Crescent Roll Cheese Danishes Recipe

Heavenly Crescent Roll Cheese Danishes Recipe for Busy Mornings

Baking these delightful crescent roll cheese danishes transports you to a cozy morning bakery with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Soft, flaky pastry wraps around a creamy cheese filling that melts in your mouth.

Breakfast just got a whole lot more delicious with this simple yet elegant treat.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of buttery layers and rich, tangy cream cheese.

Pastry lovers and breakfast enthusiasts will adore how quickly these danishes come together.

Home cooks can easily impress their guests with this foolproof recipe that looks and tastes like a professional bakery creation.

Let’s turn an ordinary morning into an extraordinary culinary experience you won’t forget.

Why Crescent Roll Cheese Danishes Are So Flaky And Sweet

  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Transform simple crescent roll dough into elegant cream cheese danishes with minimal cooking skills required.
  • No-Fuss Breakfast Delight: Perfect for busy mornings, weekend brunches, or unexpected guests who crave something special without complicated preparation.
  • Sweet Crowd-Pleaser: Universally appealing pastry that satisfies both kids and adults with its creamy filling and golden, flaky exterior.
  • Customizable Comfort: Easily adaptable recipe where bakers can experiment with different extracts, fruit additions, or glaze variations to match personal taste preferences.

What You Need For Crescent Roll Cheese Danishes

For the Pastry Base:
  • Crescent Roll Dough: A versatile and convenient base that provides a flaky and buttery foundation for the danish.
  • Butter: Adds a rich flavor and helps create a golden, crisp exterior when brushed on the dough.
For the Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy, and creamy center that is the heart of the danish.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling and balances the tanginess.
  • Egg: Helps bind the filling and provides structure to the cream cheese mixture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall sweetness of the filling.
For the Glaze and Finishing:
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides a smooth, sweet topping that creates an elegant finish.
  • Milk: Helps achieve the right consistency for the glaze.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor to the glaze and complements the filling.

How To Make Crescent Roll Cheese Danishes

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Surface

Crank the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a perfectly smooth cooking surface.

Step 2: Shape Crescent Dough

Unroll the crescent roll dough and gently separate into individual triangles. Softly press the perforated edges to create a seamless pastry base.

Step 3: Butter The Dough

Melt butter and tenderly brush each dough triangle, developing a rich golden foundation for the danish.

Step 4: Create Cream Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until ultra-smooth. Then add:
  • Sugar
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract

Blend everything until the mixture becomes silky and perfectly combined.

Step 5: Fill Dough Triangles

Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the center of each dough triangle. Leave a small border around the edges to prevent messy overflow during baking.

Step 6: Fold Pastry Edges

Carefully fold the dough edges inward, crafting a rustic, free-form pastry shape that partially covers the creamy filling.

Step 7: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Watch for a deep golden brown color and a slightly wobbly filling.

Step 8: Cool Briefly

Remove from the oven and let the danishes rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, allowing them to firm up and set.

Step 9: Whip Up Vanilla Glaze

Whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Blend until smooth and reaches a beautiful drizzling consistency.

Step 10: Drizzle With Glaze

Generously cascade the vanilla glaze over the warm danishes, creating an elegant and tempting finish.

Step 11: Serve Immediately

Present these delectable treats while warm to experience maximum flavor and mouthwatering texture.

Tips To Get The Best Texture And Flavor

  • Seal Edges Perfectly: Pinch the crescent roll dough perforations carefully to prevent filling leakage and ensure a seamless pastry base.
  • Choose Quality Cream Cheese: Use room temperature, full-fat cream cheese for the smoothest, richest filling that spreads easily and bakes beautifully.
  • Control Filling Placement: Spoon cream cheese mixture in the center, leaving a small border to prevent overflow and maintain clean, neat danish edges.
  • Glaze with Finesse: Drizzle vanilla glaze while danishes are still warm to help the glaze absorb and create a glossy, appetizing finish.
  • Serve at Optimal Temperature: Enjoy these danishes fresh from the oven for maximum flavor, flakiness, and that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Fun Fillings And Toppings To Try

  • Berry Cream Cheese Danish: Replace cream cheese filling with a blend of softened cream cheese and mixed berry preserves for a fruity burst.
  • Chocolate Hazelnut Danish: Swap vanilla filling with chocolate-hazelnut spread and sprinkle chopped hazelnuts on top before baking.
  • Savory Herb Danish: Transform the recipe by using herbed cream cheese, adding chopped chives and crumbled bacon for a savory version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crescent roll dough and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

What To Serve With Crescent Roll Cheese Danishes

  • Savor Perfectly Paired Companions
  • Brew Rich Coffee: Dark roast coffee amplifies the creamy sweetness of the danish, cutting through the rich cream cheese with bold, robust notes that complement the pastry's delicate texture.
  • Match Sweet Wine: Late harvest Riesling or moscato creates a harmonious flavor dance, its subtle sweetness echoing the vanilla glaze while providing a light, crisp counterpoint to the dense cream cheese filling.
  • Select Fruit Accompaniment: Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries offer a tart brightness that balances the danish's richness, adding a refreshing palette cleanser between each decadent bite.
  • Enhance with Nutty Side: Toasted almonds or pecans sprinkled alongside introduce a delightful crunch and earthy undertone, elevating the overall sensory experience of the cream cheese danish.

Storage Advice For Crescent Roll Cheese Danishes

  • Store cooled danishes in an airtight container for up to 3 days, layering between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
  • Wrap individual danishes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months, preserving their delicate flavor and structure.
  • Preheat oven to 300°F, place danishes on baking sheet, and warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through without drying out the pastry.
  • Reheat for 15-20 seconds on medium power, checking carefully to prevent soggy texture, best used when you need a quick warm treat.

FAQs About Crescent Roll Cheese Danishes

  • What ingredients do I need to make these cream cheese danishes?

You’ll need crescent roll dough, cream cheese, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, butter, powdered sugar, and milk.

  • Can I make these danishes ahead of time?

Prepare the dough and filling up to a day in advance, but bake them fresh for the best texture and taste.

  • How do I prevent the filling from leaking during baking?

Leave a small border around the edges when adding filling and gently fold the dough edges inward to create a seal.

  • Are these danishes good for breakfast or dessert?

They’re versatile and perfect for both breakfast treats and sweet dessert options, great for any time of day.

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Crescent Roll Cheese Danishes Recipe

Crescent Roll Cheese Danishes Recipe


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4.8 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sweet, buttery Crescent Roll Cheese Danishes bring Danish bakery magic right into home kitchens. Flaky pastry embraces creamy cheese filling, offering a delightful breakfast treat you can whip up in minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

Pastry:

  • 1 tube crescent roll dough
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) unsalted butter

Filling:

  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:

  • 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring a smooth, flat surface for even baking.
  2. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into individual triangles, gently pressing the perforated edges to seal and create a uniform pastry base.
  3. Melt the butter and lightly brush each dough triangle, creating a golden foundation for the danish.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese until smooth and creamy, then incorporate sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, blending until the filling is silky and well-combined.
  5. Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the center of each dough triangle, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow during baking.
  6. Carefully fold the edges of the dough inward, creating a rustic, free-form pastry shape that partially covers the filling.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastries turn a deep golden brown and the filling is set with a slight wobble.
  8. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to allow the danishes to firm up.
  9. Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzling consistency.
  10. Generously drizzle the vanilla glaze over the warm danishes, allowing it to cascade and create an elegant finish.
  11. Serve immediately while warm for the most decadent texture and flavor experience.

Notes

  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smoother, lump-free filling that blends effortlessly.
  • Pinch crescent roll seams carefully to prevent filling from leaking during baking, creating a neat pastry presentation.
  • For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half the cream cheese and use a low-fat crescent roll dough to reduce overall calories.
  • Customize flavor variations by adding lemon zest, almond extract, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the cream cheese filling for exciting taste twists.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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