Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls

I still remember the first time I made these Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls. It was one of those spontaneous baking days, where I wanted something sweet, bright, and easy. I had some crescent roll dough in the fridge, a few lemons on the counter, and a block of cream cheese begging to be used. As a baker, I’m always experimenting, and that day, I stumbled upon a delightful treat that has since become a favorite in my kitchen. These rolls came out golden, filled with a creamy lemony filling that reminded me of sunny mornings and spring brunches. They disappeared within minutes, and ever since, I’ve been making them for family gatherings, casual desserts, and sometimes, just because I crave that citrusy tang wrapped in buttery pastry.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

These Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are the perfect mix of creamy and flaky. The bright lemon flavor cuts through the richness of the cheesecake filling, giving a refreshing twist to a classic dessert. The crescent rolls bake up golden and tender, while the inside stays smooth, tangy, and sweet. You’ll love how simple they are to make, yet they feel like a bakery-quality treat. This recipe requires only a few basic ingredients, yet the result is something truly special.

Versatile

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve these crescent rolls as a brunch pastry, an after-dinner dessert, or even a sweet snack. You can play around with flavors—add a bit of vanilla, swap in orange zest instead of lemon, or drizzle with a simple glaze. They’re also great both warm and chilled, making them perfect for any season or event.

Affordable

This recipe is as budget-friendly as it is delicious. It uses simple ingredients you likely already have at home—cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, and crescent roll dough. There’s no need for specialty items or expensive tools. With just a few dollars, you can whip up a batch of these delightful rolls, making them an ideal option for both everyday indulgence and hosting on a budget.

Ingredients for the Recipe

• 1 can of refrigerated crescent roll dough

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)

• 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling on top)

How to Prepare This Recipe

These Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are incredibly simple to prepare, even if you’re short on time. All you need are a few everyday ingredients, one bowl for the filling, and your oven preheated. From unrolling the dough to filling and baking, this dessert takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for when you want something sweet and satisfying without much effort.

Let’s break down the steps clearly so you can follow along with ease.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

Step 1: Preheat the oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the cheesecake filling
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the texture is creamy and smooth. This is the flavorful, tangy filling that brings everything together.

Step 3: Unroll the crescent dough
Carefully unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean surface. Separate the triangles along the perforated lines. If the dough tears, press it back together gently with your fingers.

Step 4: Add the filling
Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture at the wider end of each triangle. Don’t overfill—about 1 to 1½ tablespoons per piece is perfect. You want enough to taste the filling in every bite without it spilling out during baking.

Step 5: Roll them up
Gently roll each triangle, starting at the wide end and working toward the tip. Place the rolled crescents onto the prepared baking sheet, with the seam side down. Make sure to leave some space between them so they bake evenly.

Step 6: Brush with butter and sprinkle sugar
Brush each roll lightly with melted butter to help them brown beautifully. Then sprinkle a little sugar on top of each for a sweet, slightly crisp finish.

Step 7: Bake
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.

Step 8: Cool before serving
Allow the rolls to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps the filling set slightly and prevents burning your mouth on hot cream cheese.

Quick and Easy

This recipe is a real time-saver. No need to wait for dough to rise or prepare a crust from scratch. You can go from idea to dessert in under half an hour. The simplicity of the preparation makes it ideal for busy mornings or last-minute guests.

Customizable

While lemon adds a vibrant freshness to the rolls, the filling is a blank canvas for other citrus or flavors. You can use orange or lime zest for a different twist. You could even add a few fresh berries inside each roll before baking for an extra fruity surprise. Prefer a glaze? Whisk a bit of powdered sugar with lemon juice and drizzle over the top once the rolls are cool.

Popular With Many People

These crescent rolls have been a consistent hit at everything from family breakfasts to neighborhood potlucks. Kids love the sweetness, adults appreciate the balance of tang and creaminess, and everyone asks for the recipe. Whether you serve them with coffee in the morning or as a light dessert, they tend to disappear quickly.

Print

FAQs

Can I make these crescent rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them up to a day in advance. Assemble the rolls and store them in the refrigerator before baking. When ready, bake as directed. For best results, serve them fresh and warm.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Absolutely. Low-fat cream cheese works well and still provides a creamy filling. Just make sure it’s softened before mixing so the texture stays smooth.

Can I freeze the baked rolls?
Yes. Once completely cooled, wrap the rolls in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat in the oven at 160°C (325°F) for about 8–10 minutes, or until warmed through.

What can I use instead of crescent roll dough?
If crescent roll dough isn’t available, you can use puff pastry cut into triangles. Just keep in mind the texture will be flakier and may require slightly longer baking.

Can I add a glaze on top?
Yes, for extra sweetness, mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons of lemon juice to make a quick glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled rolls.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Warm them slightly in the oven or microwave before serving.

Can I add fruit inside the rolls?
Yes. Thin slices of strawberry or a few blueberries can be added to the filling before rolling. Just avoid overly juicy fruit to prevent sogginess.