Ingredients:

• 1 package crescent roll dough (usually 8 rolls)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon sugar (for topping)
• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the sweetness if desired, adding a bit more powdered sugar if you prefer it sweeter.
3. Add Lemon Juice to the Blueberries:
   • Place the blueberries in a separate bowl and add the lemon juice, tossing to coat. The lemon juice enhances the freshness and brightness of the berries, complementing the cream cheese filling.
4. Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough:
   • Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles along the perforated lines. Lay the triangles out on your prepared baking sheet.
5. Assemble the Crescent Rolls:
   • Place about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture near the wide end of each triangle. Top the cream cheese with a few blueberries.
   • Carefully roll up each crescent roll from the wide end toward the point, gently pressing the sides to seal as you roll to keep the filling from spilling out during baking. Some filling may still seep out, but that’s okay—it adds to the rustic look.
6. Sprinkle with Sugar:
   • Once all the crescent rolls are filled and rolled, sprinkle the tops lightly with the tablespoon of sugar. This gives the rolls a slight caramelized crunch after baking.
7. Bake the Crescent Rolls:
   • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
8. Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar:
   • Allow the crescent rolls to cool slightly on a wire rack. If desired, dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful, bakery-style finish.
9. Serve:
   • Enjoy these rolls warm, fresh from the oven, when the filling is perfectly melty and creamy.

Nutrition Facts (estimated per crescent roll):

• Calories: 210
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 210mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 21g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
   • Yes, frozen blueberries work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them first to prevent excess liquid from making the dough soggy.
2. Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?
   • If you don’t have cream cheese, you can try mascarpone cheese for a milder flavor, or Greek yogurt for a healthier, tangier twist.
3. What other fruits can I use instead of blueberries?
   • Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, or even sliced peaches or apples can be used. Adjust the sweetness according to the fruit you choose.
4. How can I make these rolls vegan?
   • Use vegan crescent roll dough, dairy-free cream cheese, and a plant-based milk or cream. Most of the other ingredients can remain the same.
5. Can I add a glaze instead of powdered sugar?
   • Absolutely! A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and a little milk or lemon juice drizzled over the rolls adds a sweet touch and enhances the presentation.

Tips for Making the Best Blueberry Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls:

1. Soften the Cream Cheese: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. This ensures a smooth filling that’s easy to spread without lumps.
2. Prevent Overfilling: Use about 1 tablespoon of filling per roll. Overfilling can cause the filling to leak out too much, making the rolls messy.
3. Seal the Dough: After rolling, press the seams gently to prevent too much of the filling from oozing out. It’s normal for a little bit of filling to seep, which adds a homemade charm, but sealing well minimizes excess leakage.
4. Chill the Dough if Needed: If the crescent roll dough becomes too warm and sticky, place it in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up. This makes handling and rolling easier.
5. Experiment with Add-Ins: For added flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a few lemon zest shavings to the cream cheese mixture. You can also sprinkle sliced almonds or chopped pecans over the filling for a little crunch.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigerating Leftovers: Place leftover rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
• Freezing: Freeze the baked crescent rolls by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat the rolls in the oven or toaster oven rather than the microwave. The microwave may cause them to become soggy, whereas the oven will help them stay crisp and flaky.

Conclusion:

Blueberry Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are a delightful treat that combines creamy, sweet filling with the flaky goodness of crescent roll dough. This recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers, as it requires minimal ingredients and preparation time. With the addition of fresh or frozen blueberries and a touch of lemon juice, these rolls have a refreshing, fruity flavor balanced by the rich, smooth cream cheese. They’re versatile enough to be enjoyed for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack with coffee or tea. Serve them warm from the oven, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with glaze for a picture-perfect pastry that tastes as good as it looks.

These crescent rolls are sure to impress guests, family, and friends alike with their simplicity and delicious flavor. Give them a try, and enjoy a bakery-worthy treat in the comfort of your own kitchen!