Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls – Buttery, Zesty & Irresistibly Flaky!

There’s something magical about the combination of buttery, flaky crescent rolls and creamy lemon cheesecake filling. These Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are the perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and rich flavors—all wrapped in a golden, melt-in-your-mouth pastry.

Perfect for a quick breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls come together in just 25 minutes and require only a handful of ingredients. The zesty lemon gives them a bright, refreshing flavor, while the sweet cream cheese filling makes them incredibly indulgent. Add a drizzle of vanilla glaze, and you’ve got a bakery-worthy treat that’s surprisingly easy to make!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute desserts.
• Flaky & Buttery – Crescent roll dough bakes up light and golden for the perfect texture.
• Zesty Lemon Flavor – A mix of lemon zest, lemon juice, and lemon curd adds a bright, fresh taste.
• Creamy Cheesecake Filling – Sweetened cream cheese makes these extra decadent.
• Versatile Treat – Enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert with coffee or tea.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crescent Rolls:

• 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ cup lemon curd
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)

For the Glaze (Optional):

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and creamy. This will be the rich, tangy filling that makes these crescent rolls irresistible.

Step 3: Assemble the Crescent Rolls

Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles along the perforated lines.

• Spread 1 teaspoon of lemon curd onto each triangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Spoon 1 tablespoon of the cheesecake filling on top of the lemon curd and gently spread it out.
• Carefully roll up the dough from the wide end to the pointed tip, creating that classic crescent roll shape.

Step 4: Brush & Sprinkle

Place the rolled crescents on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

• Brush the tops with melted butter to help them turn golden brown.
• Sprinkle with granulated sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and a slight crunch.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.

Step 6: Glaze & Serve

While the rolls are cooling slightly, make the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl.

Drizzle the glaze over the warm crescent rolls and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Helpful Tips for the Best Crescent Rolls

• Use Cold Dough – Crescent dough is easiest to handle when cold. If it gets too soft, place it in the fridge for a few minutes before rolling.
• Don’t Overfill – Too much filling can cause the rolls to open while baking. Stick to 1 tablespoon of cheesecake filling per roll to keep them intact.
• For a Crispier Texture – Bake an extra 2-3 minutes if you prefer a slightly crispier crescent roll.
• Make It Extra Lemony – Add a few drops of lemon extract to the cream cheese filling for an even stronger lemon flavor.
• Add a Crunchy Topping – Sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top for a cheesecake-inspired twist.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 crescent rolls
• Category: Dessert, Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Notes

• Keep dough cold for easy handling.
• Don’t overfill to prevent bursting.
• Boost lemon flavor with a drop of lemon extract.
• For crispier rolls, bake 2-3 minutes longer.
• Try a graham cracker topping for a cheesecake twist.
• Store at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate for 5 days.
• Freeze up to 2 months; reheat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These in Advance?

Yes! You can assemble the crescent rolls a few hours ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to bake. Just brush with butter and sprinkle with sugar before baking.

Can I Use Homemade Crescent Dough?

Absolutely! If you have homemade crescent roll dough, roll it out into triangles and follow the same filling and baking instructions.

What If I Don’t Have Lemon Curd?

You can skip the lemon curd or replace it with a little extra lemon zest and juice for a similar tangy flavor.

Can I Freeze These?

Yes! Let the baked crescent rolls cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature:

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Refrigeration:

Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes before serving.

Freezing:

Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore flakiness.

Related Recipes

If you loved these Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls, try these other easy, delicious treats:

• Flaky Raspberry Cream Cheese Danishes – Buttery pastry filled with sweet cream cheese and raspberry jam.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins – A light, citrusy muffin perfect for breakfast or a snack.
• Classic Cinnamon Sugar Crescent Rolls – Warm, sweet, and perfect with coffee!

Conclusion

These Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are the perfect balance of flaky, buttery, creamy, and zesty flavors. Whether you’re making them for a lazy Sunday breakfast, a holiday brunch, or a quick dessert, they’re guaranteed to impress.

With just a few simple ingredients and 25 minutes of your time, you can create a bakery-quality treat that’s warm, cheesy, and bursting with lemon flavor. So go ahead—whip up a batch and enjoy every golden, gooey bite!

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