Print

Lemon Cheesecake Rolls

Lemon Cheesecake Rolls

Lemon Cheesecake Rolls are soft, fluffy rolls filled with a creamy, tangy lemon cheesecake filling. They combine the zesty brightness of fresh lemon zest and juice with rich cream cheese in an airy baked dough, making them a refreshing and indulgent dessert perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients, these rolls are versatile, customizable, and sure to impress both casual dessert lovers and festive guests alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder
  • ¼ tsp Salt
  • 2 tbsp Sugar
  • 6 tbsp Cold Butter, cut into pieces
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 2 tbsp Milk (a splash)

Cheesecake Filling Ingredients

  • 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
  • ⅓ cup Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Zest
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 tbsp Butter (optional, softened, for richness)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Cut 6 tablespoons of cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Beat 2 eggs and add them along with a splash (2 tbsp) of milk. Gently combine everything until you form a smooth, elastic dough. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Make the Cheesecake Filling: Beat together 8 ounces softened cream cheese, ⅓ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until creamy and smooth. Optionally, add 1 tablespoon softened butter to enhance richness.
  3. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the prepared lemon cheesecake filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent filling leakage during baking.
  4. Roll and Slice: Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into even pieces approximately 1 to 1 ½ inches thick. Arrange the rolls on a parchment-lined baking dish, leaving space between them.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving or glazing.

Notes

  • Chill the dough well before rolling to make handling easier and to prevent the butter from melting prematurely.
  • Do not overfill the rolls with filling to avoid leaks and uneven baking.
  • Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest flavor; avoid bottled lemon extracts.
  • Slice the rolled log with a sharp, serrated knife to maintain neat, intact rolls.
  • Watch the baking time closely, as overbaking can dry out the rolls. Remove when golden brown.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon cheesecake rolls, lemon dessert, cheesecake filling, lemon rolls, creamy lemon dessert, quick lemon dessert