For the flaky pastry base, you’ll need just one simple ingredient that makes this recipe incredibly approachable:

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  1 Pillsbury pie crust, at room temperature. Using a pre-made crust significantly simplifies the process, making these roll-ups quick and convenient without compromising on flavor or that desirable flaky texture. Ensure it’s fully at room temperature for optimal flexibility and to prevent any cracking when unrolling.

Cream Filling

This rich, tangy, and subtly sweet cream cheese filling forms the indulgent core of your roll-ups. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance:

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  4 oz cream cheese softened thoroughly to room temperature. This is absolutely critical for a smooth, velvety, and lump-free filling. We recommend using full-fat cream cheese for the richest flavor and best creamy consistency.
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  1 egg yolk which acts as a binding agent, helping to set the filling during baking and contributing to a beautiful, golden hue and a richer texture.
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  ¼ cup granulated sugar to perfectly sweeten the cream cheese, complementing its tanginess. You can slightly adjust this amount based on your personal preference for sweetness.
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  1 tsp vanilla extract for that classic, warm, and inviting aromatic depth. Always opt for pure vanilla extract for the most authentic and robust flavor.
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  1 tsp lemon juice freshly squeezed, to brighten all the flavors in the cream cheese filling, adding a subtle, refreshing tang that truly elevates the overall taste profile.

Raspberry Filling

This vibrant and sweet raspberry filling provides a delightful fruity contrast and a beautiful color to each roll-up. It’s simple yet incredibly flavorful:

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  1 cup fresh raspberries Ideally fresh for the best flavor and texture, but thawed and well-drained frozen raspberries can be used if fresh are out of season. The natural tartness and sweetness of raspberries are indispensable.
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  ¼ cup granulated sugar to enhance the raspberries’ sweetness and help create a syrupy, saucy consistency for the filling.
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  3 tbsp water used to create a smooth cornstarch slurry, which is essential for thickening the raspberry sauce without creating lumps.
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  1 ½ tbsp cornstarch This acts as a superb thickening agent, ensuring your raspberry filling becomes beautifully jammy and stays securely within the pastry, preventing it from running out during baking.

Making the Cream Filling

The first step is to prepare the luscious, sweet, and tangy cream cheese filling that will be the creamy heart of these delightful roll-ups. This simple mixture comes together quickly and effortlessly, setting the stage for a truly indulgent treat.

• In a large mixing bowl, or ideally using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add your softened cream cheese. Begin by beating the cream cheese on medium speed for approximately 1-2 minutes until it transforms into a beautifully soft, utterly smooth, and visibly light consistency. This initial aeration is crucial for achieving a fluffy and creamy filling. Once the cream cheese is perfectly smooth, add the remaining cream filling ingredients: the egg yolk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and fresh lemon juice. Continue to mix for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is uniformly creamy. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically with a spatula to guarantee everything is fully incorporated. Set this delightful and aromatic filling aside as you prepare the next component.

Preparing the Raspberry Filling

Next, we will create the vibrant and intensely fruity raspberry filling. This cooked sauce will not only provide a beautiful sheen and concentrated raspberry flavor but also a perfect texture to hold up within the pastry.

• Grab a medium-sized saucepan and place it over low heat on your stovetop. Carefully add the fresh (or thoroughly thawed and drained frozen) raspberries along with the granulated sugar to the saucepan. Give the mixture a really good stir with a spatula or wooden spoon. This helps the sugar begin to dissolve and encourages the raspberries to gently break down and release their natural juices. Continue stirring gently and consistently for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the mixture to warm through, creating a fragrant base.
• In a separate, small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and the water until you have a completely smooth slurry, free of any lumps. This cornstarch mixture is vital for thickening our raspberry sauce to the desired consistency. Once thoroughly mixed, slowly pour this slurry into the gently simmering raspberry mixture in the saucepan. As you pour, make sure to stir continuously and vigorously. This technique prevents lumps from forming and ensures the thickening process is even and smooth throughout the sauce.
• Maintain the heat on low and continue to cook the raspberry mixture, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or scorching. You’ll notice it gradually thickens to a consistency similar to a luscious jam or a rich, thick syrup. This process typically takes approximately 7 minutes, but keep an eye on it – the sauce should generously coat the back of your spoon. Once it has reached your desired thickened state, remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly. It’s important to remember that the sauce will continue to thicken further as it cools, so a slightly looser consistency when hot is acceptable.

Assembly of the Roll-Ups

Now for the most exciting part – assembling these delightful treats! Get ready to transform your prepared ingredients into golden, flaky, and irresistibly delicious pastries that will be the star of any meal.

• Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming up, prepare a baking sheet by lining it meticulously with parchment paper. This crucial step will not only prevent the roll-ups from sticking to the pan but also ensure a much easier cleanup, saving you time and effort later.
• Carefully unroll the Pillsbury pie dough onto a clean, lightly floured work surface, or directly onto your parchment-lined baking sheet if it fits comfortably. Using a sharp pizza cutter or a reliable chef’s knife, meticulously cut the circular pie dough into 14-16 uniformly sized triangles, much like you would slice a pizza. Strive for consistency in size, as this will promote even baking. For ease of spreading, it’s best to keep the triangles in their original circular arrangement on the baking sheet.
• Now, for the delectable fillings! First, spread a thin, even layer of the prepared cream cheese mixture over each pie dough triangle. Make sure to cover the majority of the triangle’s surface, leaving a small, clean border at the widest edge—this will be important for sealing. Following this, delicately spoon or spread a dollop of the raspberry filling over the cream cheese layer. Exercise caution not to overload each triangle; overfilling can cause the delicious contents to spill out during the rolling and baking process.
• Starting from the widest, outer edge of each triangle, gently but firmly roll it inwards towards its pointed tip. This careful action will naturally create the classic crescent shape of your roll-ups. As you roll, it’s quite common and perfectly expected for a small amount of the filling to gently spill out from the sides – don’t worry, this is part of the charm! Once rolled, carefully transfer your assembled pastries to the prepared baking sheet, ensuring you leave a little space between each roll-up to allow for proper air circulation and even browning.
• Place the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes. Keep a close watch on them, as baking times can vary, until the roll-ups achieve a magnificent golden-brown hue and appear beautifully flaky. This color indicates they are perfectly cooked through. Once baked to perfection, carefully remove them from the oven and allow them to stand on the baking sheet for a few minutes to cool down slightly. While still warm, give them a delicate and generous sprinkle of powdered sugar. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and a beautiful, elegant finish that makes them absolutely irresistible. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Information