These Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls combine the tangy freshness of lemon with the creamy richness of cheesecake, all wrapped up in a flaky crescent roll. Perfect as a sweet breakfast treat, brunch centerpiece, or even dessert, these rolls are an easy-to-make delight that will brighten any occasion.

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

For the Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls:

• 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened at room temperature
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 4 teaspoons grated lemon peel from 1 large lemon
• 1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls or crescent dough sheets
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

For the Lemon Glaze Topping:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 to 3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• Fresh grated lemon peel for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and grated lemon peel until smooth and creamy.
3. Roll Out the Dough: Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 8 triangles. Place them on a flat surface.
4. Fill and Roll: Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese lemon mixture onto the widest end of each crescent triangle. Then, roll them up, starting from the wide end and tucking the pointy end underneath. Pinch the seams to seal the filling inside.
5. Bake: Arrange the filled crescents on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with melted butter. Bake in the preheated oven for 11–14 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Prepare the Glaze: While the crescents are baking, prepare the lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency with additional lemon juice if needed.
7. Glaze and Garnish: Drizzle the lemon glaze over the warm crescent rolls and garnish with fresh grated lemon peel if desired.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Allow the rolls to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. These rolls are best enjoyed warm and can be stored in the refrigerator for leftovers.

Nutrients

• Serving Size: 1 roll (out of 8)
• Calories: 215
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 190mg
• Potassium: 70mg
• Sugar: 9g
• Fiber: 0g
• Vitamin A: 8%
• Vitamin C: 4%
• Calcium: 4%
• Iron: 2%

Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls: A Sweet and Tangy Delight

Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are a perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors, all wrapped in a flaky crescent roll. This indulgent pastry is perfect for a variety of occasions, whether you are serving it as a breakfast treat, a brunch dish, or a dessert. The lightness of the crescent roll combined with the rich cream cheese filling and the zesty brightness of lemon creates a wonderfully satisfying dessert or snack. With its quick prep time and easy-to-make nature, this recipe is accessible for both novice and experienced bakers, making it an excellent choice for last-minute gatherings or when you’re craving something indulgent. What makes this recipe particularly popular is its versatility. The light, buttery crescent roll dough provides the ideal texture for pairing with rich cream cheese and tangy lemon zest. 

The Allure of Lemon and Cream Cheese

One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is the flavor combination of lemon and cream cheese. The tangy, citrusy notes of lemon pair beautifully with the rich, smooth taste of cream cheese, creating a balance of sweet and tart that is both refreshing and satisfying. This pairing is often used in various desserts, such as lemon cheesecake, lemon bars, and lemon meringue pie, because it provides a bright, refreshing contrast to heavier, sweeter ingredients. The cream cheese filling acts as the perfect creamy base, adding richness and a slight tang that complements the lemon zest. This richness ensures that the rolls don’t feel overly sweet, despite their sugary elements. The addition of fresh lemon zest in the filling enhances the citrus notes, creating a flavor profile that’s not too overpowering but just the right amount of tangy goodness.

The Versatility of Crescent Rolls

Crescent rolls are a staple in many kitchens, known for their flaky texture and ease of use. They are made with pre-made dough, which means no complicated preparation or waiting for dough to rise. This makes crescent rolls a quick and convenient option for baking delicious treats, as they only require a few simple steps. Additionally, the dough itself is buttery and light, making it a great option for wrapping around fillings like cream cheese or fruit. For this particular recipe, crescent rolls provide the perfect balance of light, airy texture and rich flavor that complements the creamy filling. The dough’s buttery flavor also adds a bit of indulgence to the overall dish, elevating the experience from a simple snack to something that feels more like a treat. 

The Glaze: The Finishing Touch

The lemon glaze that’s drizzled over the warm crescent rolls adds an additional layer of sweetness and tanginess. This glaze is incredibly simple to make, combining powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice to create a smooth, glossy topping. The glaze not only enhances the flavor but also gives the rolls an eye-catching shine, making them even more appetizing. The glaze can be adjusted based on your personal preferences. For a thicker glaze, you can use less lemon juice, while more juice will result in a thinner glaze. Some people even like to add a pinch of vanilla extract to their glaze for added flavor depth, although this is optional.

Why Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Are a Crowd-Pleaser

One of the reasons Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are so popular is because they strike a perfect balance between being indulgent and refreshing. They are rich enough to satisfy any sweet tooth, but the lemon infusion keeps them light and refreshing, which prevents them from feeling too heavy. These rolls are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of settings. They are an excellent addition to brunch spreads, where they can be served alongside other breakfast or brunch items like fruit salads, quiches, and coffee cakes. 

Nutritional Considerations

While Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are undoubtedly delicious, it’s important to remember that they are a sweet treat and should be enjoyed in moderation. They are not a low-calorie option, as they contain butter, cream cheese, and sugar, all of which add to their richness. However, the fact that they are so easy to prepare and so satisfying means you can enjoy them without needing to spend too much time in the kitchen. For those on a specific diet, such as low-carb or gluten-free, there are ways to adapt the recipe. You can substitute the crescent dough for gluten-free dough options, or you could try using a sugar substitute in the filling or glaze. However, these substitutions may alter the texture and flavor slightly.

Conclusion

Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls offer the perfect blend of tangy lemon, creamy cheesecake, and flaky, buttery crescent roll dough. The light and refreshing flavor makes them an ideal dessert or breakfast treat, while the simple preparation makes them accessible to bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch gathering, as an afternoon snack, or as a sweet finish to a meal, these rolls are sure to impress. Perfect for any occasion, Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are a treat that will never go out of style.