If you’re craving a delightful treat that’s both light and bursting with bright citrus flavor, the Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe is here to brighten your kitchen and your taste buds. This irresistible recipe combines flaky, buttery crescent roll dough with a luscious lemon-cream cheese filling that perfectly balances tangy and sweet, all topped off with a dreamy lemon glaze. Whether you’re making breakfast for guests or a special dessert, these rolls are sure to become an absolute favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe comes together with a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the flaky dough that provides perfect texture to the fresh lemon that wakes up your senses, every component is essential for that perfect bite.
- Crescent roll dough: Offers a light, flaky base that bakes into irresistibly golden rolls.
- Cream cheese (softened): Creates a rich and creamy filling with a smooth texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to balance the tangy lemon.
- Fresh lemon zest: Brings a bright, aromatic citrus punch that’s unmistakably fresh.
- Fresh lemon juice: Enhances the filling’s tanginess and keeps the flavor vibrant.
- Vanilla extract: A gentle hint of warmth that rounds out the lemon and cream cheese flavors.
- Powdered sugar: Used for a silky-smooth glaze that adds sweetness and shine.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures that your crescent rolls don’t stick and bake evenly with a beautiful golden crust.
Step 2: Whip Up the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir the ingredients together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. This filling is the heart of the rolls, delivering that irresistible flavor inside.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Carefully unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 8 triangles. Spoon approximately one tablespoon of the lemon cream cheese mixture into the center of each triangle. This step requires a gentle hand so the filling stays put as you prepare to roll.
Step 4: Roll and Arrange
Starting from the wide edge of each triangle, roll the dough tightly over the filling to shape crescent rolls. Place each roll on the lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between them for the dough to puff beautifully as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Pop the rolls into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and beautifully puffed. The aroma during baking will already have you eager for the first bite.
Step 6: Make the Zesty Lemon Glaze
While your rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of lemon zest in a small bowl until you have a smooth glaze. This finishing touch adds a lovely shine and an extra lemony sweetness that makes these rolls truly standout.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
Once baked, let your rolls cool for about five minutes to avoid melting the glaze away. Then, drizzle your lemon glaze generously over each roll. Serve them warm, and get ready for compliments!
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these rolls even further, sprinkle a bit of extra lemon zest or some finely chopped fresh mint on top. This adds a pop of color and a refreshing aroma that pairs beautifully with the bright lemon flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with a light green salad if serving at brunch or enjoy them alongside a cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee. They also work wonderfully as a sweet side with savory dishes like quiche or roasted chicken, balancing out richer flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the rolls in a festive bread basket lined with a lemon-yellow napkin for a cheerful pop of color. Or place a few rolls on a tiered dessert stand with fresh citrus slices – the visual appeal will impress your guests before they even take a bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover rolls, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps retain their softness and keeps the lemon cream cheese filling fresh and creamy.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked assembled rolls by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual for fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the rolls in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will refresh their flaky texture and warm the filling without drying them out. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dough tough.
FAQs
Can I use frozen crescent roll dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen crescent roll dough works perfectly as long as you allow it to thaw according to package instructions before assembling the rolls with the lemon cream cheese filling.
Is it possible to make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lemon cream cheese filling up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and give it a quick stir before spreading onto the dough.
Can I substitute cream cheese with another cheese?
Cream cheese is key to the creamy texture and mild tang of these rolls. However, mascarpone can be a good alternative for a slightly richer flavor, but avoid firmer cheeses which won’t provide the same softness.
What if I don’t have fresh lemon zest?
Fresh lemon zest adds essential brightness. If you don’t have fresh lemons, a bit of bottled lemon juice can help, but try to find fresh lemons for the best flavor experience in this recipe.
How can I make these rolls less sweet?
To dial down the sweetness, reduce the granulated and powdered sugar slightly. The lemon flavor will still shine through, creating a perfectly balanced treat without being overly sweet.
Final Thoughts
The Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe is such a joy to make and even more delightful to share. Its bright citrus flavor, soft creamy filling, and flaky golden crust make for a crowd-pleaser anytime you want to treat yourself or friends. I can’t recommend giving this recipe a try enough—you’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients come together to create something truly special.
Print
Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 crescent rolls
- Category: Breakfast Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are a delightful treat combining flaky, buttery crescent roll dough with a tangy and sweet lemon cream cheese filling. Finished with a zesty lemon glaze, they make a perfect breakfast pastry or dessert that’s quick and easy to prepare in under half an hour.
Ingredients
For the Rolls:
- 1 package (8 oz) crescent roll dough
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the rolls bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Make the filling: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, creating the lemon cream cheese filling.
- Prepare the dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 8 triangular pieces. Evenly spread about one tablespoon of the lemon cream cheese mixture onto the center of each triangle.
- Form the rolls: Starting from the wide edge of each triangle, carefully roll up the dough around the filling into crescent shapes. Place each roll on the prepared baking sheet with some space between them to allow for expansion during baking.
- Bake the rolls: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and puff up nicely.
- Prepare the glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl until you have a smooth, pourable glaze.
- Glaze and serve: Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. Then, drizzle the lemon glaze generously over the top of each warm roll. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to ensure a smooth filling.
- For extra lemon flavor, consider adding a touch more lemon zest to the filling or glaze.
- The rolls taste best served warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated briefly before serving.
- You can substitute fresh lemon juice with bottled lemon juice if fresh lemons aren’t available, though fresh will provide the best flavor.
