Why You Should Make This Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe
If you love desserts that are sweet, tangy, creamy, and flaky, then this Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls recipe is for you! It combines the buttery, golden crispiness of crescent roll dough with a rich, smooth cheesecake filling and the refreshing zest of lemon. The result? A delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even a sweet snack with coffee or tea.
One of the best things about this recipe is how simple and quick it is to make. Using store-bought crescent roll dough means you don’t have to worry about making pastry from scratch, saving you time and effort. With just a few basic ingredients like cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, and zest, you can whip up a dessert that tastes bakery-worthy without the need for advanced baking skills.
The flavor combination is what truly makes these Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls stand out. The tangy citrus balances perfectly with the rich, creamy filling, making each bite light yet indulgent. The slight tartness of the lemon enhances the sweetness, making this dessert refreshing rather than overly rich.
These crescent rolls are also incredibly versatile. You can serve them warm or chilled, dust them with powdered sugar, drizzle them with a light glaze, or even add a touch of vanilla or almond extract for extra depth of flavor. If you’re a fan of fruit, you can also mix in blueberries, raspberries, or even a spoonful of lemon curd to elevate the taste even further.
Another reason to love this recipe? It’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making a quick weekend breakfast, preparing a simple yet elegant dessert for guests, or looking for a fun baking activity with kids, these crescent rolls fit the bill. They also make an excellent addition to brunch spreads, baby showers, or holiday tables.
These Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls offer a perfect blend of convenience and luxury in every bite. The bright, citrusy filling paired with flaky, golden pastry creates an irresistible treat that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether served warm from the oven or at room temperature, these rolls deliver bakery-quality results with minimal effort.
Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls
Storage Options:
- Room temperature: Up to 2 hours
- Refrigerator: Up to 3 days in airtight container
- Freezer: Not recommended
- Best served same day
- Reheat in oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes if desired
Summary: Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 12-15 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Servings: 8 rolls Calories: 220 per roll
Equipment:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zester/grater
- Wire cooling rack
- Small sifter for powdered sugar
Ingredients: For the Rolls:
- 1 tube (8 count) refrigerated crescent rolls
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, separated (yolk for filling, white for brushing)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Optional Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add egg yolk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.
- Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles.
- Place about 2 tablespoons of filling on the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll up starting from the wide end, gently tucking in any filling.
- Place rolls on prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Brush tops with beaten egg white.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with optional lemon glaze.
For the Optional Glaze:
- Mix powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth.
- Drizzle over slightly cooled rolls.
Notes:
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for smooth filling
- Don’t overfill crescents to prevent leakage
- Seal edges well when rolling
- Watch carefully while baking to avoid over-browning
- Can substitute orange zest/juice for lemon
- Allow to cool slightly before adding glaze or powdered sugar
- Keep refrigerated if not serving immediately
- Bring cream cheese to room temperature for easier mixing
- Can add 1/4 cup ricotta for extra creamy filling
- Make sure filling is well-chilled if made ahead