Craving a dessert that’s quick to make but tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen? Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are the perfect solution! These flaky, buttery crescent rolls are filled with a creamy cheesecake mixture, brushed with melted butter, and topped with cinnamon sugar. A drizzle of sweet glaze finishes them off, making these rolls a decadent yet easy treat for any time of day.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, need a last-minute dessert, or want something special for breakfast, these crescent rolls deliver all the flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a bakery-quality dessert.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these rolls are sure to impress.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves the combination of cream cheese and cinnamon sugar!
- Customizable: Add your favorite flavors to the filling or toppings for a personalized twist.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the rolls and refrigerate them (covered) for up to 12 hours before baking. Add the butter and cinnamon sugar just before baking.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have crescent roll dough?
You can use puff pastry or pie dough as an alternative, though the texture will differ slightly.
- Coffee or Latte: Their creamy sweetness complements the bold flavors of coffee.
- Fresh Fruit: A side of berries adds a refreshing contrast.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Turn them into an indulgent dessert by serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crescent Rolls:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls: One for the cream cheese filling, one for the cinnamon sugar, and one for the glaze.
- Electric hand mixer: For beating the cream cheese mixture until smooth.
- Baking sheet: Lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Pastry brush: For applying melted butter to the rolls.
- Spoon: For scooping the filling onto the crescent roll triangles.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Assemble the Crescent Rolls
- Unroll the crescent rolls and separate them into triangles.
- Place a heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture at the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll up each triangle, starting from the wide end, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Add the Topping
- Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
- Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Success
Perfect Crescent Rolls:
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overloading the triangles with cream cheese filling to prevent leaks during baking.
- Seal Edges: Pinch the edges of the dough if needed to keep the filling inside.
Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- Customize It: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
Glaze Tips:
- Adjust Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
