If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s ridiculously easy to make yet impressively delicious, the Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine flaky, buttery crescent roll dough hugging a smooth, sweet cream cheese filling, all topped with a cinnamon-sugar glaze that bakes to golden perfection. It’s the perfect balance of creamy and crisp, simple but special, making it ideal for breakfast treats, casual gatherings, or anytime you want a slice of comfort wrapped in puff pastry. This recipe brings joy in every bite without demanding hours or complicated techniques.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one brings something wonderful to the table—texture, flavor, or just that little hint of sweetness that makes cheesecake so irresistible.
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz each): The buttery base that creates the perfect flaky layers and crust.
- 2 packages cream cheese (8 oz each), softened: This adds the rich, creamy filling that’s classic in any cheesecake treat.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances the tang of the cream cheese beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A warm hint of vanilla to deepen the flavor profile.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Used to make the cinnamon sugar topping extra luscious and golden.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The spice that pairs perfectly with sugar to create that heavenly crust.
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for topping): Adds crunch and sweetness on top.
- Optional: 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup: For an added touch of natural sweetness if you like it more decadent.
- Optional: fresh fruit, jam, or chocolate chips: Perfect for customizing fillings and adding bursts of flavor.
How to Make Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Bottom Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s at just the right temperature once your rolls are assembled. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and gently press it into the bottom of your dish, sealing the seams together to form a solid and even crust. This crust will serve as the delicious foundation that holds all your creamy goodness.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until you have a smooth, luscious mixture with no lumps. This filling is the heart of your cheesecake crescent rolls, dreamy and velvety, ready to bring that signature cheesecake flavor to every bite.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bottom crust you just prepared, making sure it reaches all the edges for a consistent flavor. Then, unroll your second can of crescent dough and carefully layer it over the cream cheese filling. Pinch the seams together all around to seal in the filling and create a neat, wrapped package ready for baking.
Step 4: Apply the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
Mix the melted butter, cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of sugar in a small bowl. This magical mixture will become a brilliant golden, slightly crisp topping that finishes your rolls beautifully. Brush this cinnamon-sugar butter generously over the top layer of dough. Don’t be shy — this step adds that irresistible aroma and eye-catching sparkle when baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and puffs up slightly. Once out of the oven, let the rolls cool for about 15–20 minutes — this wait ensures the cheesecake filling sets nicely, making slicing a breeze and your first bite even more delightful.
How to Serve Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
While the cinnamon sugar crust is tantalizing on its own, garnishing your cheesecake crescent rolls with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey can elevate the presentation and add subtle nuances to the sweetness. For a fresh contrast, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top, or even a handful of fresh berries that add delightful color and bursts of tartness.
Side Dishes
Pairing your cheesecake crescent rolls with a cup of strong coffee or a creamy latte turns breakfast or brunch into a memorable event. For a brunch spread, think fresh seasonal fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait with granola. These sides complement the rich, creamy texture of the rolls perfectly and keep the meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform this recipe into grab-and-go treats by slicing into rectangles or squares and wrapping them individually in parchment or wax paper. If you’re throwing a party, arrange the slices on a decorative platter with colorful fresh fruit. For an extra touch of whimsy, serve with small ramekins of fruit preserves or chocolate sauce for dipping — because sometimes, dipping makes everything better!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your cheesecake crescent rolls, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The cream cheese filling keeps the rolls moist, and a quick reheat brings them back close to fresh-baked perfection.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw them overnight in the fridge to maintain that velvety filling texture without sacrificing the flaky crust.
Reheating
To warm up your cheesecake crescent rolls, pop them in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes. This method refreshes the flaky texture of the dough and softly melts the filling, giving you that freshly baked, just-out-of-the-oven experience all over again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen crescent roll dough for this recipe?
It’s best to use refrigerated crescent roll dough as the dough’s texture and rise can be affected by freezing. If you only have frozen dough, thaw it completely in the refrigerator before using for best results.
Can I add fruit or chocolate inside the filling?
Absolutely! Adding fresh fruit, jams, or chocolate chips inside the filling is a fantastic way to customize your cheesecake crescent rolls. Just fold them gently into the cream cheese mixture before spreading it on the bottom dough layer.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
While the recipe relies on cream cheese and butter, you can experiment with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. Just keep in mind this might slightly alter the flavor and texture, but it can still be delicious!
How do I prevent the crescent rolls from becoming soggy?
Ensure you pinch the seams well to seal in the filling and use softened (not melted) cream cheese mixture so excess moisture doesn’t seep out. Also, letting the rolls cool before cutting helps them set and reduces sogginess.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can double the recipe and use a larger baking dish or two 9×13-inch pans. Just watch the baking time carefully since larger pans may require a little more time to bake evenly.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a dessert or breakfast treat that feels both special and simple, the Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s effortless, customizable, and downright delicious. I encourage you to give it a try next time you want to impress someone—or just treat yourself. Trust me, once you taste that gooey, cinnamon-sugar-topped cream cheese filling wrapped in flaky pastry, this recipe will become a cherished favorite in your collection.
Print
Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheesecake Crescent Rolls combine flaky crescent dough with a rich, creamy cheesecake filling, topped with a cinnamon-sugar butter glaze. Perfectly baked until golden and puffed, they make a delightful dessert or sweet breakfast treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz each)
Filling
- 2 packages cream cheese (8 oz each), softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for topping)
Optional
- 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (for extra sweetness)
- Fresh fruit, jam, or chocolate chips for filling variations
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Form Bottom Crust: Unroll one can of crescent dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the baking dish, making sure to pinch the seams together to create a solid crust base for the cheesecake filling.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, ¾ cup granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Assemble Filling Layer: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pressed crescent dough layer in the baking dish, ensuring a smooth and uniform layer.
- Add Top Layer of Dough: Unroll the second can of crescent dough and carefully lay it over the cream cheese filling. Pinch all the seams together to seal the layers and contain the filling during baking.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with ground cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Brush this mixture generously over the top crescent dough layer to enhance flavor and browning.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the rolls are puffed nicely.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the rolls cool for 15–20 minutes to set before slicing. Serve either warm or chilled as desired.
Notes
- You can add 1–2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup to the cream cheese filling or drizzle on top after baking for extra sweetness.
- For variety, try adding fresh fruit, jam, or chocolate chips to the cream cheese mixture before baking.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to make it easier to blend smoothly.
- If baking at high altitude, baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the golden color.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
