Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
If you are craving a bright, zesty treat that feels indulgent yet effortlessly simple, this Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe will steal your heart. Bursting with tangy lemon flavor and the rich creaminess of soft cheese tucked inside golden, flaky crescent dough, these rolls are a perfect blend of sweet and citrusy goodness. They are ideal for a sunny breakfast, a delightful afternoon snack, or even a light dessert that brings sunshine to any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward, fresh ingredients is all it takes to create magic with this Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe. Each ingredient plays a vital role: the cream cheese adds smooth richness, lemon juice and zest bring vibrant flavor, and the crescent dough promises buttery, flaky layers.
- Crescent roll dough (1 can, 8 oz): The buttery foundation that bakes to a golden, flaky texture every time.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Provides creamy moisture and a tangy counterpart to the lemon.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the filling just enough to balance the citrus zing.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Freshly squeezed, it adds a bright, tart punch essential to the filling.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon plus extra for garnish): Packs concentrated lemon oils for intense aroma and flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the filling with a hint of warmth and sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Key for making the silky-smooth glaze that crowns the rolls.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons): Used to thin the glaze to a perfect pourable consistency.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy. This luscious filling will burst with citrusy richness inside each roll.
Step 2: Assemble the Rolls
Carefully unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 8 triangles. Spoon a generous amount of the lemon cream cheese mixture near the wide end of each triangle. Then, roll each piece up gently toward the narrow end, making sure to tuck the sides slightly to keep the filling from escaping during baking.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your assembled rolls on the prepared baking sheet with a little space between each. Pop them into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. The aroma in your kitchen will be heavenly by this point!
Step 4: Create and Drizzle the Glaze
While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to form a smooth glaze that’s just thin enough to drizzle. After the rolls cool slightly, drizzle the glaze generously over the top and sprinkle additional lemon zest for a pop of color and an extra burst of citrus flavor.
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh lemon zest sprinkled over the glaze adds a bright, fragrant contrast to the sweet coating and visually makes these rolls pop on the plate. For an extra touch, a few thin lemon slices or a dusting of powdered sugar elevate their presentation beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with a warm cup of tea, fresh berries, or a tangy yogurt parfait to round out your breakfast or dessert spread. Their lightly sweet, citrusy character complements both fruit and dairy-based sides remarkably well.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the rolls stacked on a pretty platter for a brunch buffet or arrange them on individual plates with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprig of mint. You can even turn them into mini hand pies by adjusting the size of the dough triangles, perfect for on-the-go treats that still pack all the flavor of this Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 3 days and keep the perfect balance of soft filling and flaky dough.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked filled crescent rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes it easy to enjoy this Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe any day of the week without starting from scratch.
Reheating
Warm your leftover rolls gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or pop them into a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes. This reawakens the flaky exterior and melts the cream cheese filling slightly, reviving their fresh-baked charm.
FAQs
Can I use frozen crescent roll dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw the frozen dough according to package instructions before assembling your Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe. Make sure it’s soft but still cold enough to handle easily.
Is it possible to make these rolls dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free spread and use plant-based milk for the glaze. The texture might vary slightly, but the bright lemon flavor will still shine through beautifully.
How can I make these rolls more lemony?
If you love extra lemon punch, try adding an additional teaspoon of lemon zest or a little more lemon juice to the cream cheese filling. Just be mindful to balance the tartness with a touch more sugar if needed.
Can these rolls be made vegan?
Yes, by using vegan crescent roll dough (which might be available at specialty stores), dairy-free cream cheese alternatives, and plant-based milk, you can enjoy a vegan version of this bright and tasty recipe.
How long do these rolls take to bake?
The rolls bake quickly in about 10 to 12 minutes at 375°F, until they’re beautifully golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid overbaking and ensure they stay soft inside.
Final Thoughts
These Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe are a delightful way to add a burst of sunshine to your day, whether you’re enjoying breakfast, a snack, or a light dessert. Simple ingredients come together to create a treat that feels special and satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try them and experience just how easy it is to get that perfect balance of flaky dough, creamy filling, and zesty lemon in every bite!
Print
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, tangy twist on classic crescent rolls. Soft refrigerated dough is filled with a smooth mixture of cream cheese, lemon juice, and zest, then baked to golden perfection and finished with a sweet lemon glaze. Perfect as a dessert or a bright, refreshing breakfast treat.
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 & Garnish
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
- Extra lemon zest for garnish (optional)
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 Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- Prepare the Crescent Dough: Unroll the refrigerated crescent roll dough and separate it into 8 individual triangles along the perforated lines.
- Fill and Roll: Place about a spoonful of the cream cheese filling near the wide end of each crescent triangle. Carefully roll the dough from the wide end toward the narrow end, gently tucking in the sides slightly to keep the filling sealed inside.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the filled rolls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the rolls turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together the powdered sugar and 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to create a smooth, pourable glaze.
- Glaze and Garnish: Allow the baked rolls to cool slightly on a wire rack, then drizzle with the lemon glaze. Finish by sprinkling extra lemon zest over the top for a fresh, vibrant touch if desired.
Notes
- Best served warm to enjoy the soft, creamy filling and sweet glaze at their freshest.
- For a tangier flavor, you can increase the lemon zest in the filling by an additional teaspoon.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat briefly in the microwave before serving to restore softness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
