There’s something comforting about the smell of cinnamon baking in the oven. Add cream cheese and buttery crescent dough to the mix, and you’ve got a recipe that feels like a hug on a plate.
Cream Cheese Cinnamon Crescents are not just another pastry. They’re the kind of treat that looks fancy enough to serve at brunch, yet simple enough to whip up on a Tuesday night when your sweet tooth strikes. With flaky layers, a creamy filling, and a dusting of cinnamon sugar, each bite is warm, gooey, and impossible to resist.
In this article, you’ll not only find a step-by-step recipe, but also expert tips, fun variations, storage hacks, and answers to every question you might have about baking these golden beauties. By the end, you’ll be confident enough to bake them for family gatherings, baby showers, or even just a quiet morning with coffee.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cream Cheese Cinnamon Crescents are the kind of dish that never fails to please. Here’s why:
- Beginner-friendly – If you can roll dough, you can make this recipe.
- Minimal ingredients – Most items are pantry staples or easy to grab from the store.
- Quick to prepare – Less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Versatile – Works as breakfast, dessert, or even a party snack.
- Crowd-pleasing – Kids and adults both adore these soft, creamy crescents.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch buffet, making a cozy weekend breakfast, or looking for a midnight indulgence, these crescents fit every occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need 🥐
For one batch (8 crescents), gather:
For the Crescents:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Optional Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
💡 Pro Tip: Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest, creamiest filling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a bowl, combine:
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Whip until smooth and creamy.
3. Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
In another bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Keep melted butter nearby.
4. Roll Out the Dough
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 8 triangles. Lay them flat.
5. Fill and Roll
- Spread 1 tablespoon cream cheese filling on the wide end of each triangle.
- Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon sugar.
- Roll tightly from the wide end to the tip.
- Place seam-side down on the pan.
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle more cinnamon sugar.
6. Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
7. Add Glaze (Optional)
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over crescents while warm.
Serve fresh for the ultimate soft, gooey experience.
Tips for Flaky, Bakery-Style Crescents
- Don’t overfill. Too much filling causes leakage.
- Tuck the tip under. Prevents unrolling during baking.
- Chill the filling. If too soft, refrigerate for 10 minutes before spreading.
- Use parchment paper. Keeps cleanup stress-free.
- Glaze while warm. Helps it set beautifully.
Creative Flavor Variations 🍏🍫🎃
1. Apple Pie Crescents
Add a few thin apple slices inside along with the cream cheese filling.
2. Pumpkin Spice Crescents
Mix 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée with the cream cheese and replace cinnamon with pumpkin spice.
3. Chocolate Chip Crescents
Add a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips to the filling. Drizzle with chocolate sauce instead of glaze.
4. Berry Cheesecake Crescents
Add a spoonful of raspberry or strawberry jam before rolling.
5. Savory Herb & Garlic Crescents
Skip the sugar and cinnamon. Instead, mix garlic, herbs, and shredded cheese with cream cheese for a savory twist.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
These crescents can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Breakfast: Pair with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit.
- Brunch: Arrange on a tiered tray with muffins and croissants.
- Snack: Perfect with coffee or tea in the afternoon.
- Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Prep ahead: Assemble crescents and refrigerate up to 8 hours before baking.
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for 2 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the fridge.
- Freeze: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in oven at 300°F for 5 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds.
Healthier Swaps & Modifications
- Use reduced-fat cream cheese to lighten the filling.
- Swap crescent dough for whole wheat pastry dough.
- Replace sugar with honey, maple syrup, or stevia.
- Add chopped nuts or oats for texture.
Nutrition Breakdown (per crescent, without glaze)
- Calories: ~180
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Sugar: 7 g
These are estimates and vary by brand.
Common Mistakes & Fixes
❌ Overstuffing → Filling leaks out
✅ Use 1 tablespoon max per crescent
❌ Unrolling crescents
✅ Always place seam-side down
❌ Burnt bottoms
✅ Use parchment paper or silicone mat
❌ Flat crescents
✅ Chill dough before baking to help puffing
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use homemade dough?
Yes! Homemade or puff pastry works beautifully.
2. Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely. They’re still delicious without it.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use 2 cans of dough and bake in batches.
4. Can I freeze baked crescents?
Yes. Wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
5. Can I make them dairy-free?
Use vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter.
6. How do I keep them soft?
Store in airtight container, reheat gently.
7. Can I use flavored cream cheese?
Yes! Strawberry, honey walnut, or cinnamon cream cheese works.
8. Can I serve cold?
Yes, but they’re best warm.
9. Can I use puff pastry instead?
Yes, but increase baking temp to 400°F.
10. Can I make a crescent ring?
Yes, layer dough in a circle, fill, fold over, and bake.
11. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, it gives a deeper caramel flavor.
12. What’s the best drink pairing?
Coffee, hot cocoa, or chai tea latte.
13. Can I make them gluten-free?
Use gluten-free crescent dough.
14. How do I avoid soggy bottoms?
Don’t overfill and use parchment paper.
15. Can I make them extra crispy?
Bake 2 minutes longer and brush with butter after baking.
Final Thoughts ✨
Cream Cheese Cinnamon Crescents are the ultimate mix of convenience and indulgence. With just a few ingredients, you can bake a pastry that tastes like it came from a bakery. The combination of buttery layers, creamy filling, and sweet cinnamon sugar makes them unforgettable.
Whether you enjoy them warm with morning coffee, serve them at a festive brunch, or freeze them for a rainy-day treat, these crescents will always deliver comfort and joy.
