If you’re looking for a quick yet indulgent treat that combines flaky pastry and creamy sweetness, the Crescent Roll Cheese Danishes Recipe is the perfect go-to. This delightful creation uses simple ingredients to whip up heavenly little parcels filled with a luscious cream cheese filling and topped with a delicate glaze. It’s buttery, sweet, and so satisfying, making it a fantastic option for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack to enjoy with your favorite cup of coffee. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a beloved classic in your baking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Crescent Roll Cheese Danishes Recipe plays an essential role in bringing together flavor and texture. These straightforward pantry staples are what make this recipe both simple and delicious.
- Crescent roll dough (1 can, 8 oz): The flaky, buttery base that gives the danishes their irresistible layers and golden finish.
- Cream cheese (1 package, 8 oz, softened): Provides the creamy, tangy filling that’s smooth and rich.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese filling perfectly without any grittiness.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds a warm, aromatic touch to the filling.
- Egg (1, optional for egg wash): Helps achieve a shiny, golden crust on the crescent dough.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup, for glaze): The base for a sweet glaze to finish off your danishes.
- Milk (1-2 tsp, for glaze): Adjusts the glaze to a smooth, drizzle-worthy consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1/4 tsp, for glaze): Enhances the glaze with a subtle hint of flavor.
How to Make Crescent Roll Cheese Danishes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make the cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until the filling is smooth and creamy, without any lumps. This filling will be the luscious heart of your danishes, so take your time to get it silky.
Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough
Open the can of crescent roll dough and unroll it onto a clean surface. Gently separate the dough into the pre-marked triangles but keep them intact as full pieces for easier handling.
Step 4: Assemble the Danishes
At the wider end of each crescent triangle, spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese filling. Be careful not to overfill, or the cheese may leak out during baking. Then, slightly fold the dough from the tip towards the filled end, creating a crescent-shaped pocket with the cheese inside.
Step 5: Add Egg Wash (Optional)
If you want that shiny, golden-brown finish, beat the egg lightly and brush it over each danish. This step is optional but highly recommended for appearance and texture.
Step 6: Bake the Danishes
Place the assembled danishes on your prepared baking sheet, giving them some space as they will expand slightly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 12 minutes, or until they’re puffed up and golden brown.
Step 7: Prepare the Sweet Glaze
While the danishes bake, whisk together 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 teaspoons milk, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust with more milk if you want a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for thickness.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Once the danishes come out of the oven, allow them to cool briefly (about 5 minutes). Then drizzle the glaze generously over the top to add that final sweet touch that makes these treats truly irresistible.
How to Serve Crescent Roll Cheese Danishes Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar or even a dusting of cinnamon over your danishes for visual appeal and a slight flavor boost. Fresh berries or a few mint leaves can also brighten up the plate beautifully.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salads, yogurt parfaits, or a simple cup of black coffee or tea. These combinations balance the sweetness and richness of the danishes for a well-rounded breakfast or brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gatherings, consider serving these danishes on a tiered dessert tray for an eye-catching display. Alternatively, plate them alongside a small pot of homemade jam or honey to let guests customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover danishes tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to two days, making it easy to enjoy them later without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked assembled danishes on a baking sheet before baking; once frozen solid, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. When ready, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To revive the fresh-baked texture, warm leftover danishes in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of dough for this Crescent Roll Cheese Danishes Recipe?
Absolutely! While crescent roll dough is ideal for its flakiness and buttery taste, puff pastry or homemade Danish dough can also work wonderfully if you’re up for experimenting.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If cream cheese is not available, mascarpone or ricotta can be used, though they will alter the texture and richness slightly. Just be sure to strain ricotta to remove excess moisture.
Is it necessary to use the egg wash?
The egg wash is optional but highly recommended as it gives your danishes that irresistible golden shine and a slightly crispier crust. If you prefer, you can skip it without any baking problems.
Can I add fruit fillings to this recipe?
Yes! Adding a spoonful of fruit preserves or fresh berries on top of the cream cheese filling before folding the dough creates a delicious twist on the classic recipe.
How long can I store the Crescent Roll Cheese Danishes Recipe leftovers?
Leftover danishes stored in an airtight container will stay fresh for 2-3 days at room temperature. Refrigeration can extend their life but might impact texture slightly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying out this Crescent Roll Cheese Danishes Recipe enough—it’s one of those simple but magical treats that impress every time. Effortless to make, wonderfully tasty, and versatile enough to customize, it brings a dose of cozy comfort to any occasion. So go ahead, grab that can of crescent dough, and bake up some smiles in the kitchen!
Print
Crescent Roll Cheese Danishes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightful and easy-to-make Crescent Roll Cheese Danishes featuring a creamy sweetened cream cheese filling wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these danishes are topped with a simple vanilla glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough
Filling
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Egg Wash (optional)
- 1 egg
Glaze
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tsp milk
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth and creamy.
- Separate Dough Triangles: Open the crescent roll dough can and gently separate the dough into 8 triangles along the perforations.
- Add Filling: Spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese filling onto the wide end of each dough triangle.
- Roll the Danishes: Starting from the wide end with the filling, carefully roll each triangle toward the point, sealing the edges slightly so filling does not leak out during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash (Optional): Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it lightly over the tops of each rolled danish to give them a nice golden brown finish after baking.
- Bake: Place the danishes on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 12 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
- Prepare and Drizzle Glaze: While the danishes bake, mix 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 teaspoons milk, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. After removing the danishes from the oven and allowing them to cool slightly, drizzle the glaze over them for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- You can substitute crescent roll dough with puff pastry for a flakier texture.
- Adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the glaze to your desired sweetness consistency.
- For a fruit twist, add a spoonful of jam along with the cream cheese filling inside each danish.
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for easier mixing and smoother filling.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
