If you love the perfect balance of tangy citrus and creamy sweetness wrapped in flaky, buttery pastry, then you are going to adore this Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe. These delightful treats bring together soft cream cheese infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, all tucked inside golden crescent rolls that bake up with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Finished with a glossy lemon glaze, these rolls are as beautiful to look at as they are irresistible to eat, making them a fantastic option for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you need a bright, happy bite of flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe is a breeze because it calls for simple ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each component plays its role perfectly — from creamy richness to that fresh pop of lemon that wakes up every bite.
- Refrigerated crescent rolls (1 package, 8 count): These form the flaky, buttery base that holds everything together with a golden finish.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, cold): The star of the filling, providing silky smooth richness and a subtle tang.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the filling without overpowering the lemon notes.
- Lemon extract (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the citrus flavor for that extra lemony zip.
- Lemon zest (zest of 1/2 lemon for filling and zest of 1/2 lemon for glaze): Adds fresh, bright citrus oils that lift the whole recipe.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): The base for the smooth, sweet glaze that ties everything together.
- Lemon juice (1 1/2 tablespoons): Adds tartness to the glaze, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
How to Make Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Start by combining the cold cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon extract, and lemon zest in a medium mixing bowl. Beat this mixture on medium-high speed until it comes together into a smooth, creamy filling. This luscious blend will be the flavorful surprise inside each crescent roll.
Step 2: Assemble the Rolls
Carefully unroll the crescent dough onto a flat surface, revealing eight triangles. Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese filling onto the wider end of each triangle. This ensures that every bite has a creamy, lemony center.
Step 3: Roll into Crescent Shapes
Gently roll each triangle starting from the wider end, tucking in the corners to keep the filling sealed inside. The rolling gives you that classic crescent shape that bakes up with beautiful layers and a crisp exterior.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the rolled crescents about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking. Bake them at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 14 minutes, or until they achieve a gorgeous golden brown color. This step brings the flaky, buttery exterior to life.
Step 5: Cool and Glaze
Once baked, let the rolls cool on a wire rack so they set perfectly and the filling stays creamy. Meanwhile, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and remaining lemon zest to create a smooth glaze. Finally, drizzle this luscious glaze evenly over the rolls, adding a shiny, sweet, and citrusy finish that makes the flavors pop beautifully.
How to Serve Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For a picture-perfect presentation, sprinkle a little extra lemon zest or some finely chopped fresh mint on top of the glazed rolls. This adds a fresh aroma and a splash of color that elevates their charm.
Side Dishes
These lemon cheesecake crescent rolls shine on their own but also pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or tea for breakfast or brunch. For a more decadent spread, serve them alongside fresh berries or a light fruit salad to complement their rich and tangy notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the rolls in a circular pattern on a decorative serving plate for a festive feel. You can also serve them in individual ramekins or small dessert bowls, drizzled with extra glaze and perhaps a dollop of whipped cream to make each serving feel like a special treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain the crescent rolls’ flakiness while keeping the filling soft and flavorful.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked rolls by assembling them as directed and placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 1 month. When ready, bake directly from frozen but add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To enjoy the rolls warm again, pop them into a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 to 7 minutes. This revives their fresh-from-the-oven texture and warms the luscious cream cheese filling beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of lemon extract in the filling?
Absolutely! While lemon extract provides a concentrated lemon flavor, you can substitute it with a small amount of fresh lemon juice. Just be sure not to add too much to keep the filling’s texture creamy and stable.
Are these rolls suitable for making ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crescent rolls in advance by assembling them and refrigerating for a few hours or freezing as described. This makes them perfect for busy mornings or when you want to impress guests with minimal last-minute effort.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you need a substitute, mascarpone cheese works wonderfully here and adds a slightly sweeter, richer touch. However, cream cheese is preferred for its tang, which balances the sweetness and lemon flavors.
Can I add other flavors to the filling?
Definitely! Blueberries or raspberries folded gently into the cream cheese mixture add fruitiness and color. You could also experiment with a touch of vanilla extract or almond extract for a different twist.
How do I prevent the rolls from leaking filling during baking?
Make sure to tuck in the edges tightly when rolling up the dough, and avoid overfilling. Patting the filling to be more compact before rolling helps keep it in place, ensuring a neat crescent shape with delicious filling inside.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about sharing this Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe with friends and family. It’s simple enough to whip up on a whim but impressive enough to wow any gathering. The harmonious blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet wrapped in delicate dough makes it a go-to recipe that you’ll want to come back to time and again. So preheat that oven and get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of lemon bliss.
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Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls combine flaky, buttery crescent roll dough with a luscious lemon cream cheese filling, then topped with a tangy lemon glaze. Perfect for an easy yet elegant dessert or breakfast treat, they bake up golden and delightful with bright citrus flavor.
Ingredients
Crescent Rolls
- 1 package (8 count) refrigerated crescent rolls
Filling
- 4 ounces cold cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon extract
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cold cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon extract, and lemon zest. Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Shape the rolls: Unroll the crescent roll dough into individual triangles. Spoon a portion of the cream cheese filling onto the wider end of each triangle.
- Roll crescents: Gently roll the dough from the wider end toward the point, tucking in the corners as you go to form crescent shapes.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the crescent rolls about 2 inches apart on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet to allow room for expansion while baking.
- Bake the crescents: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12 to 14 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and puffed.
- Cool the rolls: Remove from the oven and let the rolls cool completely on a wire rack to set before glazing.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the rolls: Drizzle the lemon glaze evenly over the cooled crescent rolls to finish. Allow the glaze to set slightly before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use cold cream cheese for the filling.
- You can substitute lemon extract with vanilla extract if desired, but lemon extract enhances the citrus flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat briefly in the oven before serving to restore flakiness.
