Introduction

There’s something magical about the combination of flaky crescent rolls and rich, creamy cheesecake filling. I recently tried making Cheesecake Crescent Rolls, and it quickly became a new favorite in our household. The cream cheese filling is perfectly balanced with the sweetness of the sugar and vanilla, while the cinnamon sugar topping adds a little extra sweetness and spice. These rolls are so easy to make, yet they taste like they belong in a bakery. My family couldn’t get enough of them, and they disappeared faster than I could bake a second batch! If you’re looking for a simple, indulgent dessert or snack, these Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are the perfect treat.

Why You’ll Love Cheesecake Crescent Rolls

Easy and Quick: These rolls come together in no time, thanks to the refrigerated crescent roll dough. The cream cheese filling is simple to make and doesn’t require any complicated ingredients.
Flaky and Creamy: The flaky, buttery crescent roll dough pairs perfectly with the smooth, tangy cheesecake filling. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the crunch of the dough and the richness of the filling.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving them at a brunch, bringing them to a potluck, or enjoying them for an afternoon snack, Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are always a hit.
Customizable: You can add your favorite toppings or drizzle, such as a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of honey, or fresh fruit, to make them even more special.
Crowd-Pleasing: With their irresistible combination of sweet and creamy, Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are bound to be a crowd favorite at any gathering.

Ingredients

To make these delectable Cheesecake Crescent Rolls, gather the following ingredients:

2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough – The base for the flaky rolls.
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened – For the smooth, tangy cheesecake filling.
1/2 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cream cheese mixture perfectly.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor to the filling.
1/4 cup butter, melted – Used to brush on the rolls for a golden, crispy finish.
Cinnamon sugar for sprinkling – Adds a sweet, spiced crunch to the rolls.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent the rolls from sticking and ensure they bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix Filling

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. This will form the cheesecake filling that will go inside the crescent rolls.

Step 3: Prepare Dough

Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean surface and separate the dough into individual triangles. Each can of crescent roll dough contains eight triangles, so you should have sixteen total.

Step 4: Assemble Rolls

Take each crescent roll triangle and spread a generous amount of the cheesecake filling onto the wider end of the triangle. Be careful not to overfill, as this may cause the filling to spill out during baking. Once the cream cheese mixture is spread evenly, roll up the dough starting at the wider end.

Step 5: Apply Toppings

Place each rolled-up crescent roll onto your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each one. Brush the top of each roll with melted butter to ensure they become golden brown and crispy. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar generously over the top of each roll for a sweet and spiced finish.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them during the final few minutes to make sure they don’t over-brown.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. These Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven. You can even add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey to make them even more indulgent.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 16 rolls
Calories per serving: Approximately 150–200 calories per roll (depending on the exact serving size and toppings)

Macronutrients per serving (approximate):

Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 9g
Sugar: 10g
Fiber: 0g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve

These Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are incredibly versatile and can be served in many different ways. Here are a few ideas for how to enjoy them:

As a Breakfast or Brunch Item: Serve them warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet breakfast or brunch treat.
For Dessert: Perfect for after dinner, these rolls are an indulgent dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
With a Drizzle of Honey: Drizzle warm honey over the rolls for an added layer of sweetness.
With Fresh Fruit: Top the rolls with fresh berries or sliced fruit to balance the sweetness with a fresh, tart flavor.
As a Party Snack: These rolls are ideal for potlucks, picnics, or parties. Serve them as finger food or cut them into smaller pieces for easy sharing.

Additional Tips

Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: For the richest, creamiest filling, use full-fat cream cheese rather than reduced-fat or fat-free options.
Add Fruit Fillings: For a fruity twist, try adding a spoonful of fruit preserves or fresh fruit to the cream cheese filling before rolling up the dough.
Try Different Spices: In addition to cinnamon sugar, you can experiment with other spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the rolls in advance by assembling them and then refrigerating them before baking. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Double the Recipe: If you’re serving a crowd, double the recipe. These rolls are sure to be a hit, and you won’t have to worry about running out.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use store-bought puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough?

Yes, you can use puff pastry, but the texture will be different. Puff pastry is flakier and more delicate than crescent roll dough.

2. Can I freeze Cheesecake Crescent Rolls?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked rolls. Just assemble them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and bake directly from the freezer when needed.

3. Can I make these without cream cheese?

You could substitute cream cheese with mascarpone cheese or ricotta cheese for a different texture and flavor, but it won’t taste exactly the same.

4. Can I use a different topping instead of cinnamon sugar?

Absolutely! You could sprinkle powdered sugar, drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce, or even add a glaze for a different flavor profile.

5. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore the crispiness.

6. How can I make these more decadent?

Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce on top of the rolls after baking, or sprinkle with chopped nuts for extra crunch.

7. Can I add nuts to the filling?

Yes, you can fold in finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the cream cheese filling for a nice texture and flavor contrast.

8. Can I make these dairy-free?

You can try substituting dairy-free cream cheese and margarine for the butter. The results may vary, but it can work for a dairy-free option.

9. How do I make these rolls less sweet?

Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or skip the cinnamon sugar topping for a less sweet version.

10. How do I prevent the filling from spilling out?

Be careful not to overfill the crescent rolls. Seal the edges well when rolling them up, and ensure the dough is properly sealed at the ends.

Conclusion

Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. They are easy to make, deliciously indulgent, and guaranteed to please a crowd. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, they’re a fantastic option for satisfying your sweet tooth. The flaky, buttery crescent dough combined with the creamy cheesecake filling and cinnamon sugar topping is a combination that can’t be beaten. Give these Cheesecake Crescent Rolls a try, and you’ll understand why they’re such a popular choice!