Description

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!

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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.

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.