Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls

These Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are the perfect combination of sweet and tangy. I love how easy they are to make, yet they taste so decadent. Whether it’s for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, these rolls will quickly become a favorite in my kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What I love about these Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls is how simple they are to prepare, yet they come out tasting like a treat from a bakery. The flaky, buttery crescent rolls provide the perfect base for the smooth, tangy lemon cream cheese filling. The bright flavors from the lemon zest and juice really shine through, making each bite a refreshing burst of sweetness with a little tartness. The cream cheese adds a rich, velvety texture that balances out the zestiness perfectly. Plus, they’re so quick to make—ready in under 30 minutes, which is always a win!

Ingredients

1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough

4 oz cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

I preheat my oven according to the instructions on the crescent roll dough package.

In a bowl, I mix together the softened cream cheese, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

I unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles.

Then I spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture onto the wider end of each triangle.

I roll the dough from the wide end to the point to form little crescent rolls.

I place the rolls on a baking sheet and bake according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.

Once they’re done, I allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. Then, I get to enjoy these warm, creamy treats!

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 rolls

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 12 minutes

Total time: 22 minutes

Variations

Berry Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls: I like to swap out the lemon zest and juice for fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a fruity twist. Just mash the berries and mix them with the cream cheese for a fresh, summery flavor.

Chocolate Lemon Crescent Rolls: If I’m in the mood for something a little richer, I add a few mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese mixture for a chocolate-lemon combo.

Nutty Crescent Rolls: To add some crunch, I sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds onto the cream cheese mixture before rolling up the dough.

Storage/Reheating

I store these rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If I want to keep them fresh for longer, I refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, I pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to get them nice and crispy again.

Related Recipes:

• Pumpkin Pie Crescent Rolls
• Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole
• Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls

FAQs

Can I use a different type of dough for this recipe?

Yes, I can. If I don’t have crescent roll dough, puff pastry dough or even biscuit dough can work as alternatives. However, the texture might change a bit.

Can I freeze these rolls?

Definitely! If I want to make a batch ahead of time, I freeze the unbaked rolls on a baking sheet. Once they’re frozen solid, I transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, I just place them on a baking sheet and bake from frozen. I might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use a different fruit instead of lemon?

Sure! I can try other fruits like orange, lime, or even raspberry. Just adjust the zest and juice accordingly to get the right balance of flavors.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I can prepare the rolls in advance and store them in the fridge until I’m ready to bake. This can save time in the morning or whenever I want to serve them fresh.

What’s the best way to serve these rolls?

These rolls are fantastic on their own, but if I want to elevate them, I could serve them with a drizzle of glaze made from powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a little milk. They’re also great with a hot cup of coffee or tea!

Conclusion

These Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are the perfect treat for any occasion. They’re quick to make, incredibly delicious, and versatile enough to customize with different flavors. Whether I’m making them for breakfast, dessert, or just as a snack, they never disappoint. I’m sure they’ll become a regular in my recipe rotation!