Raspberry Crescent Rolls

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The first time I made Raspberry Crescent Rolls, I wasn’t expecting them to become such a regular in my kitchen. But something about the buttery layers of crescent dough, the tangy brightness of raspberries, and that sweet cloud of powdered sugar on top just hit every craving. Whether I’m planning a relaxed weekend breakfast or need a quick treat for friends dropping by, these always steal the spotlight.

What I especially love about them is how ridiculously simple they are to whip up while still looking like they came straight from a bakery window. You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to master this—just a few ingredients, a cozy oven, and the willingness to watch these golden beauties puff up with magic.

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Why You’ll Love This Raspberry Crescent Rolls Recipe

• Fast & fuss-free: Only a few basic steps and minimal prep.
• Perfectly balanced flavors: Sweet, tart, and buttery with a creamy surprise inside.
• Beautiful presentation: That golden crust dusted with powdered sugar makes them look as good as they taste.
• Great for any occasion: Breakfast, dessert, or a mid-day snack—totally versatile.
• Customizable: Add a bit of lemon zest, swap in different berries, or drizzle with icing—there’s room to play!

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What Kind of Crescent Dough Should I Use for Raspberry Crescent Rolls?

You can’t really go wrong with the dough for this one, but I’ll admit I have a favorite. I always reach for the refrigerated crescent roll dough you find in the pop-can style tubes—it’s convenient, flaky, and perfectly buttery. Pillsbury is the go-to brand, but any similar version will work just as well.

If you want something a little more artisan, puff pastry sheets are a fine substitute—just keep in mind they puff up more and give you more of a croissant vibe rather than a classic crescent roll texture. Still delicious, just slightly different in feel.

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Options for Substitutions

• Fruit Filling: Not a fan of raspberries? No worries. Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, or even a mixed berry jam work beautifully.
• Cheese Filling: You can swap the cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer, silkier bite. Want something lighter? Try ricotta with a touch of honey.
• Sweetener: If you’re cutting back on sugar, try using a sugar-free jam or a bit of monk fruit sweetener in the filling.
• Glaze Instead of Sugar Dusting: Skip the powdered sugar and drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the rolls for a more decadent finish.
• Lemon Zest: Add a bright citrus note to the filling with some lemon or orange zest. It complements the berries wonderfully.

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Ingredients for This Raspberry Crescent Rolls Recipe

Each ingredient plays a key role in making these rolls irresistible, from the flaky crust to the creamy filling and that juicy raspberry burst.

• Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough: This is the base of the recipe, giving that buttery, golden exterior with soft, layered insides.
• Fresh Raspberries: They add tartness and natural sweetness—bursting with flavor in every bite.
• Cream Cheese: Provides a smooth, rich, slightly tangy layer that balances the berries beautifully.
• Granulated Sugar: A touch of sweetness mixed into the cream cheese enhances the flavor without overpowering it.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cream cheese filling.
• Powdered Sugar: Lightly dusted on top for that elegant bakery finish and a final sweet touch.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Take the crescent roll dough out of the fridge so it can warm slightly and be easier to work with.

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Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This luscious mixture will be the base that complements the tart raspberries.

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Step 3: Roll Out and Fill

Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles (or rectangles, depending on your dough type). Spread a spoonful of the cream cheese filling in the center of each piece, then place a few raspberries right on top.

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Step 4: Fold and Seal

Carefully roll the dough over the filling, tucking in the sides slightly to help keep everything sealed. If you’re using triangles, start at the wide end and roll toward the point, like a traditional crescent.

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Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place each roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.

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Step 6: Cool and Dust

Let the rolls cool slightly before dusting them with powdered sugar. They’re best served warm when the filling is soft and the berries are juicy.

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How Long to Cook Raspberry Crescent Rolls

These rolls bake quickly, which makes them perfect for when you’re short on time but still want something homemade and special. In a 375°F (190°C) oven, they should take about 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and the dough feels crisp to the touch. If your oven tends to run hot, check them at the 12-minute mark to prevent overbaking.

Let them rest for 5 minutes after baking—this helps the filling set just enough so it doesn’t ooze out when you take that first bite.

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Tips for Perfect Raspberry Crescent Rolls

• Use softened cream cheese: This helps it blend smoothly with sugar and vanilla, giving you a silky filling.
• Don’t overstuff: Too much filling can cause the rolls to burst open while baking. A little goes a long way.
• Seal the edges well: Press down lightly to keep the filling from leaking out.
• Chill the dough if it gets too soft: If it starts to feel sticky, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes.
• Rotate your pan: Halfway through baking, rotate your baking sheet to ensure even browning.
• Serve slightly warm: That’s when the textures are just right—flaky on the outside, gooey in the middle.
• Dust after baking: Powdered sugar will melt if the rolls are too hot, so wait a few minutes.
• Add a glaze if you like it sweeter: A drizzle of icing takes these from breakfast to dessert.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though Raspberry Crescent Rolls are super easy to make, there are a few small missteps that can mess with your results. Here’s what to look out for:

• Using cold cream cheese: It won’t mix smoothly, and you’ll end up with a lumpy filling.
• Overfilling the rolls: Too much filling can cause leaks and make the dough soggy.
• Skipping parchment paper: Crescent dough is buttery and can stick to the pan—line it to save yourself the cleanup headache.
• Underbaking: If the tops look golden but the bottoms aren’t done, the rolls can be doughy inside. Always check the underside before pulling them out.
• Not sealing the edges: This can cause the rolls to unravel and lose their shape.
• Opening the oven too often: Let the heat stay consistent for a good rise and color.
• Dusting with powdered sugar too early: It’ll melt into the rolls instead of creating that pretty, snowy look.
• Crowding the pan: Leave some space between each roll so they bake evenly and don’t stick together.

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What to Serve With Raspberry Crescent Rolls?

These rolls are delicious on their own, but they also shine as part of a bigger spread or cozy moment. Here are a few pairings to try:

Freshly Brewed Coffee

The buttery, fruity combo pairs perfectly with a hot cup of black coffee or a creamy latte.

Orange Juice or a Mimosa

Bright, citrusy flavors balance the richness of the rolls and make them brunch-ready.

Yogurt Parfait

A layered bowl with Greek yogurt, granola, and berries rounds out the meal with texture and freshness.

Scrambled Eggs

For a more savory breakfast, these rolls go great alongside fluffy, seasoned eggs.

Brie or Soft Cheese Plate

Create a mini cheese board and serve the rolls as a sweet contrast—especially if you’re entertaining.

A Glass of Cold Milk

A simple but classic pairing, especially if you’re enjoying them as dessert.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve a warm roll next to a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a dreamy, indulgent dessert.

Lemon Curd or Fruit Preserves

Offer a small dish of something tangy or extra sweet for dipping or spreading on top.

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Storage Instructions

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (they disappear fast!), Raspberry Crescent Rolls store quite well:

• Room Temperature: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Just make sure they’ve fully cooled before storing to avoid sogginess.
• Refrigerator: Store for up to 5 days in a sealed container. The dough may lose a little of its crispness, but a quick warm-up helps.
• Freezing: You can freeze baked rolls! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
• Reheating Tip: For the best texture, reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven—not the microwave.

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Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a rough estimate for 1 Raspberry Crescent Roll (assuming the recipe makes 8 rolls):

• Calories: ~180
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Sugars: 9g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: <1g

These numbers can vary depending on the exact brand of dough and the amount of filling used, but it gives you a solid ballpark. They’re indulgent but still feel lighter than many traditional pastries.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of raspberries should I use—fresh or frozen?

Fresh raspberries work best for this recipe since they don’t release as much moisture during baking. But if you only have frozen, thaw them and pat dry thoroughly before using.

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Can I make these crescent rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble them a few hours in advance and store them in the fridge, covered. When you’re ready, pop them in the oven to bake fresh.

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Can I use jam instead of whole raspberries?

Yes! A spoonful of raspberry jam or preserves can be used in place of fresh berries. Just don’t go overboard—too much can leak out during baking.

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How do I keep the rolls from unrolling in the oven?

Make sure to gently press and seal the dough along the seams. Placing them seam-side down also helps keep everything snug during baking.

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Are these rolls too sweet for breakfast?

Not at all. They’re gently sweet—perfectly balanced by the cream cheese and berries. They actually work well as breakfast or dessert.

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Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Just grab an extra tube of crescent dough and double the filling ingredients. You might need an extra baking sheet depending on your oven size.

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Can I use other fillings besides cream cheese?

Of course! Try Nutella, almond butter, or lemon curd. Just remember to keep the filling amount small to avoid spills.

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Do I need to grease the baking sheet?

Nope—use parchment paper instead. It keeps the bottoms crisp and makes cleanup easy.

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Conclusion

Raspberry Crescent Rolls are one of those delightfully simple treats that deliver on both flavor and presentation. Whether you’re baking for your family on a lazy Sunday morning or whipping up a last-minute dessert, these rolls are guaranteed to please. Flaky, creamy, tart, and just sweet enough—they hit all the right notes. The best part? You can make them with pantry staples and a handful of fresh berries.

Once you make them, you’ll see just how easy it is to turn a basic tube of crescent dough into something truly special.

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