Crescent Cheese Danishes Recipe

Crescent Cheese Danishes are an easy and delicious way to enjoy a bakery-style pastry at home. These flaky crescent roll pastries are filled with a creamy, tangy cheese filling and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. Whether you’re whipping them up for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack, they’re sure to satisfy your cravings. Best of all, they’re quick and simple to make, requiring only a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time!

Ingredients

For the Danish:

2 tubes crescent rolls
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon lemon juice
¼ cup light brown sugar

½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

½ cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
4 teaspoons milk

Optional Toppings:

Cherry, blueberry, or strawberry pie filling

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, use a mixer to blend the softened cream cheese, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set it aside while you prepare the crescent rolls.

Step 2: Shape the Crescent Roll Danishes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Open the crescent roll tubes but do not unroll the dough.
Using a sharp knife, slice the crescent roll dough into thick, round slices (about ½ inch thick). Each tube should yield approximately 8 slices.
Place each dough slice on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
With your fingers or a small measuring cup, gently press into the center of each slice, creating a small indentation with a raised edge to hold the filling. This will help prevent the filling from spilling out as the danishes bake.

Step 3: Prepare the Brown Sugar Butter Mixture

In a separate small bowl, combine the melted butter with the light brown sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Brush this mixture over the edges of each crescent dough slice, which will help them brown beautifully and add a subtle sweetness.

Step 4: Fill and Bake the Danishes

Spoon the prepared cream cheese filling into the center of each danish. Be generous but make sure the filling stays within the walls you created earlier.
Bake the danishes in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, or until they turn slightly golden brown and the crescent dough is fully cooked.

Step 5: Prepare the Vanilla Glaze

While the danishes are cooling slightly, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and pourable.
Drizzle the glaze over the warm danishes for an added touch of sweetness.

Step 6: Optional Fruit Toppings

For an extra burst of flavor, consider topping your danishes with fruit filling. Cherry, blueberry, or strawberry pie filling pairs wonderfully with the creamy cheese and flaky crescent dough. Simply spoon a bit of the fruit filling on top of each danish before serving.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the glaze has set, your Crescent Cheese Danishes are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm for the best experience.

Tips for Perfect Crescent Cheese Danishes

Soften the cream cheese properly: For the smoothest filling, make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing it with the other ingredients. If the cream cheese is too cold, it can create lumps in the filling.
Don’t overfill the danishes: While it’s tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, be careful not to overfill the danishes. Too much filling may spill out during baking. A heaping tablespoon is usually the perfect amount.
Use parchment paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper will prevent the danishes from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Try different flavors: The base of this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily swap the cream cheese filling for other flavors like chocolate spread, Nutella, or even a lemon curd filling for a zesty twist!
Refrigerate leftovers: These danishes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven at a low temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the texture of the filling may be slightly less creamy than if you use full-fat cream cheese.

2. Can I make these danishes ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the danishes and refrigerate them before baking. Once assembled, cover the danishes tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove them from the fridge and proceed as directed.

3. Can I freeze Crescent Cheese Danishes?

Yes, these danishes freeze well. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. To serve, thaw the danishes at room temperature and reheat in a low oven or microwave.

4. Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?

While crescent rolls provide a more flaky and buttery texture, puff pastry can be used as a substitute for a crispier and more delicate base. Just cut the puff pastry into squares, create a border around the edges, and follow the same filling and baking steps.

5. What can I use as an alternative to the glaze?

If you’re not a fan of a sweet glaze, you can dust the danishes with powdered sugar instead. Alternatively, you can drizzle them with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

6. How can I prevent the crescent dough from sticking?

If the crescent dough is sticking to your hands, lightly flour your hands before working with the dough. You can also slightly dust the parchment paper with flour to help prevent sticking.

7. Can I add other ingredients to the cream cheese filling?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. You can fold in some crushed graham crackers, chocolate chips, or even citrus zest to give the filling an extra flavor dimension.

8. Can I make a savory version of this recipe?

Yes, you can turn this into a savory dish by omitting the sugar in the filling and replacing it with savory ingredients like herbs, garlic, and shredded cheese. It makes for a delicious appetizer or breakfast option!

This Crescent Cheese Danish recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. The combination of the buttery crescent dough, creamy cheese filling, and sweet glaze is truly irresistible. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime treat, these danishes are sure to become a family favorite!