Cheesecake Crescent Rolls

Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are an irresistibly easy dessert that combines flaky, buttery crescent rolls with a rich and creamy cheesecake filling. Sweet, tangy, and perfectly golden, these rolls make for a quick treat that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether served warm or chilled, they’re a dessert everyone will love.

I first made Cheesecake Crescent Rolls on a whim when I needed a dessert in a pinch. With just a few simple ingredients—crescent roll dough, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla—the result was pure magic. The gooey cheesecake center combined with the buttery layers of crescent dough was indulgent, comforting, and so easy to prepare.

What I love about this recipe is its adaptability. Add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel on top for an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle with cinnamon for a cozy twist, or mix in fresh fruit like berries for a fruity surprise. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are a versatile, crowd-pleasing treat that’s ready in no time.

Perfect for:

Brunch gatherings
Dessert tables
Holiday celebrations
Birthday treats
Cheesecake and pastry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Cheesecake Crescent Rolls will become your new favorite indulgence:

Creamy Cheesecake Filling: The rich and velvety cheesecake filling perfectly complements the flaky crescent rolls.
Quick and Easy: With simple steps and minimal prep, these rolls come together effortlessly.
Flaky Exterior, Creamy Interior: A delightful contrast of textures that will tantalize your taste buds.
Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The subtle sweetness of the filling and the pastry ensure a balanced treat.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these rolls warm, cold, or topped with fresh berries.
Gorgeous Presentation: They look as impressive as they taste, making a stunning dessert centerpiece.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the rolls in advance and bake just before serving.
Kid-Friendly Recipe: A fun and simple treat that kids and adults alike will love.
Minimal Ingredients Needed: Uses everyday kitchen staples for a simple, accessible dessert.
Customizable Filling Options: Add fruit, chocolate chips, or nuts to make it your own.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Calories per roll: Approximately 250-300 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 7g, Carbs: 22g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

For the Crescent Rolls:

1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough

For the Cheesecake Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnish:

Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries)

Ingredient Highlights

Cream Cheese: Provides the rich and creamy texture for the cheesecake filling.
Granulated Sugar: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
Crescent Roll Dough: Creates a quick, buttery, and flaky pastry base.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

Mix Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Prepare the Crescent Rolls:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Unroll Crescent Dough: Open the can of crescent roll dough and unroll it onto the prepared baking sheet.
Add Filling: Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cheesecake filling onto each crescent roll triangle.
Roll and Seal: Carefully roll each crescent roll, sealing the edges so the filling doesn’t leak out.

Bake the Crescent Rolls:

Bake: Place the crescent rolls on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Cool Slightly: Let the rolls cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet.

Garnish and Serve

Dust with Powdered Sugar: Sprinkle powdered sugar over the baked rolls for a finishing touch.
Add Optional Berries: Garnish with fresh berries if desired.
Serve Warm or Cold: Enjoy these crescent rolls fresh out of the oven or chilled for a different twist.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Cheesecake Crescent Rolls:

As a Brunch Delight: Serve with coffee or tea for a delightful brunch treat.
As a Dessert Option: Serve after dinner for a sweet finish to any meal.
With a Berry Twist: Add fresh berries on top or alongside for a fruity contrast.
With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: Simple and elegant presentation that wows visually.
As an Afternoon Snack: Perfect for an indulgent afternoon treat.
Pair with Ice Cream: Serve warm rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Add Chocolate Chips: Mix chocolate chips into the filling for a decadent twist.
Customize with Nuts: Add a sprinkle of crushed walnuts or almonds for texture.
Serve at Parties: A beautiful centerpiece on dessert tables that’s easy to grab.
Gift-Worthy Treats: Pack them into a gift box for thoughtful, delicious presents.

Additional Tips

Chill the Dough: Ensure your crescent roll dough is cold before handling, as this helps prevent tearing and maintains a flaky texture.
Use Cream Cheese at Room Temperature: Softened cream cheese blends more easily with the sugar and vanilla, giving a smoother filling.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: Add a light dusting of powdered sugar on top of the baked rolls for a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Add a Fruit Twist: Mix in berries, mango, or peach slices into the cream cheese filling for a fruity twist.
Cinnamon Sugar Sprinkle: Before baking, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on the crescent rolls for a subtle, warm flavor.
Butter Brush Finish: Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter before baking to enhance the golden crust.
Cut Evenly: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut your crescent rolls cleanly without squishing the dough.
Pre-Bake the Filling Slightly: For a firmer cheesecake texture, try chilling the cream cheese filling before spooning it onto the dough.
Experiment with Toppings: Drizzle caramel sauce, chocolate syrup, or berry compote over baked rolls for extra decadence.
Serve Warm or Chilled: These rolls are delicious both warm with gooey filling and cold, offering a different texture and taste experience.

Recipe Variations

Classic Strawberry Cheesecake Crescent Rolls; Add fresh strawberry slices and a strawberry compote inside the roll for a fruity twist.
Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls: Mix blueberries and lemon zest into the cream cheese filling for a refreshing citrus flavor.
Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Crescent Rolls: Use canned or fresh peach slices along with cinnamon and brown sugar for a peach cobbler vibe.
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Crescent Rolls: Stir mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese mixture for a gooey chocolate experience.
Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Crescent Rolls; Combine pumpkin puree with cream cheese, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a fall-inspired treat.
Salted Caramel Cheesecake Crescent Rolls: Drizzle caramel sauce inside the rolls and add a pinch of sea salt for a decadent finish.
Raspberry Almond Cheesecake Crescent Rolls: Layer fresh raspberries and almond slivers with the cream cheese filling for a nutty and tangy taste.
Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls: Mix in diced apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an autumn-inspired classic flavor combo.
Nutella Hazelnut Cheesecake Crescent Rolls: Spread Nutella inside the roll along with cream cheese, and sprinkle chopped hazelnuts on top.
Mint Chocolate Cheesecake Crescent Rolls: Add crushed peppermint candies and chocolate chips to the cream cheese mixture for a festive twist.

Special Equipment

Baking Sheet – For evenly baking your crescent rolls.
Parchment Paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup hassle-free.
Rolling Pin – Helps roll out crescent dough smoothly and evenly.
Silicone Brush – Perfect for brushing egg wash or butter on the rolls.
Mixing Bowls – For mixing cream cheese filling and other ingredients.
Measuring Cups and Spoons – Ensures precise measurements for accurate recipes.
Spatula – For spreading cream cheese filling and lifting rolls off the pan.
Dough Scraper – Helps handle dough efficiently, reducing mess.
Cooling Rack – Allows proper air circulation to cool the rolls evenly.
Piping Bag (Optional) – For a more elegant application of the cream cheese filling.

FAQ Section

Can I use homemade crescent dough?
Yes, homemade dough will work just as well for a more personal touch.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the rolls, refrigerate them, and bake just before serving.
Can I freeze the crescent rolls?
Yes, freeze baked rolls and reheat in the oven to restore texture.
Can I substitute cream cheese with another ingredient?
Yes, mascarpone can be used for a smoother and richer texture.
Are these rolls too sweet?
Adjust the sugar in the filling to your desired sweetness level.
Can I add chocolate to the rolls?
Absolutely! Add chocolate chips to the filling for a richer experience.
Do these rolls pair well with coffee or tea?
Yes, their buttery, creamy texture complements both beverages perfectly.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free crescent roll dough for a suitable substitute.
Are these rolls kid-friendly?
Yes, they’re simple, tasty, and sure to delight kids of all ages.
How do I store leftover crescent rolls?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Conclusion

Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are a dreamy, buttery treat that combines the flaky goodness of crescent rolls with the rich, creamy sweetness of cheesecake filling. These golden-brown pastries are perfectly portioned and easy to make, making them a crowd-pleaser for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or any time you’re craving a little indulgence.

With a simple blend of cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla nestled inside each roll, they bake up beautifully, offering a warm, gooey center and a delightfully crisp exterior. You can take them to the next level with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of glaze, or even a handful of fresh fruit for a pop of color and flavor.

I can’t wait to see how your Cheesecake Crescent Rolls turn out! Share your creations on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious takes on this easy, irresistible recipe. Don’t forget to drop a comment and share your personal twist—I’m always excited to see how you make it your own!