If you’re craving a dessert that feels both indulgent and bright with citrusy freshness, you’re going to fall in love with this Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe. It’s the kind of treat that brings together the creamy richness of cheesecake and the flaky, buttery goodness of crescent rolls, all enhanced by the zing of fresh lemon zest. Whether you’re serving these for a special brunch, a light dessert, or just because, they radiate joyful, comforting flavor in every bite and make your kitchen smell absolutely heavenly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe is surprisingly simple, with each ingredient playing a key role in delivering that perfect balance of creaminess, citrus brightness, and flaky texture. Using common ingredients you probably have on hand means you can whip these up easily and quickly.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): The star of the filling, offering a smooth and tangy base that pairs beautifully with lemon.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Sweetens the filling just enough to balance the tartness without overpowering.
- Grated lemon peel (4 teaspoons): Provides fresh, zesty lemon flavor that elevates the cheesecake filling.
- Refrigerated crescent rolls (1 can): Ensures buttery, flaky layers that serve as the perfect vessel for the filling.
- Butter (1 tablespoon, melted): Adds a golden finish and richness to the rolls as they bake.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Essential for creating a smooth, sweet glaze to drizzle over the warm rolls.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 to 3 teaspoons): Brings tang and brightness to the glaze, tying everything together.
- Fresh grated lemon peel (optional, for garnish): A beautiful and aromatic finishing touch.
How to Make Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking—this simple step ensures your rolls bake evenly and come off the pan effortlessly.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and freshly grated lemon peel until the mixture is completely smooth. This sweet and zesty filling is what makes these rolls feel so decadent yet refreshingly bright.
Step 3: Fill and Roll the Crescent Dough
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles as directed on the package. Spoon a generous dollop of the lemon cheesecake filling near the wider end of each triangle, then carefully roll them up toward the point. This step creates those dreamy pockets of creamy lemon goodness inside flaky pastry.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the filled rolls on your prepared baking sheet and brush each with the melted butter. Pop them into the oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes or until the crescent rolls are a beautiful golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is pure magic.
Step 5: Prepare and Drizzle the Lemon Glaze
While the rolls bake, whisk powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice until you get a smooth, pourable glaze. Once the rolls come straight out of the oven and are still warm, drizzle this glaze generously over each one for an extra burst of lemony sweetness.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
If you want to go the extra mile, sprinkle some fresh grated lemon peel on top for a pop of color and intensified fragrance. Your Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little garnish really takes these rolls over the top. A light sprinkle of fresh grated lemon peel or even a few small edible flowers can enhance both the look and flavor, making every bite as visually pleasing as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
Perfect for brunch, these rolls pair wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad, a cup of hot coffee, or a light herbal tea. For dessert, consider serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement that tangy lemon flavor beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe on a charming wooden board or a colorful ceramic platter to highlight their warm golden color. For a party, arrange them in a circle with a small bowl of lemon glaze in the center for dipping—fun and interactive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though they rarely stick around), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the rolls soft and the cheesecake filling smooth.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked filled rolls by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and a foil layer, then placing them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake fresh for a delicious treat any time you want.
Reheating
To revive stored or frozen rolls, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 8 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought lemon curd instead of fresh lemon peel?
While lemon curd adds sweetness and a strong lemon flavor, it changes the texture of the cheesecake filling and can make it more runny. The fresh lemon peel in this recipe provides a subtle, bright zest that’s essential for the right balance.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can experiment with dairy-free cream cheese and buttery crescent roll alternatives, but keep in mind it may slightly alter the texture and flavor. Be sure to choose brands that bake well to get the best results.
Can I make the rolls ahead of time and bake later?
Absolutely! Prepare the filled rolls and refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before putting them in the oven.
What’s the best way to grate fresh lemon peel?
Use a microplane or the fine side of a box grater to get delicate, flavorful zest without the bitter white pith underneath. Zesting lemons before juicing them is a handy way to avoid waste.
Can these rolls be made smaller or larger?
The standard crescent roll triangles are perfect for bite-sized treats, but you can double up some dough triangles to create larger rolls. Just adjust baking time slightly to ensure the filling is warmed through.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe that makes it an instant favorite—easy to make, delightfully tasty, and perfect for sharing. Once you try these, they’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes for a feel-good, show-stopping treat. I can’t wait for you to taste the creamy, citrusy magic wrapped in those flaky rolls and see how happily they vanish from your plate.
Print
Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: 27–30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls offer a delightful blend of creamy lemon-flavored cheesecake filling wrapped in flaky, golden crescent dough. Perfect for a sweet breakfast treat or a light dessert, they are topped with a tangy lemon glaze and a hint of fresh lemon peel for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 block package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons grated lemon peel from 1 large lemon
Dough
- 1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls or crescent dough sheets
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Lemon Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Garnish
- Fresh grated lemon peel for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and grated lemon peel. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring all the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Fill and Roll Crescent Dough: Unroll the refrigerated crescent dough onto a clean surface. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over each triangle. Starting at the wide end, roll up each crescent dough triangle tightly towards the point, sealing the edges gently.
- Bake the Rolls: Place the rolled crescents on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the melted butter. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Lemon Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth and slightly runny to form a glaze.
- Glaze and Garnish: Remove the warm rolls from the oven and immediately drizzle the lemon glaze over the tops. Garnish with freshly grated lemon peel if desired. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative to make this recipe vegan-friendly, but texture and flavor may vary.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice in the glaze to your preferred tartness.
- For a richer flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
