Blueberry Crescent Roll Muffins are a delightful fusion of flaky crescent roll dough, creamy cheesecake filling, and juicy blueberries, all drizzled with a sweet glaze. These muffins are quick and easy to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, they can be made year-round using either fresh or frozen blueberries.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz. refrigerated crescent seamless sheet
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 cup blueberries (plus more for topping)
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (or more if needed)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously brush a cupcake pan with melted butter and set aside.
- Unroll the crescent dough on a sheet of parchment paper. If using perforated crescent rolls, pinch the seams to seal and form a large rectangle.
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the egg yolk and mix well to combine.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough.
- Scatter about 1/2 cup of blueberries over the cream cheese layer.
- Starting from the wider side, roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 8 equal pieces. For cleaner cuts, use a piece of string: place it under the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull tight to slice through the dough.
- Arrange the rolls in the prepared muffin pan. Brush the tops with melted butter and add a few extra blueberries on top of each muffin.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown. If using frozen blueberries, baking may take a few extra minutes.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then gently remove them.
- To make the glaze, stir together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed. Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled muffins.
Nutritional Facts
Estimated per muffin:
- Calories: 210
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 3g
The Origin and Inspiration
The inspiration behind Blueberry Crescent Roll Muffins stems from a creative twist on traditional pastries and breakfast muffins. Crescent rolls, known for their soft, flaky, and buttery texture, are often used as a base for savory dishes and snacks. However, when paired with a sweet cheesecake filling and fresh blueberries, they transform into a decadent morning treat or a satisfying dessert option. This recipe reflects the trend of combining classic bakery elements with fruit and cream cheese fillings to create something familiar yet excitingly new.
Why Choose Crescent Roll Dough?
Crescent roll dough is a convenient and delicious shortcut that saves time without sacrificing taste or texture. Unlike traditional muffin or pastry doughs that require multiple steps and sometimes long proofing times, crescent roll dough is pre-made and ready to use. This makes it perfect for quick recipes or last-minute gatherings. Its light, buttery layers bake into soft, flaky pockets that complement the creamy filling and juicy blueberries perfectly.
Health Benefits of Blueberries
In addition to their delicious flavor, blueberries bring notable health benefits to this recipe. They are rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Blueberries are also a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and dietary fiber. Including blueberries in baked goods like these muffins adds not only a natural sweetness and vibrant color but also nutritional value that can support immune function, heart health, and digestive health.
Cream Cheese: The Secret to Creamy Goodness
Cream cheese adds a smooth and tangy element to these muffins, creating a luscious filling that contrasts beautifully with the flaky dough and sweet berries. Beyond taste, cream cheese contributes a satisfying richness and moistness to the muffins, preventing them from becoming dry. While cream cheese does add fat and calories, using it in moderation alongside fresh fruit helps balance indulgence with nutrition.
Versatility and Serving Suggestions
One of the great things about Blueberry Crescent Roll Muffins is their versatility. They can be served warm right out of the oven or cooled for a grab-and-go snack. They make an elegant addition to brunch menus, holiday breakfasts, or afternoon tea spreads. These muffins also travel well, making them a fantastic option for picnics, potlucks, or school lunches.
For serving, you can drizzle them with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk, or add a dusting of powdered sugar for a more subtle sweetness. Some people like to add a dollop of whipped cream or a side of yogurt for extra creaminess and protein. If you want to experiment, try swapping blueberries for other berries such as raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries to vary the flavor profile.
Tips for Perfect Muffins
To ensure your Blueberry Crescent Roll Muffins come out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:
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Use fresh or frozen blueberries, but if using frozen, do not thaw them before adding to the batter to avoid excess moisture.
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Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smooth mixing and even distribution.
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Pinch the seams of the crescent roll dough thoroughly if using perforated sheets to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
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Do not overbake; the muffins should be golden brown but still soft and moist inside.
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Allow muffins to cool slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
Comparisons to Other Blueberry Muffin Recipes
Unlike traditional blueberry muffins that use flour, baking powder, eggs, and butter to create a cake-like texture, Blueberry Crescent Roll Muffins rely on the buttery dough of crescent rolls and a cheesecake filling. This results in a lighter, flakier texture rather than the dense crumb of classic muffins. The addition of cream cheese also introduces a richness not commonly found in standard muffin recipes.
This recipe offers a unique option for those who want the taste and experience of a blueberry muffin but crave something a bit more indulgent and pastry-like. It’s also simpler and quicker to prepare, making it a great choice for busy mornings or spontaneous baking.
Nutritional Considerations
While these muffins are undoubtedly delicious, it’s important to be mindful of their nutritional content. The crescent roll dough and cream cheese add fat and calories, so moderation is key, especially for those watching their intake of saturated fats and sugars. However, the inclusion of blueberries offers beneficial vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
To make the recipe a bit lighter, you can experiment with using reduced-fat cream cheese or smaller amounts of sugar in the glaze. Serving these muffins alongside fresh fruit or a protein-rich side can help balance the meal and keep it satisfying.
Storage and Reheating
Blueberry Crescent Roll Muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag.
When reheating, warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or in a microwave for 20-30 seconds until heated through. This helps restore their fresh-baked texture and makes the cream cheese filling soft and luscious again.
Perfect Occasions to Serve Blueberry Crescent Roll Muffins
These muffins are perfect for many occasions. They make a lovely addition to weekend brunches, family gatherings, or special celebrations like Mother’s Day and birthdays. Their appealing look and comforting taste also make them an ideal gift when wrapped in decorative packaging.
For holiday seasons, you can easily customize these muffins by adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese mixture or topping them with streusel crumbs for extra crunch. They also pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or fresh juice, making them a versatile choice for any time of day.
Conclusion
Blueberry Crescent Roll Muffins are a delightful, easy-to-make treat that brings together the best of buttery pastry, creamy cheesecake, and fresh fruit. Their unique texture and flavor profile set them apart from traditional muffins, offering a fresh and exciting way to enjoy breakfast or dessert. With their quick preparation, versatility, and satisfying taste, they are sure to become a favorite in any kitchen.