusy green salad to create a pastel-perfect brunch plate. They’re also wonderful with a hot cup of tea or a frothy cappuccino for a midday treat that feels like a mini celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the rolls in a pretty spiral on a cake stand, or nestle them in a basket lined with a bright napkin for a cozy, bakery-style reveal. If you want to make dessert extra special, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of extra zest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to three days, making them the perfect grab-and-go snack or indulgent breakfast from your own kitchen.
Freezing
These rolls freeze surprisingly well! Let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store in a zip-top freezer bag for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked goodness, warm the rolls in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. If glazed, the drizzle may melt a bit, but don’t worry—the flavor will be even more irresistible.
FAQs
Can I make the Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe with homemade dough?
Absolutely! While refrigerated dough makes this recipe incredibly quick and easy, you can use a homemade crescent or puff pastry dough if you’re feeling adventurous or want to add a personal touch.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
Cut your cream cheese into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes. If you’re short on time, you can microwave it in 10-second bursts until just softened, stirring between each interval.
Can I use lime or orange instead of lemon?
Yes, swapping in lime or orange juice and zest will give you a unique twist on this classic. Lemon is classic, but feel free to get creative—each citrus brings its own gorgeous brightness to the cream cheese filling.
Do the Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls need to be refrigerated?
Because of the cream cheese filling, it’s best to refrigerate any leftovers. Store them in an airtight container to keep them soft and delicious for up to three days.
Is it possible to add fruit to the filling?
Definitely! Try tucking a few fresh blueberries, raspberries, or even chopped strawberries inside the dough with the cream cheese lemon mixture before rolling for a pop of color and flavor.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe a try—it’s bright, comforting, and so easy, you’ll be tempted to bake it for every occasion. Whether you’re sharing with friends or treating yourself, these sunny little rolls are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!
Print
Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of these Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls. A perfect balance of tangy lemon and creamy cheese wrapped in buttery crescent dough, these treats are a sweet delight for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crescent Rolls:
- 1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent roll dough
Lemon Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 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
- Extra lemon zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, mix 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 towards the point.
- Bake: Arrange rolls on the baking sheet, bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare Glaze: Mix powdered sugar and milk to make a glaze.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle glaze over warm rolls, garnish with lemon zest, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can add fresh blueberries for a fruity variation.
- Best when consumed on the same day; store leftovers in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
