Raspberry Crescent Rolls Recipe: A Sweet & Simple Pastry Delight

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious pastry to enjoy for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet treat after dinner, then Raspberry Crescent Rolls are an absolute must-try. This delightful recipe combines the flaky, buttery layers of crescent roll dough with the tangy sweetness of raspberry jam and a smooth cream cheese filling. Whether you’re serving them to family and friends or simply treating yourself, these rolls are sure to be a hit!

In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about making Raspberry Crescent Rolls. From a detailed breakdown of the ingredients to step-by-step instructions, tips, and FAQs, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s get started on creating these irresistible treats!

Ingredients for Raspberry Crescent Rolls

To make these mouth-watering rolls, you only need a few simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need for the dough, filling, and glaze:

For the Rolls:

• 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough – This forms the base of your rolls. It’s easy to work with and saves you time, giving you that perfect flaky texture.
• ½ cup raspberry jam or preserves – The sweet and tart raspberry jam is the heart of these rolls, giving them their signature flavor.
• ½ cup fresh raspberries (optional) – Fresh raspberries add a nice burst of freshness and extra texture, but they are completely optional.
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened) – Cream cheese adds a creamy richness that balances out the tartness of the jam, giving the rolls a decadent filling.
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar – This is mixed into the cream cheese to sweeten it and make it smooth and easy to spread.
• ½ tsp vanilla extract – A dash of vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cream cheese and ties everything together.
• 1 tbsp butter (melted) – This melted butter is used to brush on top of the rolls before baking, giving them that golden, shiny finish.
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar – Sprinkling sugar on top before baking creates a sweet, slightly crispy crust.

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar – This forms the base of your glaze, adding sweetness and texture.
• 1-2 tbsp milk – The milk thins out the powdered sugar, creating a smooth, drizzle-able glaze.
• ½ tsp vanilla extract – A bit of vanilla in the glaze brings out the natural sweetness of the rolls.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Raspberry Crescent Rolls

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your oven is nice and hot, which helps the rolls bake evenly and become golden brown. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the rolls from sticking during baking and make cleanup easier.

Next, open your can of refrigerated crescent roll dough and carefully separate the dough into individual triangles. You’ll use each triangle to create your raspberry-filled rolls.

2. Prepare the Filling

Now, it’s time to make the delicious cream cheese filling. In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients together until smooth and creamy. The cream cheese filling should be thick enough to spread easily but still creamy and fluffy.

3. Assemble the Rolls

Take each crescent roll dough triangle and spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture across the wide end. You don’t need too much, just enough to coat the dough. Then, add a teaspoon of raspberry jam near the wide end of each triangle. For added freshness, you can place one or two fresh raspberries on top of the jam, though this step is optional. The fresh raspberries add texture and an extra burst of flavor.

Once you’ve added the cream cheese and raspberry jam, carefully roll up each crescent, starting from the wide end. Tuck the edges slightly to prevent the filling from leaking out as it bakes. Make sure they are tightly rolled so that the filling stays inside during baking.

4. Bake the Crescent Rolls

Brush the tops of your assembled rolls with melted butter to give them a shiny, golden finish. Then, sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top to add a touch of sweetness and create a slightly crispy crust. Place the rolls on your prepared baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and flaky.

5. Make the Glaze & Serve

While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and drizzle-able. If you find that the glaze is too thick, simply add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Once the Raspberry Crescent Rolls are baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. This glaze will add an extra layer of sweetness and make the rolls even more irresistible.

Why You Should Make Raspberry Crescent Rolls

Easy & Quick

One of the best things about Raspberry Crescent Rolls is how easy and quick they are to make. With store-bought crescent dough, you save time without compromising on flavor. These rolls can be prepared and baked in under 30 minutes, making them a perfect option for a last-minute treat.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, having a casual breakfast, or serving dessert, Raspberry Crescent Rolls fit the bill. They are versatile enough to enjoy in the morning with a cup of coffee or as an after-dinner treat. The sweet and tangy raspberry filling paired with the rich cream cheese and the flaky dough is sure to satisfy any craving.

Customizable to Your Liking

While this recipe calls for raspberry jam and fresh raspberries, you can easily swap these out for other fruit fillings. Try using strawberry jam, blueberry jam, or even cherry preserves if you prefer. The cream cheese filling pairs wonderfully with a variety of fruit flavors, so you can experiment and make these rolls your own.

Make-Ahead Option

These rolls are also perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the dough and filling, assemble the rolls, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This makes them a great option for busy mornings or when you’re hosting guests and want to save time in the kitchen.

FAQs About Raspberry Crescent Rolls

1. Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh? Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid from the frozen raspberries before adding them to the rolls. Fresh raspberries are preferred for their texture, but frozen raspberries will work just fine.
2. Can I substitute the crescent roll dough with puff pastry? Absolutely! If you prefer puff pastry, it can be used in place of crescent roll dough. The result will be a flakier and slightly puffier roll, but the overall flavor will still be delicious.
3. How long do Raspberry Crescent Rolls stay fresh? These rolls are best enjoyed the day they are made. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to bring back some of the flakiness.
4. Can I make these rolls gluten-free? Yes, you can! Look for gluten-free crescent roll dough or puff pastry at your local grocery store. The cream cheese filling and raspberry jam are naturally gluten-free, so with the right dough, this recipe can easily be adapted for a gluten-free diet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Raspberry Crescent Rolls are the perfect blend of simplicity, flavor, and elegance. With their rich cream cheese filling, tangy raspberry jam, and flaky, buttery dough, these rolls are sure to impress anyone who tastes them. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just treating yourself on a lazy afternoon, they are an easy and delicious option. So, grab some crescent roll dough, raspberry jam, and cream cheese, and start baking today!

These rolls are guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe collection—simple, sweet, and satisfying every time!

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