Description
Indulge in the irresistible blend of tangy lemon cheesecake filling wrapped in flaky crescent dough with our Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls recipe. These delightful treats are baked to golden perfection, then crowned with a zesty lemon glaze for a burst of refreshing citrus flavor. Whether enjoyed as a sweet breakfast treat, a brunch addition, or a delectable dessert, these rolls are guaranteed to brighten any occasion.
Ingredients
Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure with these simple ingredients:
- 1 block package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons grated lemon peel from 1 large lemon
- 1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls or crescent dough sheets
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
For Lemon Glaze Topping:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- Fresh grated lemon peel for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and grated lemon peel. Use an electric mixer to beat until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Crescent Rolls: Open the package of crescent rolls and separate the dough into 8 individual triangles. Place them on a flat surface. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese lemon mixture onto the widest end of each crescent triangle, dividing it evenly among the rolls.
- Roll and Seal: Roll up the crescents, starting from the wide end and tucking the pointy end underneath. Pinch the seams closed to seal the filling inside. Repeat with remaining crescent rolls.
- Brush with Butter: Place the filled crescents evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter to enhance browning.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake on the middle rack of the preheated oven for 11–14 minutes, or until the crescents are golden brown and flaky.
- Prepare Lemon Glaze: While the crescents are cooling, make the lemon glaze. In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar and lemon juice, mixing until smooth. Adjust the consistency with additional lemon juice as needed.
- Glaze and Garnish: Drizzle the lemon glaze over the warm crescent rolls. For an extra touch of zest, garnish with fresh grated lemon peel if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls warm and revel in the delightful combination of creamy cheesecake filling and tangy lemon glaze.
Notes
- Serve Warm:
- Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are best enjoyed when served warm, straight from the oven. The delightful aroma and comforting warmth enhance the eating experience, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- Accompaniments:
- Consider serving these rolls alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy breakfast or as a sweet addition to a brunch spread. They also pair well with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
- Presentation:
- When serving, arrange the Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls on a decorative platter or serving dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or additional grated lemon peel for an elegant touch.
- Reheating Instructions:
- If reheating leftovers, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and place the rolls on a baking sheet. Warm them for 5-10 minutes until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as it may result in soggy or unevenly heated rolls.
- Storage:
- Store any leftover Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator. Properly stored, they will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Freezing Option:
- If you wish to extend the shelf life of the rolls, you can freeze them for future enjoyment. Place the cooled rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Thawing and Reheating:
- When ready to enjoy frozen rolls, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat as directed above, or for a quicker option, thaw at room temperature for a few hours before reheating.
- Make-Ahead:
- These rolls can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for ultimate freshness. Simply assemble the rolls as directed, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Allow them to come to room temperature before baking.
- Portion Control:
- For convenient portioning, consider slicing the rolls before storing. This allows for easy access to individual servings and reduces the need to reheat the entire batch at once.
- Enjoy Responsibly:
- Remember to enjoy these Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls in moderation as part of a balanced diet. While they make for a delicious treat, consuming them in excess may lead to unwanted health effects.