Easy Strawberry Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe

Posted on August 19, 2025

If you’re looking for a quick treat that’s equal parts impressive and delicious, these Easy Strawberry & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are just the ticket! Imagine soft, flaky crescent rolls wrapped around a creamy, sweet filling and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor—sounds like heaven, right? Whether you need a crowd-pleaser for brunch, a simple dessert, or just a fun weekend baking project, this recipe has you covered.

I first stumbled upon this recipe when I was trying to whip something up for a last-minute gathering. You know how it goes—time is short, but you still want to serve something homemade and memorable. These crescent rolls ticked all the boxes! Plus, they only require a handful of ingredients and no fancy techniques. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your recipe arsenal.

The Story Behind Strawberry Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls

Crescent rolls have been a household favorite for decades—they’re versatile, buttery, and ridiculously easy to work with. But adding strawberries and cream cheese? That’s when magic happens. This combination feels like a nod to classic strawberry cheesecake but with a casual, handheld twist.

Growing up, strawberries were always a special treat. Whether we were picking them fresh at a local farm or enjoying them in desserts, they carried a sense of nostalgia. This recipe combines that childhood love of strawberries with my adult appreciation for easy-to-make dishes that pack a punch. It’s a mix of comfort and indulgence, perfect for any season but especially delightful during spring and summer when strawberries are at their peak.

Over time, I’ve tweaked the recipe to suit different occasions. Sometimes I add a drizzle of chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair. But the core of this recipe—sweet strawberries, tangy cream cheese, and buttery crescent rolls—remains a classic. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just treating yourself, these rolls always feel special.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need anything fancy—just a few staples and fresh strawberries to create something spectacular.

Crescent Roll Dough: Go for store-bought crescent roll dough for convenience. If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade dough works too, but honestly, the pre-made kind is perfect for this recipe.
Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese is ideal for the richest, creamiest filling. If you’re watching calories, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese, but avoid fat-free—it doesn’t have the same texture.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are the star here! Choose berries that are ripe and sweet. Frozen strawberries can work in a pinch, but they’ll add more moisture, so adjust accordingly.
Granulated Sugar: A little sugar helps sweeten the cream cheese and balances the tartness of the strawberries.
Vanilla Extract: This adds a warm note to the filling. Pure vanilla extract is best, but imitation works if that’s what you have on hand.
Egg Wash: An egg beaten with a splash of water gives the rolls a golden, glossy finish.
Optional Toppings: Powdered sugar for dusting or even a drizzle of melted chocolate can take these rolls to the next level!

Pro Tip: If strawberries aren’t in season, try substituting with raspberries, blueberries, or even a dollop of your favorite jam.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need much for this recipe, which makes it even better for last-minute baking! Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Baking Sheet: A standard-size baking sheet works perfectly for these rolls.
Parchment Paper: Prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Mixing Bowl: For combining the cream cheese filling.
Spatula or Spoon: Use this to spread the filling onto the dough.
Pastry Brush: For applying the egg wash.
Knife: If you need to trim or shape the dough.

Don’t worry if you don’t have a pastry brush—you can use a clean paper towel or even your fingers to apply the egg wash. And if you’re low on parchment paper, greasing your baking sheet works too!

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Slice the strawberries: Wash and hull about 1 cup of fresh strawberries. Slice them thinly to ensure even distribution and easy rolling.
Unroll the crescent dough: Lay out the crescent roll triangles on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Add the filling: Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each triangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
Add the strawberries: Place a few strawberry slices on top of the cream cheese layer.
Roll them up: Starting at the wide end of each triangle, gently roll the dough toward the point. Arrange the rolls on the baking sheet with the seam side down.
Egg wash: Beat one egg with a tablespoon of water and brush it lightly over the tops of the rolls for a golden finish.
Bake: Pop the rolls into the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and puffed up.
Cool slightly: Let the rolls cool for a few minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate if desired.

That’s it! You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen smells like sweet strawberries and buttery pastry.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tips to make sure your strawberry cream cheese crescent rolls turn out perfectly every time:

Don’t overfill: Too much filling can make the rolls messy and harder to bake evenly. Stick to a thin layer!
Chill the cream cheese: Slightly chilled cream cheese is easier to spread and keeps the filling from running out during baking.
Use ripe strawberries: Under-ripe strawberries can be tart and won’t give you that sweet burst of flavor.
Seal the edges: Pinch any loose seams to prevent the filling from leaking out as the rolls bake.
Watch the oven: Crescent rolls can brown quickly toward the end, so keep an eye on them around the 10-minute mark.

And if you accidentally burn a batch (hey, it happens!), don’t stress. Just scrape off the tops and enjoy them anyway—they’re still delicious!

Variations & Adaptations

Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations to try:

Make it chocolatey: Add mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling for a strawberry-chocolate twist.
Switch the fruit: Swap out strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for a seasonal adaptation.
Jam-filled version: Use strawberry jam instead of fresh strawberries for a smoother filling.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free crescent roll dough if available.
Savory twist: Skip the sugar and strawberries and fill the rolls with cream cheese and chopped herbs for a savory appetizer.

One of my favorite variations is adding a dollop of lemon curd to the cream cheese mixture—it’s tangy, sweet, and just plain irresistible!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These crescent rolls are best served warm, straight from the oven. Pair them with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a chilled glass of lemonade for a delightful treat.

Serving: Arrange the rolls on a platter and dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for a pretty presentation.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm them up in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Freezing: These rolls can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag.

As they sit, the flavors deepen, making them just as tasty the next day—if they last that long!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutrition per roll (assuming you make 8):

Calories: 180
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 8g

Fresh strawberries provide a boost of vitamin C and antioxidants, while cream cheese adds calcium and a satisfying creaminess. For those watching sugar intake, you can reduce or omit the added sugar and rely on the natural sweetness of the berries.

Conclusion

These Easy Strawberry & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls truly hit the sweet spot between simplicity and indulgence. They’re quick to make, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re treating yourself, your family, or your guests, these rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

I love this recipe because it’s not just delicious—it’s also fun to make. Rolling up the crescents and watching them puff up in the oven feels like a little victory every time. So, grab some crescent dough, fresh strawberries, and cream cheese, and give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!

If you do make them, I’d love to hear how they turned out. Leave a comment below or tag me in your photos on social media. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw them first and pat them dry to reduce excess moisture.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

Mascarpone is a great substitute, or you can use ricotta for a lighter option.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare them up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Be sure not to overfill the rolls and pinch the seams tightly before baking.

Are these rolls gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can use gluten-free crescent dough if it’s available in your area.