Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls

Let me tell you about these Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls—they’re everything you didn’t know you needed in a sweet treat. Imagine flaky, buttery crescent rolls filled with a creamy, tangy cheesecake mixture, and then topped with a burst of fresh lemon flavor. It’s like biting into sunshine! These rolls are the perfect mix of sweet and citrusy with that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert, they’ll quickly become a family favorite. Seriously, they’re that good—trust me, you’re going to love these!

Why You’ll Love Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls

Here’s why you should drop everything and try these rolls right now:

Versatile:

They’re perfect for a casual brunch, a sweet breakfast, or even a light dessert. You could also serve them at a gathering and watch your guests ooh and aah over them. They’re versatile enough to fit almost any occasion!

Budget-Friendly:

All you need are a few basic ingredients—crescent roll dough, cream cheese, sugar, and fresh lemon. It’s simple, but the flavor is anything but. No fancy ingredients required here, and it won’t break the bank.

Quick and Easy:

There’s no baking from scratch here! The crescent rolls are a time-saver, and the filling is super easy to prepare. From start to finish, you can have these baked and ready to serve in just about 30 minutes.

Customizable:

Love lemon? Feel free to amp up the zest. Want something creamier? Add a little more cream cheese or even a swirl of lemon curd inside. These rolls are a breeze to make your own!

Crowd-Pleasing:

Lemon and cheesecake are an unbeatable combo. Add in the buttery crescent dough, and you’ve got a dessert (or breakfast) that both kids and adults will adore. It’s a showstopper that’ll disappear in no time!

Ingredients in Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls

Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible rolls:

Crescent Roll Dough:

The dough is what brings that buttery, flaky texture to these rolls. It’s the perfect base for the creamy cheesecake filling and adds the right amount of flakiness.

Cream Cheese:

Cream cheese is the heart of the cheesecake filling. It gives these rolls that rich, creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with the lemon.

Sugar:

Sugar is what sweetens the filling and adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the tart lemon.

Lemon Zest:

Fresh lemon zest is key for that bright, zesty kick. It brings the perfect amount of citrusy freshness that makes these rolls truly shine.

Vanilla Extract:

A dash of vanilla extract in the filling gives it a warm, aromatic undertone that balances the tangy lemon.

(Note: Full measurements are listed in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Time to get baking! Here’s how you make these dreamy Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your rolls bake evenly and get golden and delicious.

2. Prepare the Baking Sheet:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

3. Make the Filling:

In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. The filling should be velvety and thick, with just the right amount of tang from the lemon.

4. Assemble the Rolls:

Pop open the can of crescent roll dough and unroll it on the prepared baking sheet. Pinch the seams together to form one large rectangle. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the dough up tightly, like a jelly roll.

5. Slice and Bake:

Slice the dough into individual rolls, about 1-inch thick, and arrange them on the baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and puffed up.

6. Optional Topping:

Once they’re out of the oven, drizzle with a little extra lemon glaze (made with powdered sugar and lemon juice), or just dust them with powdered sugar for a simple finish.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These rolls are best enjoyed warm, but they’ll still be delicious once they’ve cooled. They’re perfect with a cup of coffee or tea!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 190
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 170mg
Total Carbohydrates: 24g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 2g
Vitamin D: 0mcg
Calcium: 20mg
Iron: 1mg
Potassium: 40mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Total Time: 25-28 minutes

How to Serve Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls

These rolls are delicious just as they are, but if you want to elevate them even further, here are some ways to serve them:

Fresh Fruit:

Serve with fresh berries, like strawberries or raspberries, to add a fresh, slightly tart contrast to the sweet, creamy rolls.

Whipped Cream:

Top each roll with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Ice Cream:

Pair these rolls with a scoop of vanilla or lemon ice cream for a dreamy, dessert combo.

Coffee or Tea:

These rolls are perfect with a hot cup of coffee or tea. It’s the ideal treat to serve for brunch or an afternoon snack!

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of these Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls:

Make Ahead:

You can make the rolls ahead of time by assembling them and storing them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Simply bake them when you’re ready, and they’ll be as fresh as ever!

Add Lemon Curd:

For a more intense lemon flavor, add a spoonful of lemon curd to the cream cheese filling. It’ll give the rolls a more tart and zesty twist.

Leftovers:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 3 days if you want them to last longer.

Spice It Up:

For an extra pop of flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese filling for a warm, aromatic note.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of dough?
A1: Yes! You can use puff pastry dough or even phyllo dough for a flakier texture, but crescent roll dough is what gives them that soft, buttery feel.

Q2: Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
A2: Yes! Look for gluten-free crescent roll dough and ensure your cream cheese and other ingredients are gluten-free.

Q3: Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and bake them when you’re ready to serve.

Q4: Can I freeze the dough?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the dough before baking. Just wrap the unbaked rolls in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Q5: How can I make these rolls more lemony?
A5: Add extra lemon zest to the cream cheese filling or even drizzle a lemon glaze (made with lemon juice and powdered sugar) over the top after baking for an extra citrus kick.

Q6: How long do these rolls last?
A6: These rolls are best eaten within a couple of days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, or refrigerate them for up to 3 days.

Q7: Can I make these rolls with flavored cream cheese?
A7: Yes, you can experiment with flavored cream cheeses, like lemon or strawberry, to add a fun twist to the flavor!

Q8: Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar for the glaze?
A8: It’s best to use powdered sugar for a smooth glaze, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use regular sugar—just be aware the glaze may have a slightly grittier texture.

Q9: How do I reheat leftovers?
A9: Reheat leftovers in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warm.

Q10: Can I add fruit to the filling?
A10: Yes! You can add a few berries or a spoonful of lemon curd to the cream cheese filling for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are the kind of dessert you’ll want to make again and again. They’re easy, indulgent, and perfectly balanced with that sweet, tangy lemon and creamy cheesecake filling. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something delicious, these rolls will hit the spot. Go ahead and bake a batch—you’ll be hooked!

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