Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
If you’re looking for a treat that perfectly balances bright citrus and creamy richness, Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are about to become your new obsession. These rolls deliver the zing of fresh lemon, the silkiness of cream cheese, and that magical, buttery flakiness only crescent dough can offer—all wrapped up in an irresistibly easy recipe. Whether you’re serving them at brunch, as a sweet snack, or as a simple dessert, Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are guaranteed to bring smiles (and requests for seconds!) wherever they go.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component in this recipe plays a starring role, and you’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create something so craveable. The blend of citrus, sweetness, and creaminess all rests on these essentials—don’t skip a thing!
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: The secret shortcut for those gorgeous, golden layers—no need to fuss with homemade pastry.
- Cream cheese (softened): Provides that dreamy, tangy base for the filling; room temperature makes mixing a breeze.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tart lemon.
- Lemon juice: Fresh-squeezed is best for a punchy, authentic citrus flavor.
- Lemon zest: Packs in even more lemony aroma and color—don’t skip this!
- Vanilla extract: Rounds everything out with a warm, comforting note.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): The key ingredient for that finishing drizzle of sweetness.
- Lemon juice (for glaze): Gives the glaze its signature tang and gloss—taste as you mix for your ideal zing.
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) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls won’t stick and makes cleanup a total breeze later on.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Lemon Filling
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed! This luscious filling is what gives the rolls their signature citrusy tang and indulgent texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Dough
Gently unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 8 triangles. Lay them out flat on your parchment-lined baking sheet, ready for the next step. The triangles should be spaced out so you have room to work and roll.
Step 4: Fill and Roll Each Crescent
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the lemon cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each dough triangle. Spread the filling just a bit, keeping most of it near the base. Roll up each triangle, starting at the wide end, and place them seam-side down on the baking sheet to seal in all that goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your filled crescents into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden brown. The aroma of lemon and pastry will fill your kitchen—it’s nearly impossible to wait!
Step 6: Whisk Up the Lemon Glaze
While the rolls bake, whisk together the powdered sugar and 1 to 2 teaspoons of lemon juice in a small bowl. The glaze should be thick but pourable; add lemon juice a little at a time until you reach the right consistency.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
Once your Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are hot from the oven, drizzle them generously with the tangy lemon glaze. Serve warm for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience!
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra lemon zest or a dusting of powdered sugar over the top makes these rolls look (and taste) bakery-worthy. For a pop of color, try adding a few fresh berries or a tiny mint sprig to the platter.
Side Dishes
Pair your Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls with fresh fruit, a bowl of yogurt, or a steaming mug of coffee for a complete brunch or breakfast spread. Their bright flavor also complements savory egg dishes and salty breakfast meats beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the rolls in a spiral on a pretty plate, stack them on a tiered stand for a tea party, or tuck them into decorative paper liners for a grab-and-go treat at a picnic. However you display them, Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are sure to steal the spotlight!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls left (unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day, or refrigerate for up to three days. The glaze helps keep them moist, but a quick warm-up will restore their just-baked magic.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked rolls (without glaze) for up to one month. Let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature and add the glaze just before serving for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F (150°C) for 4-6 minutes. This revives their crisp edges and gooey centers—just be sure to add a fresh drizzle of glaze after warming.
FAQs
Can I use homemade crescent dough instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade crescent dough recipe, it will work wonderfully here. Just roll it out and cut it into triangles as you would with the canned version.
Is it possible to make Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls (without baking) and store them covered in the fridge for up to 8 hours. Bake fresh for best results—just add a minute or two to the baking time if chilled.
Can I substitute the lemon with another citrus?
Of course! Orange or lime juice and zest are delicious alternatives if you want to switch up the flavor profile, but lemon truly shines in these rolls.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the glaze?
You can blend granulated sugar in a blender or food processor until fine to make a quick powdered sugar substitute. Alternatively, serve the rolls plain or with a light honey drizzle.
Are Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls best served warm or at room temperature?
They’re hands-down the most delightful when served warm, right after glazing. However, they’re still tasty at room temperature, especially if you’re packing them for an event or picnic.
Final Thoughts
Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are the kind of treat that brings instant sunshine to any table. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, they’re a guaranteed hit for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Give them a whirl—you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear!
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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 feature a tender crescent dough filled with a smooth and tangy lemon cream cheese mixture, baked to golden perfection and drizzled with a sweet lemon glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they offer a delightful balance of creamy, citrusy flavors and flaky pastry in every bite.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
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 lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the filling is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Assemble Crescent Rolls: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 8 triangles. Spread about 1 tablespoon of the lemon cream cheese mixture evenly onto the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll and Arrange: Starting at the wide end, carefully roll up each triangle toward the pointed end, forming crescent shapes. Place them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and 1 to 2 teaspoons of lemon juice in a small bowl until you have a smooth glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Remove the warm crescent rolls from the oven and drizzle the lemon glaze over them. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a sweeter variation, sprinkle a little extra granulated sugar on top of the crescent rolls before baking.
- These rolls are best served warm and fresh but can be reheated in a toaster oven for a few minutes if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
