Cream cheese crescent rolls are the ultimate easy baked treat that takes just minutes to throw together. With flaky, buttery crescent roll dough enveloping a sweet and tangy cream cheese filling, it’s no wonder this recipe is a crowd favorite. Whether enjoying them for breakfast or dessert, these pastries always hit the spot. Read on for pro tips on making these melt-in-your-mouth rolls.
What is the Best Brand of Crescent Rolls for This Recipe?
I typically use Pillsbury crescent rolls, but you can use any brand that your local store carries. Generic or store brands work just as well! The brand doesn’t impact the outcome, so use whatever refrigerated crescent rolls you have on hand.
Should I Use Room Temperature or Cold Cream Cheese?
It’s best to use cold cream cheese directly from the fridge. If the cream cheese is too warm, it can make the dough soggy. The cold temperature helps the filling set up nicely when baked.
How Do I Get the Rolls Super Flaky?
Be sure not to overwork the crescent roll dough. Gently stretch and place without squeezing or compressing too much. Over-handling can result in less flaky layers.
My Filling Oozed Out – What Happened?
If your filling leaks out, the crescent roll seams may not have been tightly sealed. Be sure to firmly press the perforated edges together when assembling to fully encase the filling.
Can I Double This Recipe for a Crowd?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles beautifully. Just use an entire sleeve of crescent roll dough and double the filling ingredients. Bake a bit longer when making a bigger batch.
Ingredients
For the Rolls
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8 oz refrigerated crescent rolls (such as Pillsbury)
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6 oz cream cheese (cold, straight from the fridge)
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
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¼ cup melted butter
For the Topping
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2 tablespoons sugar
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2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
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Honey (optional, for serving)
Method
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into individual triangles. Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture at the wide end of each triangle, then roll up like a crescent.
Step 4: Brush and Sprinkle
Place the filled crescents on the baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter. Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle generously over the tops.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Step 6: Serve
Let the rolls cool slightly. Drizzle with honey if desired and serve warm for the best flavor.
Pro Tips
Don’t overfill
Using just the right amount of cream cheese prevents messy leaks.
Serve warm
They’re best fresh out of the oven with the filling still soft and gooey.
Add fruit
A slice of strawberry or a spoonful of jam inside makes for a fun twist.
Final Thoughts
Cream cheese crescent rolls are one of those recipes that feels fancy but is incredibly simple. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you get golden, flaky pastries with a rich, creamy center. Perfect for brunch spreads, dessert trays, or even a cozy snack with coffee—this recipe is a must-try for pastry lovers!