If you love desserts that are easy to make and absolutely bursting with bright, tangy flavor, these Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are for you! Imagine a perfectly golden crescent roll with a sweet, creamy, lemon-kissed center, finished with a sunny glaze that truly pops. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe transforms just a handful of simple ingredients into a treat that tastes like it came fresh from a pastry shop. Share them at brunch, serve them as a sweet snack, or enjoy with afternoon tea — these Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls always disappear fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a few humble ingredients can come together to create something so special and delicious. Each star ingredient plays a role in making these rolls flaky, creamy, zesty, and delightfully sweet, all at the same time!
- Crescent roll dough: The secret shortcut that gives these rolls their irresistibly puffed and flaky texture in minutes.
- Cream cheese (softened): Makes for a creamy, decadent filling; make sure it’s soft for the smoothest results.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the zingy lemon.
- Lemon juice: Fresh-squeezed is best for a truly bright, natural lemon flavor in the filling and glaze.
- Lemon zest: Packs a punch of citrus aroma and a gorgeous pop of color—don’t skip it!
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the citrus with warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): Makes the glaze silky and smooth as it drapes over the tops.
- Milk (for glaze): Loosens the glaze just enough so it’s easy to drizzle.
- Optional: additional lemon zest for garnish: Sprinkle a little on top for extra citrus flair and a pretty finish!
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet & Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little step saves you from sticky messes and keeps your Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls perfectly golden on the bottom.
Step 2: Whip Up That Luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until your mixture is creamy, smooth, and looks like lemony perfection. Don’t rush—smooth filling is key for dreamy, even bites in every roll!
Step 3: Shape the Crescent Rolls
Gently unroll your crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Place a generous spoonful of your lemon-cream cheese filling at the wide end of each crescent, then carefully roll up toward the tip, tucking in the filling as you go. Place your filled rolls on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they have room to puff up in the oven.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Delicious
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Watch as the rolls turn gorgeously golden and your kitchen fills with an irresistible lemony aroma. When they’re done, they should look puffy and lightly browned.
Step 5: Make and Drizzle the Lemon Glaze
While the rolls bake, quickly whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk to create a smooth, pourable glaze. When the rolls come out of the oven, let them cool just a bit, then drizzle generously with the glaze so it melts slightly over the warm rolls.
Step 6: Finish With a Zesty Flourish
For a finishing touch, add a little extra lemon zest on top of your glazed Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls. This isn’t just for looks—it amps up the lemon flavor and makes every bite sparkle!
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Garnishes
A little sprinkle of lemon zest goes a long way here! Try a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra-sweet touch. For an elegant twist, a thin curl of candied lemon peel on each roll adds both color and aromatic flair that will have your guests swooning.
Side Dishes
These zesty rolls are fabulous with a cup of hot tea or coffee. For a full brunch spread, serve alongside fresh berries, yogurt parfaits, or a platter of sliced melons. They even pair beautifully with a light salad for a sweet-savory balance if you love citrusy pastry any time of day!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls on a pretty cake stand, or nestle them on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment for a casual, welcoming look. Want to wow at brunch? Arrange them in a circle like a sunburst, drizzle glaze in zigzags, and tuck in lemon slices or edible flowers for a show-stopping centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. If keeping them longer, pop them in the fridge to keep the cream cheese filling fresh and delicious.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling, arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. Set wax paper between layers if stacking. Thaw at room temp or gently warm before serving.
Reheating
To revive that bakery-fresh softness, reheat rolls in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 5-7 minutes. The filling will get creamy again and the glaze will become slightly gooey — just like when they were first made!
FAQs
Can I use homemade crescent dough instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade crescent roll dough recipe, use it here. Just roll and cut into triangles as you would with the canned version — your Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls will taste extra special and buttery.
Is it okay to use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
For the brightest, freshest flavor, I do recommend using fresh lemon juice and zest. Bottled juice works in a pinch, but you might find the flavor less vibrant than with the real thing.
Can I add berries to the filling?
Berries make a fantastic addition! Gently fold in a small handful of fresh blueberries or raspberries to the cream cheese mixture before filling. Just be careful not to overfill so your Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls don’t burst in the oven.
How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
Try not to overfill each triangle and tightly seal the dough around the filling as you roll. If a little filling escapes during baking, don’t worry — it adds to their rustic charm!
Are Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls vegetarian?
Yes, these rolls are a wonderful vegetarian treat. They contain no meat or gelatin, so they’re perfect for sharing at gatherings where guests may have different dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something simple yet special, give these Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls a try. They’re easy, undeniably delicious, and always lift the mood with that bright, citrusy filling. The first bite is all it takes to fall in love — I hope you find them as irresistible as I do!
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 these delightful Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls for a burst of citrusy sweetness wrapped in a flaky pastry. Easy to make and perfect for a quick dessert or sweet treat.
Ingredients
Crescent Rolls:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
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 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon milk
- Optional: additional lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Assemble Rolls: Unroll crescent dough, place filling at wide end of each triangle, roll up, and place on baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
- Make Glaze: While baking, whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk for glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle glaze over warm rolls, sprinkle with lemon zest, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, add more zest to the filling or glaze.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
