Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls have a magical way of brightening up any table, whether it’s a lazy weekend brunch or a spur-of-the-moment dessert with friends. Each roll is tender, golden, and bursting with a creamy, lemony filling that delivers the perfect amount of zing. These rolls are a dream for anyone who wants a treat that tastes like it came from a fancy bakery but only takes minutes to assemble in your own kitchen. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll want on repeat every time you’re craving something sweet, comforting, and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be delighted by just how few ingredients you need, and yet, every single one works its delicious magic on these rolls. The things that make Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls so memorable are the contrast—the tangy lemon, rich cream cheese, and that fluffy, golden pastry wrap. Here’s how each element makes this recipe shine:
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough (1 can, 8 oz): These handy triangles are the ultimate shortcut to buttery, soft, beautifully layered pastries without any fuss.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): The velvety base for the filling, cream cheese brings a decadent, slightly tangy richness to every bite.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Just enough sweetness to balance the lemon’s tartness and let the filling shine.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, vibrant zing that wakes up your taste buds and keeps the rolls from feeling heavy.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): The zest delivers all the freshest lemon aroma and a little extra citrus punch, with that gorgeous pop of color.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the tangy lemon and adds a warm sweetness that ties the filling together.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional): This little flourish makes the rolls look beautiful and adds a whisper of sweetness—totally optional, but highly recommended!
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Step 1: Prep the baking sheet and oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F—this is the perfect temperature for getting those crescent rolls gently golden and flaky. While it preheats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and also makes cleanup incredibly easy (bonus points for no scrubbing!).
Step 2: Create the lemon-cream cheese filling
Grab a small mixing bowl and beat together the cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. You want the mixture to be smooth, creamy, and loaded with lemony brightness. Be sure your cream cheese is at room temperature so it blends easily without lumps.
Step 3: Prepare the crescent roll dough
Open the can of dough and gently unroll it on a clean surface. Separate the dough into 8 triangles, following the perforated lines. This part is quick and satisfying—watching the dough unroll always feels a little bit like unwrapping a present.
Step 4: Fill and roll up the dough
With a spoon or small spatula, spread a generous dollop of your lemon-cream cheese filling onto the wide end of each triangle. Leave a small border at the edges to keep the filling from leaking as they bake. Starting from the wide end, roll each triangle up towards the tip, tucking the filling inside, and place the rolls seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake to golden perfection
Pop the rolls into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Watch as they puff up and turn irresistibly golden. They’ll fill your kitchen with the most uplifting scent—a sure sign that something wonderful is about to emerge!
Step 6: Cool and add the finishing touch
Let the Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls cool slightly before dusting them with powdered sugar. If you sprinkle while they’re warm, the sugar will melt into a lovely glaze; if you wait until they’re just barely warm, you’ll get that pretty snowy finish. Either way, it feels so special.
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Garnishes
A light shower of powdered sugar on top is classic, but don’t be afraid to get creative! Try an extra sprinkle of fresh lemon zest, a drizzle of simple icing, or even a few fresh berries scattered over the plate to highlight that citrusy burst inside the rolls.
Side Dishes
A cup of good coffee or a pot of black or herbal tea is all you need to complete the experience, but if you’re making a breakfast or brunch spread, fruit salad, yogurt parfaits, or crispy bacon are all fantastic pairings for Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls. The creamy sweetness and bright lemon notes provide a perfect contrast to savory sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls high on a pretty cake stand, nestle them in a basket lined with a cheerful napkin, or cut them in half and arrange them in a pinwheel for a party platter. Want to go the extra mile? Serve them warm with a bowl of whipped cream, lemon curd, or fresh berries for dipping. There are endless ways to wow your guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with a few leftover Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls, don’t worry—they keep beautifully! Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They stay soft and creamy, making sneaky snacks a real possibility.
Freezing
Yes, these rolls freeze wonderfully! Allow them to cool fully, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. Pop them in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or give them a gentle reheat for that freshly-baked sensation.
Reheating
For best results, warm your Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or just until heated through. This brings back that irresistible buttery flakiness. You can also microwave them for 10–15 seconds, but the oven method will give you the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! Low-fat cream cheese will yield a slightly lighter filling with less richness, but it still delivers a creamy texture and tangy flavor. Just make sure it’s softened to blend evenly with the other ingredients.
Is it possible to add more lemon flavor?
If you’re a true lemon lover, go ahead and add a little extra zest or even a drop of lemon extract to the filling. This boost takes the citrus element of your Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls to another level without making them sour.
Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free crescent roll dough (which many stores now offer in the refrigerated section). The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can easily adapt the recipe for gluten sensitivities.
What’s the best way to transport these for a picnic or party?
Let the rolls cool completely before stacking them loosely in a sturdy container, layering parchment or wax paper between if needed. They travel well and hold up beautifully, making them a star for brunch potlucks or outdoor gatherings.
Can I prepare the rolls in advance and bake later?
Yes, you can assemble the filled rolls ahead, place them on your baking sheet, and refrigerate covered for up to 8 hours. Bake as directed when ready, adding an extra minute or two if needed since they’ll be chilled.
Final Thoughts
There’s so much to love about Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls—the flavor, the simplicity, and how they bring people together over wonderful food. Give them a try the next time you want to add a little joyful sunshine to your day. I promise, one bite and you’ll see why these are my go-to whenever I want something sweet and memorable. Happy baking!
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Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these irresistible Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls. A perfect combination of tangy lemon and creamy cheese wrapped in flaky crescent dough, these treats are ideal for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Crescent Roll Dough:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Assemble the rolls: Unroll the crescent dough and separate into 8 triangles. Spread the cream cheese mixture onto each triangle, roll up from the wide end, and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake: for 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- For extra lemon flavor, consider adding more zest or a drop of lemon extract.
- Best served warm but can be refrigerated and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
