If you love the tangy brightness of lemon paired with the creamy richness of cheesecake, then I am beyond excited to share this Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe with you. These flaky, golden crescent rolls filled with a luscious lemon-cream cheese blend and topped with a zesty glaze are simply irresistible. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a delightful dessert, this recipe brings together the buttery texture of crescent rolls and the delightful burst of citrus, creating a treat that feels both indulgent and refreshingly light. Trust me, once you try this Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe, it will become a fast favorite that you’ll want to whip up again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, but delightful ingredients is all it takes to create these sensational Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls. Each component is chosen to balance flavor and texture perfectly, from the soft cream cheese filling to the citrusy lemon zest that wakes up your taste buds.
- Crescent rolls (1 package, 8 count): The flaky and buttery base for these delightful treats, quick and easy to work with.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, cold): Adds a creamy, tangy filling that contrasts beautifully with the dough.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the cheesecake mixture just enough without overpowering the lemon.
- Lemon extract (1/4 teaspoon): Intensifies the lemon flavor and complements the fresh zest perfectly.
- Lemon zest (1 whole lemon, divided): Provides a fresh, bright citrus aroma and burst of flavor in both filling and glaze.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Creates a smooth, sweet glaze to finish the rolls beautifully.
- Lemon juice (1 1/2 tablespoons): Adds a bit of tartness to the glaze for balance and brightness.
How to Make Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Start by combining cold cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon extract, and the zest of half a lemon in a medium bowl. Beat this mixture on medium-high speed until it becomes smooth and fluffy. This filling is the heart of our rolls, delivering that creamy lemon flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Assemble the Rolls
Carefully unroll the crescent dough into individual triangles. Spoon a generous amount of the cheesecake filling onto the wider end of each triangle, ensuring each roll is packed with that luscious lemon-cream cheese goodness.
Step 3: Roll into Crescents
Gently roll the dough from the wider end to the tip, tucking in the corners as you go, shaping them into their classic crescent forms. This step is not only satisfying but sets the stage for that perfect flaky texture.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your crescent rolls 2 inches apart on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Slide them into a preheated oven at 375 degrees and bake for 12 to 14 minutes until the rolls turn a gorgeous golden brown. The smell coming from the oven will surely have you counting down the minutes.
Step 5: Cool and Glaze
Allow the rolls to cool on a wire rack, which is essential so that the glaze doesn’t melt off. Meanwhile, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and the remaining lemon zest until smooth and glossy. Once the rolls have cooled, drizzle this tangy glaze generously over each one, finishing them with a shiny, sweet lemony crown.
How to Serve Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate presentation and flavor, sprinkle a bit of extra lemon zest or finely chopped fresh mint leaves on top of the glazed rolls. These garnishes not only add color but add a fresh aroma and a delicate pop of herbal brightness.
Side Dishes
Serve these rolls alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a light herbal tea for a perfect morning or afternoon treat. They also pair wonderfully with fresh berries or a simple fruit salad, allowing the citrus notes to shine without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming brunch display, arrange the rolls in a circular pattern on a tiered serving platter or nestle them amongst edible flowers for a whimsical touch. You can also scatter a few candied lemon slices on the platter to echo the citrus theme and impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe treats, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This will help retain the flaky texture of the dough and keep the filling fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze these rolls before baking! Assemble the rolls, place them on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a couple extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers warm, pop the rolls into a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes. This method revitalizes the crispiness of the crescent dough and gently warms the creamy filling. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dough soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of lemon extract?
Yes, fresh lemon juice works wonderfully; however, lemon extract provides a more concentrated lemon flavor that stands out even after baking. You can use a little more fresh juice, but adjust the liquid content if needed.
What can I substitute if I don’t have crescent roll dough?
Puff pastry dough is a fantastic alternative that will give you a similarly flaky and buttery texture. Just cut it into triangles and follow the same filling and rolling process.
Is it necessary to chill the cream cheese before mixing?
Using cold cream cheese helps achieve the right consistency for the filling, making it smoother and easier to beat. If your cream cheese is too soft, the filling may become runny.
Can I make the glaze dairy-free?
Definitely! The glaze is simply powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest, so no dairy is involved. Feel free to adjust thickness with more powdered sugar or juice as needed.
How long do these rolls stay fresh?
They are best enjoyed within two days at room temperature for maximum freshness, but freezing before baking helps to extend their shelf life significantly.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe is one of those delightful finds that brings joy to every bite. Its simplicity, combined with the deliciously tangy and creamy flavor profile, makes it perfect for everyday treats or special occasions. I wholeheartedly encourage you to make these rolls soon—you’ll love how they brighten up your kitchen and your day.
Print
Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 crescent rolls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these tangy Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls—flaky crescent dough filled with a creamy lemon-cream cheese mixture, baked to golden perfection and finished with a zesty lemon glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Crescent Rolls
- 1 package (8 count) refrigerated crescent rolls
Cream Cheese Filling
- 4 ounces cream cheese (cold)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon extract
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine cold cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon extract, and the zest of half a lemon. Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Unroll the dough: Unroll the refrigerated crescent roll dough into individual triangles on a clean work surface.
- Fill the dough: Spoon the lemon cream cheese filling onto the wider end of each crescent triangle.
- Roll crescents: Carefully roll the dough starting from the wider end, tucking in the corners as you roll to form crescent shapes.
- Arrange for baking: Place the crescent rolls about 2 inches apart on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and allow room for expansion.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-14 minutes or until the rolls are puffed up and golden brown on top.
- Cool rolls: Remove from oven and allow the rolls to cool completely on a wire rack to set the structure and prevent melting of the glaze.
- Make the glaze: In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, lemon juice, and the zest of half a lemon until smooth and pourable.
- Finish with glaze: Drizzle the lemon glaze evenly over the cooled crescent rolls to add a sweet, citrusy finish.
Notes
- Using cold cream cheese helps achieve a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Do not overfill the crescents to prevent leakage while baking.
- Let rolls cool completely before glazing to avoid melting the glaze.
- For extra lemon flavor, add a pinch of lemon zest to the glaze.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
