Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe

If you’re craving a pastry that’s bright, tangy, and irresistibly buttery, Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are the treat you need in your life! These delightful rolls capture the essence of a bakery-style breakfast, with melt-in-your-mouth cream cheese filling infused with fresh lemon flavor, all wrapped in pillowy crescent dough. Whether you’re serving them for brunch or as a quick weeknight dessert, there’s something about the vibrant zest and creamy sweetness that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Trust me: once you try these, they’re bound to become your new favorite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s easy to fall in love with a recipe that transforms a handful of everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. The lineup for Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls is short and sweet, but each ingredient has a starring role in creating the dreamy texture and zingy flavor that make these rolls so special.

• Crescent roll dough: Store-bought dough makes these rolls wonderfully convenient and gives them that signature light, flaky texture.
• Cream cheese (softened): This is the silky, tangy base of your filling; be sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance out the tartness of the lemon and richness of the cream cheese.
• Lemon zest: Packed with fragrant citrus oils, it adds a punch of fresh, aromatic flavor.
• Fresh lemon juice: Brings brightness and a bit of tang that lifts the whole pastry.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds a warm, comforting note.
• Powdered sugar: Essential for making the glaze and giving a lovely, sweet finish.
• Milk: Loosens the glaze for a beautiful, drizzly topping.

How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Equipment

Preheat your oven to 375°F to make sure things heat up evenly, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple lining keeps your crescent rolls from sticking and helps them bake up with golden, crisp bottoms.

Step 2: Mix the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to blend everything together until the mixture is ultra smooth and creamy. Take a moment to savor the citrusy aroma—it’s a preview of the flavors to come!

Step 3: Shape the Crescent Rolls

Unroll your crescent dough and separate it into individual triangles. At the wider end of each triangle, place a generous spoonful of the lemon cream cheese mixture. Starting from that end, carefully roll up each triangle, tucking the filling inside as you go for those beautiful spiral pastries.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the stuffed crescent rolls a couple inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Slide them into the hot oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until they’re puffed and golden brown. The kitchen will fill with the enticing scent of warm pastry and sweet lemon—just wait until they come out!

Step 5: Drizzle with the Lemon Glaze

While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until the mixture flows smoothly. While the Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are still warm, drizzle the glaze over each one. The glaze will set into a glossy, sweet-tart finish that’s just irresistible.

How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls

Garnishes

If you want your Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls to look as fabulous as they taste, try scattering a bit of extra fresh lemon zest or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. Both add a pop of color and an extra hint of citrus essence to each bite.

Side Dishes

Serve these rolls alongside a fresh fruit salad or a simple bowl of mixed berries for a colorful and balanced breakfast spread. If you’re going the brunch route, a cup of coffee or a tall, icy glass of homemade lemonade pairs beautifully with the tangy-sweet flavors of the rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider stacking your Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls on a tiered cake stand for a pretty party centerpiece, or nestle them in a lined bread basket sprinkled with lemon slices for a sunny brunch vibe. They also make fantastic edible gifts—just arrange in a box, add a ribbon, and watch their faces light up!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to three days. The filling keeps its creamy texture, and the glaze doesn’t lose its sweet sheen.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead for busy mornings or unexpected guests, freeze the baked and cooled rolls (before glazing) for up to two months. Just pop them in a zip-top bag with parchment between layers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and glazing.

Reheating

For best results, warm the rolls in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes or until heated through. Microwaving works in a pinch but the pastry will be softer. Add a fresh drizzle of glaze right before serving to revive that just-baked magic.

FAQs

Can I make Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls the night before?

Absolutely! Assemble and fill the rolls, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, just bake and glaze as usual for a quick, fresh treat.

What’s the best way to get extra lemon flavor?

If you’re a true lemon lover, add a couple drops of pure lemon extract to the cream cheese mixture. A little goes a long way, so taste as you go and stop when the lemon zing is just right.

Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?

Yes, reduced-fat cream cheese works perfectly in this recipe. The filling may be slightly less rich, but it still delivers that luscious, creamy texture and bright lemon flavor.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Make sure to roll the dough tightly and pinch the edges closed well to help keep the filling inside during baking. Placing the rolls seam-side down also helps minimize leaks.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Certainly! Just double all the ingredients and use a larger baking sheet or two. These rolls are always a hit at brunch parties, so having extras is never a bad idea.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to brighten up your next breakfast or dessert, I can’t recommend Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls enough. They’re everything I love in a homemade treat—effortless, crowd-pleasing, and absolutely bursting with flavor. Give them a try and let these zesty delights become a staple in your kitchen too!

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