Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe

Craving something sweet, zesty, and outrageously easy? Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are here to brighten any day. These delightfully soft pastries are filled with a creamy, tangy lemon cheesecake center and finished with a vibrant citrus glaze. They’re the kind of treat that looks fancy but come together in just over 20 minutes—no effort, all reward. Whether you need a quick weeknight dessert or a cheerful breakfast treat, these rolls deliver a burst of sunshine flavor without keeping you in the kitchen all night.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ridiculously Easy: With refrigerated crescent dough as your shortcut, most of the work is already done. No kneading, no rising time, no hassle.
• Bold Citrus Flavor: The combination of lemon zest and lemon extract turns the filling and glaze into a flavor powerhouse—no bland cheesecake here!
• Creamy Meets Flaky: Each bite is a blissful contrast of buttery, flaky pastry and rich, velvety cheesecake.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These rolls are just as welcome at brunch as they are at dessert, and they look impressive enough for entertaining.
• Quick to Prepare: Prep to plate in about 20 minutes, so you can satisfy sweet cravings at the drop of a hat.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down what you need and why it’s crucial for this recipe:

• Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough: Your golden, flaky shortcut. Use a standard 8-count package—no need to fuss with homemade pastry.
• Cream Cheese (cold): Delivers that luscious, creamy texture to the filling. Start with cold cream cheese for extra fluffiness in the mix.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling, balancing the tartness of the lemon.
• Lemon Extract: A little goes a long way, packing a robust lemony punch.
• Lemon Zest: Brightens both the filling and glaze with a naturally fragrant citrus flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: The key to a smooth, glossy glaze that sets beautifully on top.
• Lemon Juice: Amplifies the fresh lemon taste in the glaze and locks in the zing.
• Parchment Paper or Nonstick Spray: Makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking.

Tip: Choose real lemon zest and juice for the most vibrant flavor—you’ll absolutely taste the difference!

Variations

Lemon might be the star here, but these crescent rolls are incredibly versatile. Try one of these twists to mix things up:

• Berry Burst: Add a spoonful of raspberry or blueberry preserves alongside the cheesecake filling before rolling for a fruity surprise.
• Orange Dream: Swap lemon zest and extract for orange, yielding a creamsicle-like treat.
• Almond Joy: Replace lemon extract with almond extract and top the glaze with sliced almonds.
• Chocolate Swirl: Drizzle a little melted chocolate over the glaze for an extra-decadent finish.
• Low-Sugar: Use a reduced-sugar sweetener in the filling and glaze if you’re watching your sugar intake—just make sure it’s a 1:1 baking substitute.

How to Make Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls

Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon extract, and lemon zest until smooth and fluffy. This creamy mixture will become the heart of your rolls.

Step 2: Prep the Crescent Dough

Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles. For best results, keep your dough cold so it’s easier to handle—no sticking or tearing.

Step 3: Fill and Roll

Spoon a generous dollop of cheesecake filling onto the wide end of each triangle. Gently roll up, starting at the wide end and tucking in the corners to keep that dreamy filling inside.

Step 4: Bake

Place the crescent rolls about 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet. Bake at 375°F for 12-14 minutes, or until they’re fluffy and beautifully golden on top.

Step 5: Glaze and Finish

Let the rolls cool on a wire rack to keep the bottoms crisp. While they cool, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and more lemon zest for a bright, glossy glaze. Once the rolls are cool, drizzle the glaze generously over each roll and admire your handiwork.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Keep Everything Chilled: Cold dough is easier to manipulate and makes for flakier crescent rolls. If your kitchen is warm, toss the triangles into the fridge for a minute before assembling.
• Don’t Overfill: A heaping teaspoon of filling per roll is perfect—too much and it might ooze out while baking.
• Let Them Cool: Wait for the rolls to cool before adding the glaze so it sets nicely on top rather than melting off.
• Use Zester Carefully: When zesting the lemon, avoid the white pith—it’s bitter and won’t do your filling any favors.

How to Serve

Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls shine brightest when served slightly warm, allowing the filling to stay soft and creamy. Pair them with a mug of black tea or strong coffee if you’re enjoying them in the morning. For dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the warm roll is a decadent match. Want something extra festive? Pile them high on a cake stand and dust with powdered sugar for a brunch buffet or afternoon tea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep extra rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days to retain optimal freshness and creaminess.

Freezing

Freeze unglazed rolls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before glazing.

Reheating

Pop a roll in the microwave for about 10 seconds for that fresh-baked warmth, or reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to recapture the flakiness.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead for a party?
Absolutely! Assemble and bake the rolls the day before, but hold off on the glaze until just before serving. This keeps them looking and tasting their best, so you can wow your guests effortlessly.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese if you like a lighter treat. Just keep in mind the filling will be less rich and a bit softer, but the flavor will still shine.

What’s the best way to zest a lemon?
Use a microplane or fine grater, and only zest the bright yellow outer layer. The white pith underneath the skin is bitter and can throw off the flavor.

Can I double the recipe?
Easily! Just double all the ingredients and use two trays. Remember to rotate the trays or bake in batches for even browning.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are a joyful little pastry that delivers big on both flavor and convenience. Simple to prepare but delightfully gourmet in taste, they’ll bring citrusy cheer to even the busiest nights. Go ahead—get your ingredients ready, and treat yourself to a batch. You might just find this is your new favorite way to brighten your day.

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