There’s nothing quite like the zesty brightness of lemon matched with the creamy indulgence of cream cheese tucked inside flaky, golden crescents. This Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe brings all those flavors together in a way that feels both effortless and absolutely decadent. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at brunch or simply treat yourself to a little citrusy sweetness, these rolls offer the perfect balance of tang, sweetness, and buttery flakiness that’s just impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are. Each item plays a special role, from lending creamy richness and that signature lemon zing, to creating the soft yet flaky dough base that holds it all together beautifully.
- Crescent roll dough (1 package, 8 oz): The flaky, buttery foundation that turns these rolls into a delicious handheld delight.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Adds creamy texture and richness, balancing the tart lemon flavors.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the filling just enough without overpowering the lemon’s natural brightness.
- Lemon zest (1 tbsp): Packs intense lemon aroma and flavor—freshness at its finest.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tbsp): Delivers tangy brightness that makes every bite pop.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): A subtle warmth that rounds out and enhances the lemon notes.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup, for glaze): Creates a smooth, sweet glaze to glaze over the rolls with a delicate finish.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp, for glaze): Keeps the glaze light, fresh, and perfectly balanced.
- Lemon zest (1/2 tsp, for glaze): A pretty little garnish that gives the glaze an extra burst of citrus punch.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Station
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures a clean, non-stick surface so your rolls bake evenly and come off the pan easily without losing their precious flaky edges.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until the filling is smooth and homogenous—bursting with fresh lemon flavor balanced by creamy sweetness.
Step 3: Prepare and Fill the Crescent Dough
Unroll the crescent dough onto a clean surface and gently separate it into 8 triangles. Spoon about a tablespoon of the creamy lemon mixture right into the center of each triangle. Getting this just right sets you up for the perfect balance of filling versus flaky dough in every bite.
Step 4: Roll Up the Crescents
Starting at the wide base, carefully roll the dough triangles toward the pointed end. This classic crescent shape not only looks charming but helps seal in all the lemony goodness during baking. Place each roll spaced apart on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden Perfection
Bake your filled crescent rolls for 12 to 15 minutes until they’re puffed up and a gorgeous golden brown. That beautiful color means the dough is flaky and tender inside, with just the right crisp on the outside.
Step 6: Whisk Together the Lemon Glaze
While your rolls bake, mix the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl until smooth. This simple glaze adds a luscious, tangy drizzle that perfectly complements the warm cream cheese-filled crescents.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve Warm
Once out of the oven, allow the rolls to cool for about 5 minutes—just enough so the glaze doesn’t melt immediately but the rolls stay warm and inviting. Drizzle the lemon glaze generously on top and get ready to enjoy an irresistible treat bursting with bright citrus and creamy delight.
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra sparkle, try sprinkling some additional lemon zest over the glazed rolls right before serving. Fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar can also elevate the presentation and add subtle complimentary notes.
Side Dishes
These crescent rolls shine on their own but pair beautifully with fresh fruit like berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple, light brunch. A cup of hot tea or coffee balances the sweetness and makes every bite feel cozy and special.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe on a beautiful platter with lemon slices and edible flowers for a stunning centerpiece. Alternatively, serve them in little baskets lined with napkins for casual entertaining or brunch buffets that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover rolls keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This softens the crispness slightly but preserves their tender crumb and delicious flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the unbaked crescent rolls after filling and shaping but before baking. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to a month. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed fresh from the fridge.
Reheating
To bring these rolls back to their freshly baked glory, warm them in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This refreshes the flaky texture and reactivates all those bright lemon cream cheese flavors beautifully.
FAQs
Can I substitute the crescent roll dough with homemade dough?
Absolutely! Homemade flaky dough adds an extra touch of love and can make these rolls even more special. Just be sure the dough is rolled thin and cut into triangles like the store-bought version for easy rolling.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try using dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and a crescent dough recipe free of milk or butter. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly, but the lemon flavor will still shine through.
Can I prep the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the lemon cream cheese filling can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before spreading to ensure it’s smooth and spreadable.
What type of lemon is best for zest and juice?
Meyer lemons are fantastic if you can find them, offering a sweeter, less tart flavor. Otherwise, fresh organic regular lemons work perfectly and provide classic bright citrus notes.
Can these rolls be made gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, use a gluten-free crescent roll dough or substitute with puff pastry made from gluten-free flour blends. The texture might differ, but the flavor combination remains absolutely delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines the best of bright citrus and creamy indulgence wrapped in flaky, buttery goodness. Whether as a delightful breakfast treat, a sweet snack, or a party favorite, these rolls invite you to savor every sunny, flavorful bite. Grab your ingredients and give this recipe a whirl—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 crescent rolls (serves 8)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightful lemon cream cheese crescent rolls featuring a tangy lemon cream cheese filling wrapped in flaky crescent dough, topped with a sweet lemon glaze. Perfect as a bright and buttery treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 package (8 oz) crescent roll dough
Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Glaze
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make Lemon Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Prepare Dough Triangles: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 8 individual triangles, ready for filling.
- Fill and Roll Crescents: Spread about 1 tablespoon of the lemon cream cheese mixture onto the center of each dough triangle. Starting from the wide edge, carefully roll up each triangle to form crescent rolls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet with some space between each roll to allow for expansion during baking.
- Bake the Rolls: Bake the crescent rolls for 12-15 minutes until they are puffed up and have a beautiful golden brown color.
- Prepare Lemon Glaze: While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl until the glaze is smooth and lump-free.
- Cool and Glaze: After removing the rolls from the oven, allow them to cool for about 5 minutes to slightly set. Then, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top of each warm roll for a glossy, flavorful finish. Serve while warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth filling.
- If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, increase the lemon zest slightly in the filling and glaze.
- Do not over-bake the rolls, or they may become dry; look for a golden brown color as the indicator of doneness.
- These rolls are best served fresh but can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- You can substitute fresh lemon juice with bottled lemon juice if fresh is not available, but fresh is recommended for best flavor.
