If you’re looking for a treat that’s equal parts luscious, tangy, and totally irresistible, the Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine flaky, golden crescent rolls filled with a cloudlike lemon-infused cream cheese center and topped with a silky drizzle of citrusy glaze. They’re easy enough for a spontaneous weekend brunch, but they feel special enough for any holiday spread. Let’s dive in and make a batch together, because trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this zesty delight!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe lies in its handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each bringing something wonderful to the table. With just a few staple items, you’ll create bakery-quality pastry in under half an hour. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Crescent roll dough: This refrigerated shortcut bakes up tender, golden, and just the right amount of buttery.
- Cream cheese (softened): Creates an ultra-smooth, creamy filling that’s the heart of these rolls—make sure it’s fully softened for best results.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling perfectly, balancing out all that lip-puckering lemon.
- Fresh lemon juice: Squeezed straight from the fruit for an unmistakably bright, tart kick—fresh makes all the difference.
- Lemon zest: Packs extra lemony scent and flavor (zest before you juice to keep things simple!).
- Vanilla extract: Brings cozy warmth to the filling and complements the lemon notes beautifully.
- Powdered sugar: The secret to that dreamy, drizzly glaze—no need to mess with mixers here!
- Milk (for glaze): Just a splash makes the glaze pourable; use more or less to get your perfect consistency.
- Lemon juice (for glaze): Adds that extra pop of citrus so every bite is as zingy as the last.
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—having your oven hot and ready ensures the crescent rolls puff up beautifully. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things mess-free and prevent sticking. This main stage sets the scene for golden, picture-perfect pastries.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until totally smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed! This step is where the magic happens: the bright, fragrant lemon, combined with rich cream cheese, makes a swoon-worthy filling with the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Step 3: Fill and Roll the Crescent Dough
Unroll your can of crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Working with one piece at a time, spoon about a tablespoon of the lemon cream cheese filling onto the wide end of each triangle. Then, just gently roll up each pastry, starting from the wide end and finishing at the tip, so the filling is snug and ready to bake. Place each roll seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet—this helps lock in all that goodness as it bakes.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Pop those filled crescents into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for crisp, golden edges and a little puffiness—the scent alone will have everyone circling the kitchen. Let the rolls rest on the baking sheet for a minute or two before transferring them to a wire rack so they cool just enough for glazing.
Step 5: Whisk Up the Luscious Lemon Glaze
While your rolls cool slightly, stir up the easy lemon glaze by whisking the powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons milk and half a teaspoon of lemon juice. Start with the smaller amount of milk and add more for your preferred level of drizzliness. This bright, tangy glaze really ties together every bite of your Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe.
Step 6: Glaze, Serve, and Enjoy
Once the rolls are warm but not piping hot, liberally drizzle them with glaze. Watch it cascade down the crevices—this moment’s pure satisfaction! Serve your lemony treasures warm if you can, or let them cool to room temperature. Either way, they’re simply delightful and ready to impress your lucky taste-testers.
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra wow factor, sprinkle a bit of freshly grated lemon zest over the glazed rolls just before serving. You can also dust with a fine layer of powdered sugar for that classic “pastry shop” finish, or top each with a twist of candied lemon peel if you’re feeling extra fancy. These simple additions highlight the citrus theme and add beautiful color and fragrance.
Side Dishes
The Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe pairs perfectly with a light, fruit-forward breakfast spread: think fresh strawberries, blackberries, or a simple mixed fruit salad. For a special occasion brunch, serve alongside a savory egg casserole or a steaming pot of herbal tea. The creamy, tangy rolls balance sweet and savory dishes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the rolls on a pretty platter lined with parchment, or nestle them into a basket lined with a pastel napkin for a springtime touch. You could even stack them on a tiered cake stand for brunch buffets or baby showers. For gift giving, wrap each roll individually in wax paper and tie with ribbon—homemade happiness, ready to share!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), store your Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The glaze helps keep them moist, but for best texture, try to enjoy them while they’re fresh.
Freezing
These crescent rolls freeze beautifully if you’d like to make them ahead. For best results, let the baked, unglazed rolls cool completely, then wrap individually and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight at room temperature and glaze just before serving for maximum freshness and shine.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked warmth, pop the rolls in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes, or microwave for 15–20 seconds. If you’ve stored them with glaze, the icing might soften a bit, but they’ll still taste fantastic. For frozen rolls, thaw before reheating for even results.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese in the Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat or neufchâtel cream cheese if you prefer a lighter option. Just bear in mind that the filling may be a bit softer and less rich, but the rolls will still turn out deliciously tangy and creamy.
What’s the secret to avoiding soggy crescent rolls?
The key is to use fully softened cream cheese and keep your filling thick—not runny—so it stays put during baking. Also, bake the rolls right away after filling to ensure a light, buttery texture with perfectly cooked centers.
Can I make the Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe ahead for a party?
Absolutely! Prepare and bake the rolls up to a day in advance, then store them unglazed. When ready to serve, add the glaze—it only takes a minute and ensures a fresh, glossy finish that’s party ready.
Is it possible to add berries or other fruit to the filling?
While the recipe is incredible as is, you can absolutely add a few tiny fresh blueberries or raspberries to each roll before baking for an extra layer of flavor and color. Just don’t overfill, or the dough may not seal well.
How can I get more lemon flavor in my Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe?
If you’re a true lemon lover, simply double the lemon zest in the filling and add a pinch more zest to the glaze. Fresh zest delivers big citrus punch without extra liquid, keeping your rolls fluffy and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about baking (and sharing!) a batch of Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe—they’re bright, creamy, easy, and sure to spark smiles all around. Give this recipe a try the next time you want to add sunshine to your table, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a treasured staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors with these Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls. These flaky pastries filled with a luscious lemon cream cheese mixture are perfect for a quick and easy dessert.
Ingredients
Crescent Roll Dough:
- 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Lemon Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Fill and Roll: Unroll the crescent dough, spoon the cream cheese filling onto each triangle, and roll up the dough.
- Bake: Place the rolls on the baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and lemon juice to make the glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the lemon glaze over the slightly cooled rolls and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
- Enhance citrus flavor with additional lemon zest.
- Best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
