Cheesecake Croissant Buns

If you love the combination of buttery, flaky croissants and rich, creamy cheesecake, then these cheesecake croissant buns are the perfect treat for you. They combine the classic flavor of cheesecake with the soft, flaky texture of crescent rolls for a truly indulgent dessert or breakfast pastry. Whether you’re craving something sweet to start your day or looking for a decadent treat to share with friends and family, these cheesecake croissant buns are easy to make and incredibly delicious.

The recipe uses refrigerated crescent rolls, which makes it incredibly simple to prepare, yet the end result tastes like it’s from a high-end bakery. With a creamy cheesecake filling, a touch of vanilla, and a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar on top, these croissant buns are irresistible. They bake to a golden brown, and when served warm, they offer a soft, gooey, and creamy interior that melts in your mouth. Whether you enjoy them as a breakfast pastry or a dessert, they are sure to become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesecake croissant buns bring together two classic favorites: cheesecake and buttery croissants, making them the ultimate indulgence. The tangy, sweet cream cheese filling perfectly complements the soft, flaky crescent rolls, creating a delightful texture and flavor combination. The addition of cinnamon sugar on top gives these buns a warm, spiced touch, making them even more irresistible. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy mornings when you want something special, or as a comforting dessert after dinner. Plus, these croissant buns are sure to impress guests at brunches, parties, or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated crescent rolls
• Cream cheese
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Butter
• Cinnamon sugar (sugar and cinnamon)

Variations

• Fruit filling: Add a layer of fresh fruit or fruit preserves like raspberry, blueberry, or strawberry on top of the cream cheese filling before rolling up the crescent rolls for a fruity twist.
• Nut topping: Sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts on top of the cinnamon sugar for added crunch and flavor.
• Chocolate drizzle: After baking, drizzle melted chocolate over the buns for a more decadent touch.
• Glazed version: Instead of cinnamon sugar, make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and milk and drizzle it over the buns once they’re baked.
• Vegan option: Use dairy-free crescent rolls, vegan cream cheese, and plant-based butter to make a dairy-free version of this recipe.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the crescent rolls

Unroll the crescent rolls and separate them into triangles. Place them flat on your prepared surface.

Step 3: Make the cream cheese filling

In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Fill the crescent rolls

Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture onto each crescent roll triangle, spreading it out evenly.

Step 5: Roll the crescent rolls

Starting at the wide end, carefully roll up each crescent roll with the cream cheese mixture inside, forming a spiral shape. Place them in the greased baking dish.

Step 6: Add butter and cinnamon sugar

Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the rolled crescent rolls. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the rolls to coat them.

Step 7: Bake the croissant buns

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and crispy on top.

Step 8: Serve and enjoy

Once baked, remove from the oven and let the buns cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm, or let them cool completely and refrigerate for later.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t overfill the rolls: Be careful not to add too much cream cheese filling to the crescent rolls, as this can make them difficult to roll and cause the filling to spill out during baking.
• Use room temperature cream cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
• Check for doneness: Keep an eye on the buns as they bake to avoid overcooking. They should be golden brown and slightly puffed up.
• Store leftovers: Leftover buns can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes for the best texture.

How to Serve

These cheesecake croissant buns are best served warm, right out of the oven. They make an excellent breakfast pastry when paired with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also enjoy them as a sweet afternoon snack or a decadent dessert. For an extra special touch, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. If you’re serving them at a gathering, they can be cut into smaller pieces for easy sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cheesecake croissant buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They can also be refrigerated for a longer shelf life, though they are best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing

If you want to make these buns ahead of time, they can be frozen after baking. Allow the buns to cool completely before wrapping them in plastic wrap and storing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until warm.

Reheating

To reheat the cheesecake croissant buns, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, until they are heated through and the outside is crispy again.

FAQs

1. Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?

Yes, you can use puff pastry for a flakier texture, but the crescent rolls offer a softer, sweeter finish.

2. Can I make these buns ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling and store it in the refrigerator overnight, then assemble and bake the buns in the morning for a quick breakfast.

3. Can I use other sweeteners instead of sugar?

Yes, you can substitute sugar with alternatives like honey, maple syrup, or even a sugar substitute like stevia for a different sweetness.

4. Can I freeze the cream cheese filling?

Yes, you can freeze the cream cheese filling in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the fridge before using.

5. How do I know when the buns are done?

The buns are done when they are golden brown and slightly puffed. You can also insert a toothpick to check the texture inside.

6. Can I add other fillings to these buns?

Absolutely! You can add fruit like berries, or even chocolate chips, along with the cream cheese filling for an extra flavor twist.

7. Can I make these buns without cinnamon sugar?

Yes, you can skip the cinnamon sugar if you prefer a more subtle flavor or top them with glaze instead.

8. Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?

While cream cheese works best for the smooth filling, mascarpone or ricotta cheese can also be used for a slightly different texture and flavor.

9. How do I store leftover croissant buns?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to 3 days.

10. Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make it vegan, use dairy-free crescent rolls, vegan cream cheese, and plant-based butter as substitutes for the traditional ingredients.

Conclusion

Cheesecake croissant buns are a deliciously indulgent treat that combines the rich, creamy filling of cheesecake with the buttery, flaky texture of crescent rolls. This recipe is quick and easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. Whether you enjoy them as a sweet breakfast pastry or a dessert, these buns are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. With the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spiced flavors, they are a must-try for anyone who loves baked goods with a twist.

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