If you’re craving a treat that strikes the perfect balance between zesty citrus brightness and creamy sweetness, look no further than Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls. These golden, flaky pastries wrap a dreamy lemon-infused cream cheese filling inside buttery dough, then finish with a simple glaze and a twirl of fresh lemon zest. Whether you’re planning a sunny brunch or need a quick pick-me-up, these rolls are a joy to make and even better to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls is how just a handful of pantry staples come together to create a bakery-worthy delight. Each ingredient has a starring role that brings flavor, texture, or that signature tangy aroma to the table. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Crescent roll dough: The secret shortcut for flaky layers that bake up buttery and golden every time.
- Cream cheese: Use full-fat for the creamiest, richest filling that holds its shape beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling and enhances that perfect balance with citrus.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed makes all the difference for vibrant flavor.
- Lemon zest: Adds an intense lemony aroma and a pop of color—don’t skip this!
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds warmth to the cream cheese mixture.
- Powdered sugar: The base for your glaze, melting smoothly for a delicate finish.
- Milk: Just a splash brings the glaze together—adjust for drizzling consistency.
- Extra lemon zest (optional): For an extra flourish, a sprinkle on top is both pretty and delicious.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by heating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls bake evenly and cleanup is a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is silky-smooth and you can smell the bright aroma of lemon. This tangy, creamy filling is what makes every bite irresistible.
Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Rolls
Gently unroll the crescent dough and separate it into eight triangles. Spread about one tablespoon of lemon cream cheese filling on each, leaving a little border along the edges to keep it from leaking out while baking. This step keeps the rolls neat while ensuring each one is packed with luscious filling.
Step 4: Roll and Arrange
From the wide end, roll up each triangle, just like you would a traditional crescent roll. Tuck the tip underneath and place them, point-side down, onto your prepared baking sheet. This shape keeps the filling inside and helps the rolls bake up beautifully golden and puffed.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are puffed and the tops are a gorgeous golden brown. The aroma wafting through your kitchen at this point will be almost as tempting as the taste.
Step 6: Drizzle with Lemon Glaze
While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar and a bit of milk to make a soft glaze. Once the rolls are just warm (not piping hot), drizzle the glaze artfully over the tops. For an extra sparkle of citrus, dust on more lemon zest if you like—it’s guaranteed to dazzle both the eyes and tastebuds.
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Garnishes
A final flourish of fresh lemon zest atop the glaze adds not just vibrant color but an extra burst of citrus fragrance. If you want to get fancy, a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving is pure magic, catching the light and making these pastries truly stand out.
Side Dishes
For a brunch spread, serve your Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls with fresh berries and a bowl of Greek yogurt. They also pair beautifully with a light fruit salad or a bright, simple arugula salad if you’re leaning toward breakfast-for-lunch territory. And of course, hot coffee or tea is a must!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress, arrange the rolls in a spiral pattern on a pretty platter, drizzle with glaze right before serving, and scatter extra lemon zest over all. For special occasions, tuck each roll into a cupcake wrapper for easy, elegant individual servings. These also make wonderful edible gifts—pack them in a box lined with parchment and tie with a ribbon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If (miraculously!) you have any Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls left, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for up to three days, though they’re at their absolute best within the first 24 hours when the dough is still tender and the filling is perfectly creamy.
Freezing
You can freeze baked rolls for up to one month. Wrap each cooled roll tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or pop them in a freezer bag. When a craving strikes, let a roll thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm and glaze as usual for a quick treat.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftover rolls in a 300°F oven for about 8 minutes, or until warmed through and soft. If glazing after reheating, allow a few minutes for cooling so the glaze sets nicely. Microwaving works in a pinch (10 to 15 seconds), but the oven will keep that lovely pastry texture.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
You can use low-fat cream cheese, but for the richest flavor and creamiest texture in Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls, full-fat is definitely best. The lower-fat option can result in a filling that’s a bit more watery and less luscious.
Is bottled lemon juice okay instead of fresh?
For that dazzling burst of citrus, fresh lemon juice really does make a difference. Bottled juice can taste flat and sometimes slightly bitter, so if you can, treat your Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls to the real thing.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls (unbaked) the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let them sit out for about 10 minutes to take the chill off—you may need to add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
How do I keep the filling from oozing out?
Be sure to leave a little dough border when spreading the filling, and always roll from the wide end to the point. Pinching the ends gently before placing onto the baking sheet helps seal in the goodness!
Are these good for brunch or dessert?
Both! Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are a brunch superstar but also make a fabulous, not-too-sweet dessert. If you want to dress them up for dessert, serve with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream alongside.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a truly joy-sparking recipe, you have to try Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls. They’re quick, gorgeous, and guaranteed to bring a burst of sunshine to your day—right from your own oven. Go ahead, gather your ingredients and share this treat with someone you love!
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Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 crescent rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of tangy lemon and creamy cheese encased in flaky crescent roll dough. These Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert, offering a burst of citrus flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Crescent Rolls:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
Lemon Cream Cheese 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 milk (for glaze)
Garnish:
- extra lemon zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Rolls: Unroll crescent dough and separate into 8 triangles. Spread 1 tablespoon of the lemon cream cheese mixture onto each triangle, leaving a small border. Roll up the dough and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Make the Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and milk to make a simple glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle glaze over the cooled crescent rolls and garnish with extra lemon zest. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture.
- You can double the filling and glaze for extra richness.
- Best enjoyed the same day but can be refrigerated and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert or Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
