A burst of tangy lemon mixed with sweet cream cheese wrapped in flaky crescent doughβdoesn’t that sound like heaven? These Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are the type of dessert that can make even the grumpiest cat smile. Imagine pulling them out of the oven, golden and glorious, filling your kitchen with an aroma so irresistible that even your neighbor might start dropping hints about when they can come over for a taste.
Every time I whip up this delightful treat, it takes me back to summer picnics with my family. We would gather under the big oak tree in our backyard, laughter echoing through the air as we savored each bite of these lovely rolls. They were the star of our dessert table, and now they can shine at yours too!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are incredibly easy to prepare and require minimal ingredients
- The bright lemon flavor beautifully balances the creamy cheesecake filling
- Their stunning visual appeal makes them perfect for gatherings or as a last-minute treat
- Enjoy them warm from the oven or chilled for a refreshing snack
I still remember my niece’s eyes lighting up when she took her first bite of these crescent rolls; it’s a moment I’ll cherish forever.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Crescent Roll Dough: Opt for refrigerated dough for convenience; it’s a time-saver that yields flaky results.
- Cream Cheese: Use softened cream cheese for easy mixing; it creates a smooth filling that’s utterly delightful.
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetener balances the tartness of lemon and enhances overall flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Freshly grated zest provides vibrant citrus notes; avoid store-bought zests for optimal taste.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice adds brightness to your filling; bottled juice lacks that irresistible zing.
- Powdered Sugar: Perfect for dusting on top post-baking; it adds sweetness without overwhelming flavors.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances sweetness and brings depth to the overall flavor profile.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Prepare Your Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Beat until smooth and creamy; this will be your luscious filling.
Roll Out Your Dough: Open the tube of crescent roll dough carefully (it might pop open unexpectedlyβwatch out!). Unroll it onto your prepared surface and separate it into individual triangles.
Add Your Filling: Spoon about one tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto each triangle’s wide end. Be generous but avoid overfilling; nobody wants an explosion in their oven.
Shape Your Rolls: Roll each triangle tightly from wide to narrow while gently tucking in the edges as you go. Place them seam-side down on your baking sheet.
Bake Away: Bake in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown. The kitchen should smell like pure bliss by now!
Add Final Touches: Let these beauties cool slightly before dusting powdered sugar on top. Serve warm or at room temperatureβeither way, theyβll be gone faster than you can say “Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls.”
Now you’re ready to share these delightful treats with family and friendsβor keep them all to yourself because who could blame you?
You Must Know
- These Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are a delightful twist on dessert; they combine the creaminess of cheesecake with the flakiness of crescent rolls
- The fresh lemon zest adds a zesty brightness that will invigorate your taste buds
- Perfect for brunch or an afternoon snack!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 375Β°F. Prepare your filling while the oven heats up, then roll out your crescent dough and fill each triangle. Bake until golden brown for that perfect flaky texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out lemon zest for lime zest or even orange for a different citrus spin. Add chocolate chips or fresh berries to the filling for an extra pop of flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave to preserve that lovely flaky texture without drying them out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing
- Be generous with the lemon zest β it really brightens the flavor!
- Lastly, donβt overbake; they should be golden but not dark brown
Sometimes I can still hear my friends raving about these rolls during our last brunch together; their smiles were worth every bite and effort!
FAQ
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Cream cheese can be swapped with ricotta for a lighter texture.
How long do these rolls take to prepare?
Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and baking adds another 15 minutes.
Can I freeze these rolls?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just bake them straight from frozen when ready!

Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls
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- Author: Liza Hammilton
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 8 rolls 1x
Description
Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are a delectable treat that combines tangy lemon with creamy cheesecake, all wrapped in flaky crescent dough. Perfect for any gathering or indulgent snack.
Ingredients
- 1 tube refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp freshly grated lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla until smooth.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles.
- Place a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture on the wide end of each triangle and roll tightly from wide to narrow.
- Place seam-side down on the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow cooling slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (35g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg