Sweet Breakfast Crescent Rolls

There’s something magical about waking up to the aroma of Sweet Breakfast Crescent Rolls baking in the oven. As a family favorite in our home, these delightful pastries have become a weekend tradition that brings everyone to the table with smiles. The beauty of these Sweet Breakfast Crescent Rolls lies in their versatility and simplicity – using store-bought crescent roll dough as a base while transforming it into something truly special with sweet fillings and toppings. Whether it’s a holiday morning, a special celebration, or just because you want to make an ordinary day extraordinary, these sweet treats are guaranteed to create lasting memories around your breakfast table.

My grandmother first introduced these rolls to our family gatherings decades ago, and since then, they’ve evolved through generations with each family member adding their own special touch. What makes these breakfast rolls so beloved is how they combine convenience with homemade goodness – creating something that tastes like it took hours but can be prepared in minutes. Let me share our treasured family recipe that has warmed hearts and filled bellies for years.

Ingredients

For the basic Sweet Breakfast Crescent Rolls, you’ll need:

• 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

For the cream cheese filling variation:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the fruit filling variation:

• 1 cup fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) or diced fruits (apples, peaches)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional toppings:

• Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
• Raisins or dried cranberries
• Mini chocolate chips
• Shredded coconut

Timing

One of the greatest advantages of these Sweet Breakfast Crescent Rolls is how quickly they come together:

• Preparation time: 15-20 minutes
• Baking time: 12-15 minutes
• Cooling and glazing: 5-10 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 40 minutes

This timing makes these rolls perfect for busy mornings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. You can also prepare them the night before and refrigerate them unbaked, which reduces morning prep time to just the baking portion!

Step-by-step instructions

Basic Cinnamon Sugar Crescent Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
3. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles along the perforated lines.
4. Spread about 1/2 teaspoon of softened butter over each triangle.
5. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over each buttered triangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. Starting from the wide end of each triangle, roll the dough toward the pointed end.
7. Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet, making sure the tip of the triangle is tucked underneath to prevent unraveling during baking.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
10. Allow the rolls to cool for 5 minutes before drizzling with glaze.

Cream Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls

1. Follow steps 1 and 3 from above.
2. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto each triangle.
4. Sprinkle with a light dusting of cinnamon-sugar mixture if desired.
5. Roll up as directed in steps 6-7 above.
6. Bake and glaze as directed.

Fruit Filled Crescent Rolls

1. If using fresh berries, gently mix them with sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon.
2. For apples or peaches, sauté them briefly with the sugar and cinnamon until slightly softened.
3. Place about 1-2 tablespoons of fruit filling on the wide end of each triangle.
4. Roll up carefully, making sure to tuck in any stray pieces of fruit.
5. Continue with baking instructions as above.

Nutritional Information

While these Sweet Breakfast Crescent Rolls are certainly a treat, it’s helpful to understand their nutritional profile. The following information is approximate per roll with basic cinnamon-sugar filling:

• Calories: 180-220 calories
• Total Fat: 10-12g
• Saturated Fat: 4-5g
• Cholesterol: 10-15mg
• Sodium: 250-300mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 22-25g
• Dietary Fiber: 0-1g
• Sugars: 11-13g
• Protein: 2-3g

The nutritional values will vary based on which filling variation you choose. The cream cheese version will add additional calories and fat, while the fruit versions will add more natural sugars but also beneficial nutrients from the fruits.

Healthier Alternatives

While traditional Sweet Breakfast Crescent Rolls are undeniably delicious, there are several ways to make them a bit more nutritious without sacrificing taste:

• Use reduced-fat crescent roll dough if available at your grocery store.
• Substitute part of the butter with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat content.
• Reduce the amount of sugar in both the filling and glaze – the rolls will still taste delicious.
• Use light cream cheese for the cream cheese filling variation.
• Increase the fruit-to-sugar ratio in fruit fillings to get more natural sweetness and nutrition.
• Try a Greek yogurt glaze by mixing Greek yogurt with a small amount of honey or maple syrup instead of traditional powdered sugar glaze.
• Add ground flaxseed or chia seeds to your fillings for an omega-3 boost.
• Include nuts for healthy fats and protein.

Remember that these are still special treats, but these modifications can help make them a bit more balanced while still satisfying your sweet breakfast cravings.

Serving Suggestions

Transform your Sweet Breakfast Crescent Rolls into a memorable morning meal with these serving ideas:

• Create a breakfast board with the rolls as the centerpiece, surrounded by fresh fruit, yogurt cups, and small dishes of various toppings like nuts, chocolate chips, and coconut flakes.
• Serve with a protein-rich side such as scrambled eggs or Greek yogurt to balance the meal.
• Pair with fresh fruit salad to add refreshing contrast to the sweet rolls.
• Offer a selection of different roll varieties (cinnamon, cream cheese, various fruits) on a tiered serving plate for a beautiful brunch presentation.
• Serve alongside breakfast beverages like coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or fresh orange juice.
• For special occasions, create a “build-your-own” crescent roll bar with various fillings and toppings.
• Garnish serving plates with fresh mint leaves and powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

These rolls are perfect for holiday breakfasts, weekend family gatherings, baby showers, or any time you want to make breakfast feel special.

Common Mistakes

Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your Sweet Breakfast Crescent Rolls turn out perfectly every time:

• Working with warm dough: If the dough becomes too warm, it gets sticky and difficult to handle. Keep it refrigerated until ready to use, and work quickly.
• Overfilling the rolls: Too much filling can leak out during baking and cause a mess. Stick to the recommended amounts.
• Not sealing properly: Make sure the pointed end of the triangle is tucked underneath the roll to prevent it from unraveling.
• Skipping parchment paper: These rolls can stick to the baking sheet, so parchment paper or proper greasing is essential.
• Adding glaze too soon: If you glaze the rolls while they’re too hot, the glaze will simply melt off. Allow them to cool for at least 5 minutes.
• Not watching baking time carefully: Crescent rolls can go from perfectly golden to overbrowned very quickly. Start checking at the minimum baking time.
• Using wet fruit fillings: If your fruit filling is too juicy, it can make the dough soggy. Drain excess liquid or use the cornstarch method mentioned earlier.

Storage Tips

Make the most of your Sweet Breakfast Crescent Rolls with these storage and make-ahead strategies:

• Storing leftovers: Place completely cooled rolls in an airtight container. They’ll keep at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing baked rolls: Allow to cool completely, then freeze in a single layer until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes if desired.
• Make-ahead (unbaked): Prepare the rolls up to the point of baking, then place them on a baking sheet and refrigerate overnight, covered with plastic wrap. In the morning, remove from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, then bake as directed (may require 1-2 extra minutes).
• Freezing unbaked rolls: Place shaped, unbaked rolls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, place frozen rolls on a baking sheet and let thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
• Storing glaze separately: If you’re making these ahead, consider storing the glaze separately in the refrigerator and warming it slightly before drizzling over reheated rolls.

For the best flavor and texture, these rolls are ideally enjoyed fresh from the oven, but with proper storage, you can continue to enjoy them for several days.

Conclusion

Sweet Breakfast Crescent Rolls have that rare quality of being both simple to make and tremendously satisfying. As a cherished family recipe that has graced our breakfast table through holidays, celebrations, and ordinary weekends alike, these rolls hold a special place in our hearts. The way they fill the house with their warm, cinnamon-scented aroma creates an atmosphere of comfort and togetherness that’s increasingly precious in our busy lives.

FAQs

Can I make Sweet Breakfast Crescent Rolls with homemade dough instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! While using store-bought crescent roll dough makes this recipe quick and convenient, you can certainly use homemade dough for an even more special touch. A basic homemade crescent roll dough or even a puff pastry dough works wonderfully. The preparation will take longer, but many bakers find the results worth the extra effort for special occasions.

My rolls unraveled during baking. How can I prevent this?

This is a common issue with crescent rolls. Make sure to tuck the pointed end of the triangle securely underneath the roll when placing it on the baking sheet. You can also gently pinch the tip to seal it to the roll. Another tip is to avoid overfilling, as too much filling can create bulk that prevents the dough from staying rolled properly.

Can I make these Sweet Breakfast Crescent Rolls dairy-free?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe to be dairy-free. Use plant-based butter alternatives in place of butter, and for cream cheese fillings, several brands now make dairy-free cream cheese alternatives that work well. For the glaze, simply use almond milk, oat milk, or another dairy-free alternative. The rolls will still be delicious with these substitutions.