If you’re craving a quick and easy treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert, these Crescent Cheese Danishes will satisfy your sweet tooth! Using store-bought crescent roll dough and a creamy filling made with cream cheese, this recipe is simple, fast, and delivers bakery-style results. The sweet glaze on top adds the perfect finishing touch. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to making these delicious danishes at home.
Ingredients
For the Danish:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 egg yolk (reserve the white for the egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the danishes from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Dough
Open the cans of crescent roll dough and unroll the dough onto a clean surface. Separate each roll into the pre-cut triangles or squares, depending on the shape you prefer for your danishes. If you want round danishes, gently pinch the perforations together to make solid squares.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Danishes
Place a spoonful of the cream cheese filling in the center of each crescent dough square or triangle. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, forming a little pocket, but leave some of the cream cheese exposed in the middle. This gives the danishes their signature look and texture.
Step 5: Egg Wash
Beat the reserved egg white lightly with a fork. Brush a thin layer of the egg white over the top of each assembled danish to give them a golden, shiny finish once baked.
Step 6: Bake the Danishes
Place the danishes on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
Step 7: Make the Glaze
While the danishes are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed for a thinner glaze, or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
Step 8: Drizzle the Glaze
Once the danishes are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over each one. Use a spoon or piping bag for more control over the drizzle. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Your Crescent Cheese Danishes are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm or at room temperature with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect morning or afternoon treat.
Cooking Notes:
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing, so the filling is smooth and easy to blend.
- Customize the Filling: For a fruity twist, you can add a spoonful of fruit preserves (like raspberry, blueberry, or apricot) on top of the cream cheese before folding the crescent dough.
- Storage: Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to refresh the texture.
Variations:
1. Fruit-Filled Danishes
Add your favorite fruit jam or preserves on top of the cream cheese mixture before baking. This will give the danishes an added burst of flavor, similar to traditional bakery-style fruit danishes.
2. Chocolate Cheese Danish
Mix in 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese filling for a chocolatey twist on the classic cheese danish.
3. Lemon Cheese Danish
For a tangy variation, add the zest of one lemon to the cream cheese filling and a tablespoon of lemon juice to the glaze for a bright citrus flavor.
4. Savory Cheese Danish
For a savory version, skip the sugar and vanilla in the cream cheese mixture, and add shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese, along with herbs like chives or dill. These savory danishes are perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use homemade crescent dough instead of store-bought?
A: Yes, you can use homemade crescent dough if you prefer, but store-bought dough makes this recipe super quick and easy. Homemade dough will give a more buttery, flaky texture, though it will add some prep time.
Q: How can I prevent the cream cheese filling from leaking out during baking?
A: Be sure to leave enough of the dough overlapping the edges of the filling when folding. If too much filling is exposed, it may spread too much as it bakes.
Q: Can I freeze these danishes?
A: Yes, you can freeze baked danishes. After baking, let them cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to enjoy them fresh.
Q: What other toppings can I use besides glaze?
A: You can sprinkle some powdered sugar, add a dollop of whipped cream, or even drizzle melted chocolate for a different finishing touch.
These Crescent Cheese Danishes are the ultimate easy and delicious treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. With minimal ingredients and simple preparation, they offer bakery-quality flavor right from your own kitchen. Whether you make the classic version or try out one of the tasty variations, you’ll love how these danishes turn out.
Try them today and share the joy of fresh, homemade danishes with your friends and family. Happy baking!
