Cheesecake Crescent Rolls

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I’ve always had a soft spot for creamy, rich cheesecake and flaky, buttery pastries—but the moment I tried combining the two, something magical happened. These Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are my go-to treat when I want something indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen. They’re golden on the outside, warm and melty on the inside, and the vanilla-sweet cream cheese filling oozes out just enough to keep you coming back for more.

Whether you’re hosting brunch, want a sweet addition to your coffee break, or need a fast dessert that looks like it came from a bakery, this recipe does not disappoint. It’s one of those bakes that tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did—my favorite kind.

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Why You’ll Love This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe

• Fast and simple: Uses store-bought crescent roll dough for minimal prep.
• Rich, creamy filling: Cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla bring a cheesecake-style flavor.
• Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for parties, holidays, or spontaneous cravings.
• Versatile: Easily customized with fruit, chocolate, or even savory spins.
• Bakes beautifully: Crispy, golden tops with a gooey center.

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What Kind of Crescent Dough Should I Use?

I recommend using refrigerated crescent roll dough, the kind that comes in a tube. Pillsbury is the most common brand and works beautifully—it’s pre-cut into triangles, which makes rolling easy and uniform. If you find crescent dough sheets (without the perforations), those are even better for creating a tighter seal around the cheesecake filling, especially if you plan to cut and shape your own rolls.

If you’re feeling adventurous or have the time, homemade crescent dough is also an option. It will give you an even richer, bakery-style texture, but for the ease and speed of this recipe, the store-bought version does the trick wonderfully.

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Options for Substitutions

This recipe is super flexible, and you can easily make swaps depending on what you have on hand:

• Cream Cheese: Swap with mascarpone for a slightly sweeter and softer texture.
• Sugar: Brown sugar can be used for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Almond extract or lemon zest gives a different but delicious twist.
• Crescent Dough: Puff pastry works in a pinch—just be sure to seal the edges well.
• Add-ins: Toss in mini chocolate chips, chopped strawberries, or swirl in a spoonful of jam before sealing the rolls.

These swaps can help you create fun variations without changing the heart of the recipe.

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Ingredients for This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe

• Crescent Roll Dough
  This forms the crisp, golden outer shell that encases the creamy filling. It’s light, buttery, and the key to that beautiful flaky texture.
• Cream Cheese
  The star of the filling. It gives the rolls their classic cheesecake flavor and creamy richness. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Granulated Sugar
  Sweetens the cream cheese mixture and balances the tanginess of the cheese without making the rolls overly sweet.
• Vanilla Extract
  Adds a warm, aromatic note that enhances the overall flavor and makes the filling taste like traditional cheesecake.
• Egg (optional)
  Sometimes used for brushing on top or mixing into the filling for added richness, though it’s not required for a basic version.
• Powdered Sugar (for dusting)
  A light sprinkle after baking adds a professional, finished touch and a little extra sweetness.

These ingredients work together to create a dessert that’s both comforting and impressive.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

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Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy—no lumps! This will be your luscious cheesecake center.

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Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Unroll your crescent dough. If you’re using pre-cut triangles, gently separate them. If using a crescent sheet, cut into even triangles. Lay them flat on your prepared baking sheet.

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Step 4: Fill and Roll

Place a spoonful of the cheesecake filling at the wider end of each triangle. Don’t overfill—just enough to give a generous center. Then, gently roll each one up toward the narrow tip like a traditional crescent roll.

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Step 5: Seal and Shape

Tuck in the sides slightly to keep the filling inside. You can pinch the ends if needed to avoid leaking during baking. If you want a glossier finish, lightly brush the tops with a beaten egg.

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Step 6: Bake

Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 12–15 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed and golden brown.

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Step 7: Cool and Finish

Once out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. Dust with powdered sugar right before serving. Enjoy them warm for maximum meltiness.

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How Long to Cook the Cheesecake Crescent Rolls

Bake your cheesecake crescent rolls in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops turn a rich golden brown and the edges are slightly crisp. The filling may bubble a bit—don’t worry, that’s a good sign it’s warm and creamy inside.

If your oven runs hot or cold, start checking around the 11-minute mark to avoid over-browning or underbaking.

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Tips for Perfect Cheesecake Crescent Rolls

• Use room temperature cream cheese: This ensures a silky-smooth filling without lumps.
• Don’t overfill the dough: Too much filling can cause the rolls to burst open while baking.
• Seal the edges: Pinch the dough ends or gently tuck them under to minimize leaking.
• Chill the filled rolls briefly: Popping them in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking can help them hold their shape.
• Dust after baking: Always wait to sprinkle powdered sugar until they’ve slightly cooled—otherwise it’ll just melt away.
• Use parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.

These tips will help you achieve that golden, flaky exterior with a creamy, decadent center every single time.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple dessert like cheesecake crescent rolls can go sideways with a few missteps. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Using cold cream cheese: This leads to a lumpy filling that’s hard to spread and doesn’t bake evenly.
• Overstuffing the dough: Too much filling will leak out during baking and make a mess.
• Not sealing the edges: This can cause the rolls to unravel or lose their shape as they bake.
• Skipping parchment or a nonstick surface: You’ll risk the rolls sticking and tearing when removed.
• Opening the oven too early: Heat loss can interrupt the baking process and cause uneven cooking.

Keep these in mind and your crescent rolls will come out bakery-perfect.

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What to Serve With Cheesecake Crescent Rolls?

These rolls are versatile and pair beautifully with both beverages and other dishes. Here are some serving ideas to round out your treat:

Coffee or Espresso

The creamy richness of the rolls complements the bitterness of coffee for a perfect breakfast or dessert pairing.

Fresh Berries

A side of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries adds brightness and balances the sweetness.

Whipped Cream

A dollop on the side makes each bite feel even more indulgent—especially with warm rolls.

Chocolate Sauce

Drizzle over the top or serve on the side for dipping. Dark chocolate works best for contrast.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Especially if the rolls are still warm—this makes an ultra-comforting dessert.

Fruit Compote

Warm spiced apples or cherry compote add a seasonal twist and extra flavor.

Sparkling Wine

A festive drink pairing for brunch or special occasions. The bubbles cut through the richness nicely.

Salted Nuts

A small bowl of roasted almonds or pecans provides a savory crunch next to the softness of the rolls.

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Storage Instructions

Cheesecake Crescent Rolls store well, which means you can make them ahead or save leftovers (if you have any!).

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days if your kitchen is cool and dry. Beyond that, refrigerate to maintain freshness.
• Refrigerator: Keep them in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to bring back the flakiness.
• Freezer: Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap individually in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.

If you plan to freeze, consider underbaking slightly so they finish crisping up during reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

Keep in mind that nutrition may vary depending on your brand of crescent dough and the amount of filling used, but here’s an approximate estimate per roll (based on a batch of 8):

• Calories: 220
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Sugar: 9g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 210mg

This dessert is rich and indulgent, so it’s perfect for a treat—but easy enough to enjoy without guilt when the craving hits.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the filling from leaking out?

Make sure not to overfill the dough and seal the edges well. You can also fold in the corners slightly or chill the rolls before baking to help them hold their shape.

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Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble them and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Or bake them, cool, and reheat just before serving.

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Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?

Absolutely. Puff pastry gives a flakier, more layered texture. Just make sure to cut and seal well so the filling stays put.

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What fruit can I add inside?

Blueberries, chopped strawberries, or a spoonful of raspberry jam work great. Just don’t add too much moisture or it may make the dough soggy.

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Can I serve these cold?

They’re best warm, but still delicious at room temperature or chilled—especially if you’re going for a firmer cheesecake texture.

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Do I need to grease the baking sheet?

If you’re not using parchment paper, lightly grease the sheet. However, parchment or a silicone mat is best to prevent sticking.

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Can I double the recipe?

Yes, easily. Just use two baking sheets and rotate them halfway through baking for even browning.

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What if I don’t have vanilla extract?

Try almond extract, maple extract, or a touch of lemon zest to add flavor. Just reduce the quantity since alternatives are often stronger.

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Conclusion

Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are the kind of dessert that deliver big flavor with barely any fuss. They marry the comforting creaminess of cheesecake with the golden, flaky texture of crescent dough—and the result is pure joy. Whether you’re making them for guests, gifting a homemade treat, or simply enjoying one with your morning coffee, this recipe proves that sometimes the simplest things are the most satisfying.

Now that you know all the tips, tricks, and variations, you’re more than ready to whip up a batch (or two). Happy baking!

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