If you’re searching for a delightful treat that blends zesty freshness with creamy indulgence, let me introduce you to the Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe. These golden, flaky rolls are bursting with a luscious lemon cream cheese filling that makes every bite a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Whether it’s for a weekend brunch, a cozy afternoon snack, or a show-stopping dessert, this recipe promises a warm, comforting experience filled with sunshine and smiles. Trust me, once you try these, they will become your new favorite go-to treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that come together effortlessly, each playing a key role in crafting the perfect flavor and texture. From the flaky crescent dough to the bright lemon zest, every component contributes to making these rolls irresistibly tasty.
- Crescent roll dough: This pre-made dough gives you flaky, buttery rolls without the fuss, ensuring a tender and golden crust every time.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese adds a rich, creamy base that melds beautifully with the citrus notes.
- Sugar: Just enough to sweeten the cream cheese mixture without overpowering the fresh lemon taste.
- Lemon zest: Delivers that fresh, aromatic lemon flavor that brightens the filling wonderfully.
- Lemon juice: Adds a hint of tangy zip to balance the sweetness and enrich the cream cheese blend.
- Vanilla extract: A subtle touch of vanilla rounds out the flavors and adds warmth to the lemony filling.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven exactly as directed on the crescent roll dough packaging. Proper oven temperature is key to achieving those light, flaky crescents with a perfectly golden finish.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This filling is where all the magic happens—the zest and juice bring that unforgettable lemon punch, while the cream cheese offers the luscious texture you crave.
Step 3: Unroll and Separate the Dough
Carefully unroll the crescent dough and separate it into individual triangles. These will form the base and wrapping for your heavenly lemon cream cheese centers.
Step 4: Add the Filling
Using a spoon, place a generous dollop of the lemon cream cheese mixture onto the wider end of each triangular piece of dough. Don’t be shy here—a nicely filled roll is what’s going to make your taste buds sing!
Step 5: Roll Them Up
Starting from the wider end, gently roll each triangle toward the pointed tip. This rolling technique creates the classic crescent shape and encases all that creamy lemon goodness inside every fold.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Arrange the filled rolls on a baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each. Pop them in the oven and bake according to the instructions on the dough package, usually around 10 to 12 minutes until they have puffed up and turned a gorgeous golden brown.
Step 7: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Once baked, give the rolls a few minutes to cool. This brief resting time lets the filling set slightly, so you can enjoy them warm without any filling spills—although a little ooze of lemon cream cheese is part of the fun!
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these rolls, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of lemon glaze on top. Fresh lemon slices or a sprinkle of finely chopped mint can add an extra pop of color and freshness that makes your presentation pop and whets appetites instantly.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee. For a fuller brunch experience, serve alongside fresh berries, a leafy green salad with a citrus vinaigrette, or a creamy yogurt parfait to complement the lemon’s tang.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these rolls on a pretty platter lined with lemon leaves or edible flowers for a springtime vibe. Alternatively, stack them in a cake stand to add height and a playful touch at your next gathering or brunch party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain their softness while keeping the filling fresh and tasty.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked rolls by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay delightful for up to a month, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for spontaneous cravings or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To bring your rolls back to their freshly baked warmth, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This method restores their flaky texture and melts the filling to that perfect gooey consistency once again.
FAQs
Can I use homemade crescent roll dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade dough adds a personal touch and can make your rolls even more special. Just make sure your dough is rolled thin and cut into triangles similar to the store-bought size for even baking.
Can I substitute lemon with another citrus fruit?
Yes! Orange or lime zest and juice work beautifully too, giving the rolls a different but equally refreshing twist.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely. Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and check the crescent dough ingredients to find a suitable vegan or dairy-free option, and you’re good to go.
How sweet are these rolls? Can I adjust the sugar?
The sugar balances the lemon’s tartness perfectly, but if you prefer a sweeter treat, adding a bit more sugar to the filling or dusting extra powdered sugar on top is an easy fix.
Can I prepare the rolls in advance and bake later?
You can assemble the rolls, place them on a baking tray covered with plastic wrap, and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just let them come closer to room temperature before baking for best texture.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to make this Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe. The combination of flaky dough and tangy-sweet filling is simply irresistible and sure to brighten up any meal or gathering. Once you try these, they might just become the signature recipe you’ll love to share time and again with your friends and family!
Print
Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these warm, flaky Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls, featuring a tangy and sweet lemon-infused cream cheese filling wrapped in buttery crescent roll dough. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dessert, these rolls combine zesty citrus flavors with creamy richness in every bite.
Ingredients
Crescent Rolls:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
Lemon Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the crescent roll dough package to ensure the rolls bake evenly and attain a golden crust.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring the flavors are well blended.
- Unroll Dough: Unroll the refrigerated crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles as indicated on the packaging.
- Fill Rolls: Spoon a generous amount of the lemon cream cheese mixture onto the widest end of each crescent triangle, distributing the filling evenly for consistent flavor.
- Roll Crescents: Carefully roll each triangle from the wide end towards the point, enclosing the filling to form crescent shapes.
- Bake: Place the filled rolls evenly spaced on a baking sheet. Bake according to the dough package instructions, approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving to enjoy warm, gooey centers without burning your mouth.
Notes
- For best results, use cream cheese that has been softened to room temperature to allow easy mixing.
- You can add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top after baking for extra sweetness and presentation.
- If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, increase the lemon zest to 1.5 teaspoons but keep lemon juice the same to maintain the filling texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days; reheat gently before serving.
