Name: Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2–3 tablespoons milk; 1 tablespoon lemon juice for glaze

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If you’re after a memorable treat that’s easy enough for a last-minute gathering yet luscious enough to wow anyone who tries it, the Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe absolutely delivers. Imagine tender, golden crescent rolls stuffed with a creamy lemon-kissed filling, crowned with a tangy glaze that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re indulging at brunch, sharing with friends, or sneaking a late-night bite, this delightful recipe combines simple ingredients into a dessert that truly feels like sunshine on a plate.

Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe is just how accessible—and essential—each ingredient is. These components come together in perfect harmony, ensuring every bite is soft, zesty, and perfectly sweet. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need, plus a little tip for each.

Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough: The magic shortcut—ready-to-use dough makes these rolls flaky, golden, and effortless to prepare.
Cream Cheese (softened): Softened cream cheese creates an ultra-creamy, tangy base for the filling, making the rolls rich and luscious.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the tang of the lemon and cream cheese, giving just the right amount of sweetness.
Lemon Juice: Adds a burst of citrus flavor—use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest taste.
Lemon Zest: Intensifies the lemony aroma and gives extra zing to the filling.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds warmth to the creamy filling.
Powdered Sugar: Essential for a smooth, dreamy glaze to finish the rolls with a sweet touch.
Milk: Thins the glaze just enough so you can easily drizzle it over the rolls.
Lemon Juice (for glaze): Keeps the glaze tangy and fresh, echoing the flavor of the filling.

How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet & Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) for that perfect golden finish. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your crescent rolls won’t stick and cleanup is a breeze. Getting your workspace ready from the start makes the entire process smoother and more enjoyable.

Step 2: Mix the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until the mixture is irresistibly smooth and creamy. The combination of tangy lemon and lush cream cheese forms the heart of this recipe and fills your kitchen with a citrusy aroma that’s pure happiness.

Step 3: Assemble the Crescent Rolls

Open the cans of crescent roll dough and gently unroll them. Carefully separate the dough into triangles—no need to be perfect, since any slight imperfections will be covered under a blanket of glaze. Spoon about one tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each triangle. Starting at the wide end, roll the dough toward the tip, tucking the delicious filling inside. Arrange your filled crescents onto the baking sheet, pointed sides down.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your tray into the oven and let those beauties bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the moment they become golden brown, they’re ready! The smell alone will have everyone wandering into the kitchen, noses twitching in anticipation.

Step 5: Make the Lemon Glaze

While your rolls bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and a final tablespoon of lemon juice until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. You want it to be thick enough to cling, but thin enough to drizzle.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

Once baked, allow the rolls to cool just slightly (so you don’t melt the glaze away), then generously drizzle each crescent with the lemon glaze. It’s the finishing touch that truly sets this Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe apart—bright, tangy, and sweet all at once.

How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

For instant brightness and a pop of color, sprinkle a bit of extra lemon zest over the warm, glazed rolls or add a dusting of powdered sugar before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a few fresh raspberries or mint leaves alongside the rolls can really take your presentation to the next level.

Side Dishes

These rolls are delightful with a cup of strong coffee, Earl Grey tea, or even a sparkling lemonade. For a full brunch, pair with fresh fruit salad, Greek yogurt, or a simple egg dish to balance out the sweet, zesty flavors of the Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

Set out the rolls on a pretty cake stand or arrange them in a circular pattern on a platter, garnished with lemon slices and edible flowers for a brunch spread that looks as stunning as it tastes. They make a gorgeous addition to dessert boards, or you can even serve them muffin-style in colorful cupcake liners for easy grabbing at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The glaze helps lock in moisture, so the rolls stay soft and luscious for up to three days. If you want them to taste bakery-fresh, just don’t leave them uncovered, as they can dry out.

Freezing

This Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe is freezer-friendly, making it the ideal make-ahead treat. Wrap the unglazed, fully cooled rolls in plastic wrap and then foil, or store in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, defrost in the fridge overnight and glaze just before serving for best results.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-baked flavor, warm rolls gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–8 minutes or in the microwave for just 10–15 seconds. If reheating from frozen, let the rolls thaw first. Add a little more fresh glaze if desired for the ultimate treat.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! Using low-fat cream cheese will make the filling a bit lighter, though the texture might be slightly less rich. The tangy lemon flavor still comes through beautifully, so feel free to use whichever variety you prefer.

How can I prevent the filling from leaking out?

To help keep the filling tucked inside, be careful not to overfill each triangle—just about a tablespoon is perfect. Make sure to pinch the seams well and roll tightly from the wide end to the tip for a secure crescent.

What can I do if my glaze is too thick or too thin?

If your glaze is too thick to drizzle, add milk a teaspoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. The goal is to have a smooth glaze that gently drips over the rolls without running off.

Can I prepare parts of the Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can mix the cream cheese filling up to two days in advance and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble. You can also pre-make the glaze and store it in the fridge; just give it a quick whisk when you’re ready to use.

Is this Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe suitable for special diets?

This recipe is vegetarian-friendly and can be adapted for certain dietary needs, such as gluten-free by using a gluten-free crescent dough. Always check ingredient labels to ensure they fit your dietary preferences.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe is a true treat worth trying—whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for an easy, show-stopping dessert. There’s nothing like the blend of tangy lemon, creamy filling, and flaky pastry to brighten up any day. Gather your ingredients, roll up something wonderful, and enjoy sharing a little taste of sunshine with those you love!

Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 16 crescent rolls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors with these Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls. A perfect treat for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

Crescent Rolls:

2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough

Cream Cheese Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon lemon juice for glaze

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Fill and roll: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles. Place about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture at the wider end of each triangle, then roll up toward the tip, enclosing the filling.
Bake: Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown.
Make the glaze: While baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and additional lemon juice to form a glaze.
Glaze and serve: Once the rolls are baked, allow them to cool slightly before drizzling with the glaze. Serve warm or at room temperature.