Why You’ll Love These Lemon Cheesecake Rolls

Quick and Easy: These rolls come together in just 30-38 minutes using refrigerated crescent dough, making them a quick and indulgent treat.
Bright and Tangy: The combination of lemon zest and juice in both the filling and glaze adds a refreshing citrus flavor that’s perfect for any season.
Creamy Cheesecake Filling: With a smooth and rich cream cheese center, each bite gives you the comforting taste of cheesecake in a fun, handheld form.
Perfect for Entertaining: These impressive-looking rolls are great for brunch, potlucks, or when you want a fancy dessert without the fuss.

Ingredients

For the Rolls:

2 tubes (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent dough
1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp granulated sugar

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, brought to room temperature
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 egg yolk
1/2 tsp freshly zested lemon peel
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt

For the Lemon Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tsp grated lemon peel
2 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Glazed Lemon Cheesecake Rolls

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Open the tubes of refrigerated crescent dough without unrolling them. Cut each tube into 4 equal pieces, resulting in a total of 8 pieces. Arrange the dough pieces on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 2: Shape Dough Nests and Add Sugar Topping
Gently flatten each dough piece to about 1/2-inch thickness. Using your fingers, press into the center of each piece to create a well, leaving a raised edge to form a “nest.” This will hold the filling.

Brush the outer edges of each dough nest with melted butter, then sprinkle the edges with granulated sugar for a sweet, golden crust. Be generous with the sugar for extra crunch!

Step 3: Prepare the Lemon-Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, egg yolk, freshly zested lemon peel, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This luscious filling will bring the perfect balance of tangy lemon and rich creaminess to your rolls.

Step 4: Fill, Bake, and Cool the Pastries
Evenly distribute the lemon-cream cheese filling among the dough nests, placing it into the wells you created in the dough.

Bake the filled pastries in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the filling is just set. Once done, remove from the oven and allow the pastries to cool slightly.

Step 5: Make and Pipe the Lemon Icing
While the pastries cool, make the glaze by beating together the powdered sugar, grated lemon peel, lemon juice, and softened butter in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.

Once the rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top for that perfect finishing touch.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Total Time: 30-38 minutes

Variations

Add Fruit: Top the rolls with fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries for extra freshness and a pop of color.
Flaky Dough Alternative: If you prefer a flakier texture, use puff pastry instead of crescent dough.
Sweeten the Glaze: For a sweeter twist, add a little vanilla extract to the glaze or use a mix of powdered sugar and maple syrup for a unique flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: These rolls are best stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep them covered in an airtight container or wrap the pan tightly with plastic wrap.
Freezing: You can freeze these rolls for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze without the glaze and add the glaze after thawing.
Reheating: Serve them cold for the best texture, but if you prefer them warm, let them sit out for 15-20 minutes or reheat them gently in the microwave for a few seconds.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought lemon curd instead of making the filling?

While lemon curd could be a substitute for the cream cheese filling, it will have a different texture and flavor. The cream cheese gives these rolls a rich, creamy cheesecake flavor that complements the lemon zest perfectly.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the rolls ahead of time, cover them, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes, you can freeze the rolls before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble them, freeze them, and bake straight from the freezer (adding a few extra minutes to the bake time).

How can I make the glaze thicker?

If you prefer a thicker glaze, add a bit more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days, but they’re best served within the first couple of days.

Conclusion

These Glazed Lemon Cheesecake Rolls are the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and bright lemony flavor, wrapped in a soft and tender dough. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, dessert, or as a special treat, they’re guaranteed to impress. Simple to make but full of flavor, these rolls are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire!

Glazed Lemon Cheesecake Rolls

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These Glazed Lemon Cheesecake Rolls combine tangy lemon cheesecake filling, soft crescent dough, and a sweet, zesty glaze. Quick and easy to make, they’re perfect for any occasion, whether as a dessert, brunch treat, or a special snack. With just a few ingredients, these rolls are sure to impress!

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Total Time: 30-38 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dessert, Brunch, Sweet Treats
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Prepare the Dough and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Shape Dough Nests and Add Sugar Topping: Unroll the crescent dough tubes and cut each into 4 equal pieces, resulting in 8 pieces. Flatten each piece to about 1/2-inch thickness, creating a small well in the center. Brush the outer edges of each dough nest with melted butter, then sprinkle generously with granulated sugar for a sweet golden crust.
Prepare the Lemon-Cream Cheese Filling: Beat together cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, zested lemon peel, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
Fill, Bake, and Cool the Pastries: Spoon the lemon-cream cheese filling into the dough nests. Bake the filled pastries in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and the filling is just set. Let them cool slightly.
Make and Pipe the Lemon Icing: While the pastries cool, prepare the glaze by beating together powdered sugar, grated lemon peel, lemon juice, and butter in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
Serve: Drizzle the lemon glaze over the slightly cooled rolls and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Lemon Curvature: For extra lemon flavor, consider adding lemon zest to the filling and glaze for an extra punch of citrus.

Substituting the Dough: If you prefer a flakier texture, swap the crescent dough for puff pastry. This will give the rolls a slightly puffier texture with the same delicious filling.

Make Ahead Option: You can assemble the rolls ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and bake them just before serving. This saves time for a busy brunch or dessert day.

Freezing Tip: You can freeze these rolls before glazing. Simply bake the rolls, allow them to cool completely, then freeze. When ready to serve, thaw and drizzle with the glaze for a fresh treat.

Add Fruit: For a twist, top the rolls with fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries before baking for added freshness and color