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If you’re anything like me, mornings can be a bit of a rollercoaster—kids looking for socks, emails piling up, coffee going cold (again). That’s exactly why I fell head over heels for this Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls recipe. It’s got everything we love: a flaky crust, a rich cream cheese center, and that bright, sunny zing of lemon that practically screams, “Good morning, sunshine!”
Whether you’re hosting Sunday brunch, bringing treats to the office, or just treating yourself (yes, you deserve it!), these rolls are the little pocket of joy your day needs.
Why You’ll Love These Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Let me tell you what makes these rolls a total knockout:
- Quick and Easy: From fridge to oven in under 30 minutes.
- Minimal Ingredients: Just a handful of pantry and fridge staples.
- Bright & Sweet: The lemon flavor is fresh, not overpowering.
- Versatile: Swap lemon for berries, or drizzle with honey—endless variations.
Plus, if you’ve got picky eaters or last-minute guests, these rolls have that magical “bake-shop smell” that wins over even the grumpiest early risers.
Ingredients
For the Rolls:
- 1 package (8-count) refrigerated crescent rolls
- 4 oz cream cheese, cold
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp lemon extract
- Zest of ½ lemon
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1½ tbsp lemon juice
- Zest of ½ lemon
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Make the Filling
In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon extract, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth and creamy. Don’t worry if it’s a bit firm—cold cream cheese holds up beautifully during baking.
3. Roll It Up
Open the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles. Spoon about a teaspoon of the filling onto the wide end of each triangle. Gently roll from the wide end to the point, then place seam-side down on your baking sheet.
4. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Try not to peek too much—let the oven do its thing.
5. Glaze It Up
While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest. Drizzle over warm rolls for that perfect tangy-sweet finish.
Tips for Roll Success
- Too runny glaze? Add more powdered sugar. Too thick? Add a touch more juice.
- Want a twist? Try these as lemon blueberry cream cheese crescent rolls—just add a few fresh or frozen blueberries inside before rolling.
- Batch bake: These freeze beautifully. Reheat in a toaster oven for a just-baked feel.
Manson’s Note
I started making these for weekend brunch after a hectic week at work. The first time I brought them to my sister’s house, she literally hid the last two so her husband wouldn’t eat them. That’s the level of love we’re talking about here.
FAQs About Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Can I use lemon curd instead of extract?
Absolutely! Just reduce the sugar slightly to avoid over-sweetness.
How long do they last?
They’re best fresh, but can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just pop in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to revive.
Can I freeze them?
Yes! Freeze before glazing, then reheat and drizzle fresh glaze when ready to serve.
This lemon cream cheese crescent rolls recipe is not just a treat—it’s a shortcut to a better morning, a happier brunch, and maybe even a little moment of peace in your day. So go ahead, grab that tube of dough, and let’s make something worth boasting about.
PrintZesty Bliss: Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls That’ll Make You the Star of Brunch
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are your new breakfast lifesaver—flaky, buttery, and bursting with a tangy lemon cream cheese filling. Whether it’s brunch, a quick morning treat, or a way to win over surprise guests, this recipe delivers sunshine in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Rolls:
-
1 package (8-count) refrigerated crescent rolls
-
4 oz cream cheese, cold
-
2 tbsp granulated sugar
-
¼ tsp lemon extract
-
Zest of ½ lemon
For the Glaze:
-
1 cup powdered sugar
-
1½ tbsp lemon juice
-
Zest of ½ lemon
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
-
In a small bowl, mix together cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon extract, and lemon zest until smooth.
-
Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles. Add about 1 tsp of the filling to the wide end of each triangle.
-
Roll each triangle from the wide end to the tip. Place seam-side down on prepared baking sheet.
-
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
-
While slightly cooling, whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest to create a glaze. Drizzle over warm rolls
Notes
-
If the glaze is too runny, add more powdered sugar. Too thick? Add a touch more juice.
-
For a fruity twist, add a few blueberries to the filling before rolling.
-
These freeze well—just reheat in a toaster oven and glaze fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: <1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: lemon crescent rolls, cream cheese rolls, brunch pastry, easy breakfast, sweet rolls