Description
These Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are a delightful and easy-to-make treat combining creamy lemon-flavored cheesecake filling with flaky, golden crescent roll pastry. Perfect as a breakfast treat, dessert, or snack, these rolls have a luscious lemon glaze drizzle and an optional fresh lemon peel garnish for a refreshing citrus finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1 block package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons grated lemon peel (from 1 large lemon)
Dough
- 1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls or crescent dough sheets
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh grated lemon peel
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and grated lemon peel. Mix thoroughly with a hand mixer or whisk until the filling is smooth and well-blended.
- Fill and Roll Crescent Dough: Unroll the crescent dough onto a clean surface and separate into individual triangles if using crescent rolls. Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each triangle, then carefully roll them up toward the pointed end, forming crescent shapes. Place the rolled crescents onto the prepared baking sheet with the seam side down.
- Apply Butter and Bake: Brush the melted butter evenly over the tops of each crescent roll. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the rolls are puffed up and golden brown.
- Prepare Lemon Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 to 3 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. Adjust the lemon juice amount to achieve desired glaze consistency.
- Glaze and Garnish: Once the rolls are baked and still warm, drizzle the lemon glaze generously over the tops. Garnish with additional fresh grated lemon peel if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and smooth texture.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest to the filling or glaze.
- The glaze can be made thicker by reducing lemon juice or thinner by adding more, depending on preference.
- These rolls are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and check crescent roll ingredients.
