Looking for a sweet and indulgent treat that combines the best of both worlds? These Cheesecake Croissant Buns are a perfect blend of rich, creamy cheesecake filling wrapped in buttery, flaky crescent dough. The combination of the creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling and the cinnamon-sugar topping creates a mouthwatering treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
The recipe is simple, requiring only a few ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. The crescent roll dough serves as a quick base for a delicious, homemade pastry without the need for any complicated techniques. Once baked, the buns turn golden brown and delicious, making them an irresistible option for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special brunch gathering or just looking for a sweet snack to enjoy at home, these Cheesecake Croissant Buns are sure to impress.
Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also customizable with your favorite fillings or toppings. This recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Cheesecake Croissant Buns offer a wonderful balance of textures and flavors. The light and flaky crescent roll dough provides a perfect contrast to the smooth, creamy cheesecake filling, while the cinnamon-sugar topping adds an irresistible sweet and slightly spiced finish. Each bite delivers a heavenly combination of buttery dough, tangy cream cheese, and a warm, cinnamon-sugar glaze that’s simply unforgettable.
The best part? This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a short baking time, you can have freshly baked, gooey, and golden-brown croissant buns in no time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is foolproof and can be enjoyed by anyone who loves dessert. Plus, it’s versatile—feel free to experiment with additional toppings like fruit or chocolate chips to make it your own.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Butter (melted)
- Ground cinnamon
Variations
Add Fruit
For a fruity twist, add fresh berries such as raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries to the cream cheese mixture. This adds a fresh burst of flavor and color to the buns.
Nutty Flavor
Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon-sugar mixture before drizzling it over the buns to add an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
Chocolate Chips
Mix mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese filling for a decadent, chocolatey treat.
Swirls and Glaze
For added sweetness and visual appeal, top the buns with a simple powdered sugar glaze or drizzle chocolate syrup over them after baking.
Dairy-Free
For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure that your buns won’t stick during baking.
Step 2: Prepare Crescent Roll Dough
Unroll the refrigerated crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles on a flat surface.
Step 3: Make Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Fill the Crescent Rolls
Spread a heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto each crescent roll triangle. Make sure to spread it evenly across the dough, leaving the edges free so they can seal during baking.
Step 5: Roll Up the Dough
Carefully roll up each crescent roll, starting at the wide end, and place them in the prepared baking dish, making sure the pointed ends are tucked underneath.
Step 6: Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, 1/4 cup of sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix well.
Step 7: Coat the Rolls
Pour the cinnamon-butter mixture evenly over the crescent rolls, making sure each bun is coated with the sugary goodness.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the cream cheese filling is bubbling slightly.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving. This gives the filling a chance to set, making them easier to enjoy without making a mess.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Ensure your cream cheese is softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the filling. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- If you prefer a slightly sweeter version, increase the amount of sugar in the filling by a tablespoon or two.
- Keep an eye on the buns as they bake to prevent burning, as oven temperatures can vary.
- For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter and adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly.
- If you prefer a crispier top, broil the buns for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of the baking time, but watch them closely.
How to Serve
Cheesecake Croissant Buns are best served warm, right out of the oven. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or milk for a delightful treat. Serve them for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet dessert after dinner. They are also great for special occasions such as holidays, birthdays, or gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
Freezing
To freeze, let the buns cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat the buns in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds, but the oven method will keep the crust crispy.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade crescent dough?
Yes, if you prefer, you can use homemade crescent dough for a more personal touch, but refrigerated dough makes the recipe faster and easier.
2. Can I make these buns ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the buns in advance, store them in the fridge, and bake them just before serving.
3. What can I do if I don’t have cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use mascarpone or ricotta cheese as an alternative, although the flavor will be slightly different.
4. Can I make these buns dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives to make this recipe dairy-free.
5. How do I prevent the filling from spilling out during baking?
Be sure to seal the edges of the crescent rolls well before rolling them up. Avoid overfilling each roll with the cream cheese mixture.
6. Can I add fruit to the filling?
Yes! You can add fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced apples, to the cream cheese mixture for extra flavor and texture.
7. Can I freeze the unbaked buns?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked buns. Assemble the buns, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to a storage bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
8. Can I drizzle glaze over these buns?
Yes, a simple powdered sugar glaze or cream cheese glaze would complement the flavors beautifully.
9. How long will these buns keep?
These buns will stay fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the fridge.
10. Can I make these buns without cinnamon?
Yes, if you prefer, you can skip the cinnamon and simply use the butter and sugar mixture for a less spiced version.
Conclusion
Cheesecake Croissant Buns are a deliciously indulgent treat that combines the best of a cheesecake and a croissant in one easy-to-make pastry. With their creamy, tangy filling and sweet cinnamon-sugar glaze, these buns are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a special brunch or treating yourself to something sweet, they are sure to be a hit. Try this simple recipe today and enjoy a fresh, homemade pastry that will leave everyone asking for more.
PrintCheesecake Croissant Buns Recipe
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 8 buns 1x
Description
Cheesecake Croissant Buns are a delicious, indulgent treat that combines the flakiness of crescent rolls with the creamy sweetness of a cheesecake filling. Topped with a cinnamon-sugar butter mixture, these buns are a perfect breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 tube refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread a heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto each crescent roll triangle.
- Roll up each crescent roll and place in the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, 1/4 cup sugar, and cinnamon.
- Pour the butter mixture over the crescent rolls.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- For an extra touch, drizzle a simple glaze over the buns after they are baked.
- You can top these buns with fresh fruit for added flavor.
- These can be served warm for the best experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes