If you’re searching for an effortless yet show-stopping treat, Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls absolutely deserve a spot at the top of your baking list! Imagine buttery, golden crescent rolls wrapped around a tangy, sweet cream cheese filling, brightened with fresh lemon zest and juice, then crowned with a delicate glaze. Each bite delivers an irresistibly soft, melty center balanced with citrus zing—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sunny dessert. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers delicious results in just over 20 minutes. It’s pure sunshine on a plate!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Baking amazing Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls is all about letting simple, quality ingredients shine. Every component plays its part, bringing out layers of flavor, lush texture, and that signature golden color.
- Crescent roll dough: This ready-to-bake dough is a time-saver and delivers perfectly crisp, flaky layers every single time.
- Cream cheese: Softened for seamless mixing, it creates the rich, creamy heart of each roll.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the lemon’s tartness.
- Lemon zest: The aromatic oils in the zest really wake up the citrus flavor, making each bite extra vibrant.
- Fresh lemon juice: Provides bright acidity and rounds out the flavor beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: A splash brings warmth and depth—the perfect pairing with lemon and cream cheese.
- Powdered sugar: Essential for the silky glaze that gets drizzled on top.
- Milk: Just a teaspoon or two turns powdered sugar into a spoonable, pourable glaze.
- Extra lemon zest (optional): For a pretty and punchy finishing garnish!
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and ensures even browning for each roll. Having everything prepped before you get started will make the whole process a breeze!
Step 2: Mix Up the Dreamy Lemon Filling
Grab a medium mixing bowl and blend together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. You’re looking for a silky, fluffy texture—no lumps! The filling should look creamy and taste like cheesecake with a burst of citrus zing.
Step 3: Unroll and Fill the Crescents
Open up your can of crescent roll dough and gently separate it into triangles. Place about 1 tablespoon of the lemon cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each triangle. Don’t worry if it seems generous; it should be just the right amount to deliver a creamy center without overflowing.
Step 4: Roll and Arrange
Carefully roll each crescent triangle, starting at the wide end and curling toward the tip. Place them seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them a little apart so they puff up and brown beautifully while baking.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the crescents look golden and ever-so-slightly crisp on the outside. The aroma filling your kitchen is pure lemony heaven!
Step 6: Whip Up the Lemon Glaze
While your rolls are still toasty, quickly stir together powdered sugar and just enough milk to create a glossy drizzle. The glaze should be thick yet pourable—not watery. This step adds a sweet touch that brings all the flavors together.
Step 7: Drizzle and Garnish
As soon as the Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are out of the oven, drizzle over your glaze and sprinkle with extra lemon zest if you like. Serve them warm for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth moment!
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Garnishes
A flourish of extra lemon zest right before serving takes these rolls from simple to striking! You can also try a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant look, or even a few curled lemon peels if you’re feeling fancy. The beauty of Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls is that a little added brightness goes a long way.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with a fresh bowl of mixed berries, a glass of chilled lemonade, or a mild herbal tea for a dreamy brunch. They also shine alongside a fruit salad or yogurt parfait—anything refreshing will balance their sweet, creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls piled up on a cake stand, nestled in a basket lined with a colorful napkin, or individually plated with a drizzle of extra glaze and a slice of lemon on the side. For parties, tuck each roll in a cupcake liner for a grab-and-go treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls will keep well! Just tuck them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The rolls might soften a bit, but they remain delightfully flavorful. If stacking, place a little parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing
Planning ahead? You can freeze the baked (and cooled) rolls! Wrap each individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep their texture and flavor for up to one month—perfect for those surprise guests or a last-minute treat craving.
Reheating
To enjoy your Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls warm, simply reheat in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. Microwaving is perfect for single servings, while the oven works best if you’re warming up a batch. Glaze after heating for the best texture!
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for these rolls?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese works well here and still gives a smooth, creamy filling. The rolls may be slightly less rich, but the lemon flavor truly shines through!
Can I double the Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls recipe?
Absolutely! Just double each ingredient and bake in batches or on larger sheets. They bake up consistently, so it’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
Do the rolls taste good at room temperature?
They’re at their most luscious warm from the oven, but Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are still delicious cooled. If you’re bringing them to a picnic or potluck, they’ll hold their own!
Is it possible to make the filling in advance?
Definitely! Mix up the lemon cream cheese filling a day ahead and stash it in the fridge. Let it soften five to ten minutes before assembling to make spreading easier.
What’s the secret to getting the rolls super flaky?
The key is not to overwork the dough and to bake until just golden. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated; this helps the crescent dough puff and crisp beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to brighten someone’s day—or simply enjoy a sweet, tangy pick-me-up—you can’t go wrong with Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls. Their easy, fast prep and dreamy flavor make them a recipe you’ll reach for again and again. Give them a try and let that citrusy aroma fill your kitchen—these little rolls are pure joy!
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Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert, perfect for any occasion. Flaky crescent roll dough is filled with a luscious lemon cream cheese mixture, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a sweet lemon glaze.
Ingredients
Crescent Roll Dough:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze:
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons milk (for glaze)
- Extra lemon zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Filling: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Fill Dough: Unroll crescent dough into triangles. Spoon cream cheese filling onto wider end of each triangle and roll up from wide end.
- Bake: Place rolls on baking sheet seam side down. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
- Make Glaze: While baking, mix powdered sugar with milk to make a glaze.
- Glaze & Serve: Drizzle glaze over warm rolls, garnish with lemon zest if desired, and serve.
Notes
- For extra lemon flavor, add lemon extract to filling or glaze.
- Best served warm; store leftovers in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
