Best Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls

Why You’ll Love Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe

These crescent rolls are the perfect mix of sweet and tangy with a creamy center and flaky crust. They come together quickly with simple ingredients and offer a homemade bakery-style taste without a lot of effort. Whether you’re serving them at a weekend brunch or just craving a lemony dessert, these rolls are always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crescent Rolls:

• 1 block package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened at room temperature

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 4 teaspoons grated lemon peel from 1 large lemon

• 1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls or crescent dough sheets

• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

For the Lemon Glaze Topping:

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 2 to 3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

• Fresh grated lemon peel for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, mix softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and grated lemon peel using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.

3. Open the crescent roll can and separate the dough into 8 individual triangles.

4. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the lemon cheesecake mixture onto the wide end of each triangle.

5. Roll each triangle up, starting at the wide end and tucking the point underneath. Seal the edges to keep the filling inside.

6. Arrange the rolled crescents evenly on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with melted butter.

7. Bake for 11–14 minutes or until golden brown.

8. Let them cool for a few minutes before moving them to a cooling rack.

9. To make the glaze, mix powdered sugar with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice in a small bowl. Stir until smooth, adding more juice if needed for consistency.

10. Drizzle the glaze over warm rolls and garnish with lemon peel if desired. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 39 minutes

Variations

• Berry Twist: Add a small spoonful of raspberry or blueberry jam to the filling.

• Lemon-Lime Version: Mix in a bit of lime zest along with the lemon for a citrus twist.

• Sugar-Free: Use a sugar substitute for the filling and glaze if you’re cutting back on sugar.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute with a gluten-free crescent dough alternative.

• Mini Rolls: Cut each crescent triangle in half to make bite-sized versions.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5–7 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

What type of cream cheese should I use?

Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture and best flavor, though reduced-fat versions will also work.

Can I use crescent dough sheets instead of triangles?

Yes, you can use crescent dough sheets and cut them into triangles to shape as needed.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble them ahead and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh lemons?

Bottled lemon juice and pre-packaged lemon zest can be used in a pinch, though fresh gives the best flavor.

How do I know when they’re done baking?

The crescent rolls should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. The filling should be set.

Can I freeze these?

Yes, freeze the baked (unglazed) rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before glazing.

How do I keep the filling from leaking out?

Make sure to pinch the edges of the dough tightly and don’t overfill each roll.

What other toppings can I try?

You can sprinkle powdered sugar, drizzle white chocolate, or even add crushed nuts for extra texture.

Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?

Yes, but the texture will be flakier and crispier. Adjust baking time as needed.

Is this recipe suitable for kids to help make?

Definitely! Kids can help mix the filling, spoon it onto the dough, and drizzle the glaze.

Conclusion

Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are a simple yet satisfying treat packed with zesty lemon flavor and rich cream cheese. Whether you’re making them for a brunch spread or just treating yourself, these rolls are a delicious way to brighten your day. With their easy prep and irresistible taste, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls

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• Author: Mia
• Total Time: 39 minutes
• Yield: 8 crescent rolls
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are a deliciously easy dessert made with flaky crescent dough, a creamy lemon cheesecake filling, and a sweet-tart lemon glaze topping. Perfect for a quick treat or a brunch addition.

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Ingredients

• 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 4 teaspoons grated lemon peel (from 1 large lemon)
• 1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls or crescent dough sheets
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 to 3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• Fresh grated lemon peel for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and lemon peel with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
3. Open crescent roll package and separate dough into 8 triangles.
4. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each triangle.
5. Roll each triangle from the wide end, tucking the point underneath and sealing the edges.
6. Place on the prepared baking sheet and brush with melted butter.
7. Bake for 11–14 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Let cool for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
9. In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with 2–3 teaspoons of lemon juice to make the glaze.
10. Drizzle glaze over warm crescent rolls and garnish with additional lemon peel if desired.
11. Serve warm. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Notes

• Use crescent dough sheets for easier rolling if available.
• Adjust lemon juice in the glaze to control the thickness.
• Best served warm, but can be reheated briefly in the microwave.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 crescent roll
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg