Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls – Buttery, Bright, and Bursting with Citrus

There’s something magical about the combination of buttery pastry and tangy lemon. These Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are a delightful mashup of a soft, flaky crescent and a creamy, citrus-kissed filling. Topped with a zesty lemon glaze, they’re the kind of treat that feels fancy but comes together in minutes.

Whether you’re baking for brunch, a springtime tea, or just a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, these rolls are a guaranteed hit. They’re easy enough for a weekday and elegant enough for guests—plus, they taste like lemon cheesecake in pastry form.

Why You’ll Love These Rolls

Quick and easy – Just 20 minutes from start to finish.
Bright and tangy – Lemon zest and extract bring a burst of citrus flavor.
Creamy and dreamy – The cream cheese filling is rich, smooth, and lightly sweet.
Perfect for any occasion – Brunch, dessert, or a sweet snack.
Kid- and crowd-friendly – A fun twist on classic crescent rolls.

Ingredients

This recipe makes 8 rolls.

For the Rolls

1 can refrigerated crescent rolls (8-count)
Store-bought dough makes this recipe quick and foolproof.

For the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling

4 oz cream cheese, softened
Full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture and flavor.
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Just enough to sweeten the filling.
¼ teaspoon lemon extract
Adds concentrated citrus flavor.
Zest of ½ lemon
Fresh zest brightens the filling with natural oils.

For the Lemon Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
1½ tablespoons lemon juice
Zest of ½ lemon

Tip: Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more lemon juice (for thinner) or powdered sugar (for thicker).

Equipment You’ll Need

Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or whisk
Zester or microplane
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Spoon or small cookie scoop
Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine:

4 oz softened cream cheese
2 tablespoons sugar
¼ teaspoon lemon extract
Zest of ½ lemon

Beat until smooth and creamy.

Tip: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps.

Step 3: Fill and Roll

Unroll the crescent dough and separate into 8 triangles.

Place a spoonful of lemon filling near the wide end of each triangle.

Roll up each crescent, starting from the wide end and rolling toward the point.

Place the filled crescents on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.

Step 4: Bake

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on a cooling rack.

Step 5: Make the Lemon Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together:

1 cup powdered sugar
1½ tablespoons lemon juice
Zest of ½ lemon

Whisk until smooth and pourable.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

Drizzle the glaze over the warm crescent rolls.

Let the glaze set for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy!

Optional: Garnish with extra lemon zest or a dusting of powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish.

Time & Yield

Prep Time: 8 minutes
Bake Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 8 rolls
Calories: ~210 kcal per roll (approximate)

Tips & Variations

Add berries: Place a few fresh raspberries or blueberries inside each roll with the filling.
Make it mini: Cut each triangle in half for bite-sized versions—great for parties.
Use puff pastry: For an extra flaky version, swap crescent dough for puff pastry squares.
Add a crunch: Sprinkle with sliced almonds or crushed graham crackers before baking.
Make ahead: Prepare the filling and glaze in advance and assemble just before baking.

Final Thoughts

These Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are the kind of treat that feels like sunshine on a plate—bright, buttery, and bursting with citrus. They’re perfect for spring mornings, Easter brunches, or anytime you need a quick dessert that looks as good as it tastes.