Mini Raspberry Cheesecake Crescent Rolls

Indulge in the delightful combination of Mini Raspberry Cheesecake Crescent Rolls, where buttery crescent rolls meet creamy cheesecake filling and tangy raspberry sauce. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, planning a party, or simply craving a sweet snack, these mini crescent rolls are a perfect choice with their easy preparation and irresistible flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 tubes refrigerated crescent roll dough or Crescent Dough Sheet
• 1 cup Raspberry Jelly/Sauce/Preserves (homemade recipe below)
• 1 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened at room temperature
• 1/2 cup Sugar
• 1 Egg Yolk
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice

Homemade Raspberry Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon warm water

Directions:

1. Preparing Homemade Raspberry Sauce:

• In a small saucepan, combine raspberries and sugar over low-medium heat. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until raspberries break down and release their juices.
• Stir in the cornstarch mixture and simmer gently for another 3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.

2. Preparing the Cheesecake Filling:

• In a standing mixer, beat softened cream cheese until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
• Add sugar and beat for another 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
• Add vanilla extract, lemon juice, and egg yolk. Mix until well combined. Set aside.

3. Assembling the Mini Raspberry Cheesecake Crescent Rolls:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Unroll the crescent dough on the prepared baking sheet, separating into triangles. If using crescent dough sheets, cut into triangles about 2 – 2 1/2 inches wide and 9-10 inches high using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
• Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture over each crescent roll triangle.
• Spoon about 1 tablespoon of raspberry sauce on top of the cream cheese.
• Starting from the wide end, gently roll each triangle into a crescent shape. Arrange the crescent rolls on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 1/2 inches apart.

4. Baking the Crescent Rolls:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

5. Serving and Optional Garnishes:

• Serve warm. Optionally, drizzle with a milk and sugar glaze or dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutritional Information and Serving Details:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Servings: 32 mini crescent rolls

Serving and Storage Tips :

Ensure your Mini Raspberry Cheesecake Crescent Rolls remain fresh and delicious with these helpful serving and storage tips:

Serving Tips:

1. Serve Fresh and Warm: Enjoy these crescent rolls fresh out of the oven when they are warm and the cream cheese filling is soft and creamy.
2. Garnish Creatively: For an extra touch, drizzle the rolls with a simple milk and sugar glaze or dust them lightly with powdered sugar before serving. This adds a hint of sweetness and enhances their visual appeal.
3. Accompaniments: Serve alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
4. Presentation: Arrange the crescent rolls on a platter or serving dish, allowing guests to pick them up easily. They are perfect for brunches, parties, or as a sweet treat any time of day.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover crescent rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be consumed within 2-3 days for the best taste and texture.
2. Reheating: To enjoy leftover crescent rolls, reheat them in the oven at a low temperature (around 250°F) for a few minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.
3. Freezing: While these rolls are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. Avoid Moisture: To prevent the crescent rolls from becoming soggy, store them in a container that minimizes exposure to moisture. Use parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Variations :

Explore these creative variations to customize your Mini Raspberry Cheesecake Crescent Rolls and delight your taste buds with new flavors and textures:

1. Mixed Berry Medley: Replace raspberry jelly with a mix of fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Combine them into a compote or use them as whole berries for a burst of mixed berry goodness.
2. Nutella and Banana: Spread Nutella hazelnut spread on crescent roll triangles before adding sliced bananas. Roll up and bake as directed for a delicious chocolatey twist.
3. Lemon Cream Cheese: Mix lemon zest and a tablespoon of lemon juice into the cream cheese filling for a zesty lemony flavor. Top with a lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice after baking.
4. Almond Raspberry: Sprinkle almond slices or slivers on top of the raspberry sauce before rolling up the crescent rolls. The nutty crunch complements the fruity sweetness perfectly.
5. Chocolate Raspberry: Add mini chocolate chips or chocolate spread along with the raspberry sauce for a decadent chocolate-raspberry combination. Serve warm for a gooey chocolatey treat.
6. Orange and Cranberry: Mix dried cranberries into the cream cheese filling and add a touch of orange zest to the raspberry sauce. The citrusy-orange flavor pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries.
7. Cinnamon Sugar Twist: Instead of raspberry sauce, sprinkle crescent roll triangles with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before rolling up. Bake until golden brown and dust with powdered sugar for a simple yet delightful treat.
8. Apple Cinnamon: Replace the raspberry sauce with apple pie filling or diced apples cooked with cinnamon and sugar. Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an autumn-inspired dessert.
9. Peaches and Cream: Spread a layer of peach preserves or diced fresh peaches on the crescent roll triangles. Top with a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting after baking for a creamy peachy delight.
10. Savory Spin: For a savory twist, omit the sugar in the cream cheese filling and instead fill the crescent rolls with herbed cream cheese and finely chopped cooked bacon or ham. Serve as a unique appetizer or brunch item.

FAQs :

1. Can I use homemade crescent dough instead of refrigerated tubes?
   • Yes, you can use homemade crescent dough if you prefer. Roll it out into triangles and follow the recipe as instructed.
2. Can I use frozen raspberries for the homemade raspberry sauce?
   • Yes, frozen raspberries can be used for the sauce. Thaw them before cooking, and adjust sugar to taste as frozen raspberries may vary in sweetness.
3. How do I prevent the cream cheese filling from leaking out during baking?
   • Ensure the edges of the crescent roll triangles are sealed tightly before rolling them up. This helps prevent the filling from leaking out while baking.
4. Can I make these crescent rolls ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can assemble the crescent rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Bake them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
5. What can I substitute for raspberry jelly or preserves?
   • You can substitute with any fruit preserves or jams of your choice, such as strawberry, blueberry, or apricot, depending on your preference.
6. Can I freeze these mini crescent rolls?
   • Yes, you can freeze them after baking. Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven before serving.

These Mini Raspberry Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are not only easy to make but also a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you serve them as a sweet brunch addition or a party dessert, their creamy filling and fruity raspberry sauce are sure to impress. Try this recipe today and delight in the irresistible flavors of homemade goodness!