Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and oh-so-sweet treat that will impress everyone in your household or at your next gathering, Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are the way to go! These golden, flaky crescent rolls are stuffed with a rich, tangy lemon cream cheese filling that perfectly balances sweet and tart. They’re easy to make, and the best part? They taste like a cross between a lemon danish and a cheesecake, making them a total crowd-pleaser!

Picture this: soft, buttery crescent dough hugging a creamy filling that has just the right amount of citrusy zing. The hint of lemon really shines, and when you bite into one of these rolls, it’s like a burst of sunshine in your mouth. These rolls are the perfect way to start your day, treat yourself in the afternoon, or even serve as a dessert after dinner. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!

Why You’ll Love Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls

Here’s why these little rolls will become a regular in your baking rotation:

Sweet & Tangy: The cream cheese and lemon filling strikes that perfect balance between sweet and tangy, making each bite irresistible.

Flaky & Buttery: The crescent dough bakes up beautifully—light, flaky, and buttery, just as it should be.

Quick & Easy: With just a few ingredients, you can whip these up in no time. The dough does all the work, and you get all the delicious results.

Versatile: They make the perfect breakfast, dessert, or even a brunch snack. They’re adaptable to all occasions.

Make-Ahead: You can make these in advance, which makes them great for busy mornings or when you need a treat on the fly.

Ingredients in Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls

These ingredients are super simple, but when combined, they create something truly magical:

For the Crescent Rolls:

• Crescent roll dough (store-bought is perfectly fine!)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• Cream cheese (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Lemon juice (fresh is best!)
• Lemon zest (for that extra zing)
• Vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Lemon juice (again, fresh is key for that burst of citrus)

(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive in! Here’s how you make these delicious rolls:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and warm so the rolls bake perfectly.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Roll Out the Crescent Dough

Unroll the crescent dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Don’t separate the dough into triangles just yet. Pinch the seams together to make one big sheet of dough.

Step 4: Add the Filling

Spread the lemon cream cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving about half an inch around the edges. Be sure to spread it out to the edges, but not all the way to the very edge to avoid spilling when rolling.

Step 5: Roll and Slice

Starting from one edge, carefully roll the dough into a log, similar to how you would roll cinnamon rolls. Once you have the dough fully rolled, slice it into 8-10 equal pieces, depending on how big you want your rolls.

Step 6: Bake

Place the rolls on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the filling is bubbling up slightly. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent over-baking.

Step 7: Make the Glaze

While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and lemon juice to make the glaze. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar if you prefer it thicker, or a little more milk if you want it thinner.

Step 8: Drizzle & Serve

Once the rolls are baked and cooled for a few minutes, drizzle the glaze over them while they’re still warm. This adds the perfect finishing touch and makes them even more irresistible.

Step 9: Enjoy!

Serve these rolls while they’re warm and fresh out of the oven. Trust me, they won’t last long!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8-10 rolls
Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories (depending on size and specific ingredients used)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls

These rolls are perfect on their own, but here are a few ways to enhance the experience:

Fresh Fruit: Serve with some fresh berries or sliced citrus fruits on the side for a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy rolls.

Coffee or Tea: These rolls pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them ideal for breakfast or brunch.

Extra Glaze: If you’re a glaze lover, drizzle a bit more on top after serving for an extra burst of sweetness.

For Special Occasions: They’re also great for holidays or celebrations! Serve them as part of a dessert table or brunch spread for a touch of homemade sweetness.

Additional Tips

Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will make the filling smoother and easier to spread.

Customize the Filling: Feel free to tweak the flavor by adding a little extra lemon zest or even a dash of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture for a unique twist.

Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes if you prefer them warm.

Make-Ahead: You can assemble the rolls the night before, refrigerate them, and then bake them fresh in the morning. This makes them perfect for busy mornings or a quick breakfast when you have guests.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different fruit filling?
A1: Yes! You can swap out the lemon filling for other flavors like orange, raspberry, or strawberry for a fun twist.

Q2: Can I use a different type of dough?
A2: Absolutely! If you prefer homemade dough or a different variety of crescent roll dough, feel free to substitute it.

Q3: Can I make these without the glaze?
A3: Sure! The glaze is optional, but it really adds a nice sweet finishing touch. You can also dust the rolls with powdered sugar if you prefer something simpler.

Q4: Can I freeze these rolls?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls. Just assemble them, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw for about 30 minutes before baking as usual.

Q5: Can I add more lemon flavor?
A5: Absolutely! You can increase the lemon zest or juice in the filling if you want a more pronounced lemon flavor.

Q6: Can I make these dairy-free?
A6: You can try substituting the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese and use a dairy-free crescent dough if needed. The glaze can be made with a dairy-free milk as well.

Q7: Can I make a mini version of these rolls?
A7: Yes! Just slice the dough into smaller sections and bake for a shorter time (check after about 10-12 minutes).

Q8: Can I make these gluten-free?
A8: If you need them to be gluten-free, you can try using gluten-free crescent dough or a similar gluten-free pastry dough.

Q9: How do I reheat leftover rolls?
A9: To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warm.

Q10: Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the filling?
A10: Sure! Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a great addition for a little crunch. Just be sure to mix them into the filling evenly.

Conclusion

These Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are the perfect combination of flaky, buttery, tangy, and sweet. Whether you’re enjoying them as a breakfast treat, a dessert, or just a little snack, they’re sure to make your taste buds sing. The lemon cream cheese filling is the star of the show, and the golden, flaky dough provides the perfect backdrop. With minimal ingredients and effort, you’ve got a show-stopping treat that will keep everyone coming back for more!

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