Crescent Cheese Danishes Recipe

Introduction

Crescent Cheese Danishes are a simple yet delightful pastry that combines flaky crescent dough with a creamy, sweet cheese filling. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack, these treats come together quickly with few ingredients and offer a bakery-quality experience at home.

Ingredients

• 1 can of refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg yolk (optional)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for dusting)
• Powdered sugar (for serving, optional)
• Fresh fruit or fruit preserves (for topping, optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk (if using) until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Step 3: Unroll the crescent dough on a lightly floured surface and press seams together if needed to create a single sheet.
4. Step 4: Cut the dough into triangles or squares, depending on your preference.
5. Step 5: Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each piece of dough.
6. Step 6: Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges firmly to seal the danishes.
7. Step 7: Place the prepared pastries on the baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
8. Step 8: Let the danishes cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar or top with fresh fruit or preserves if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, try adding a teaspoon of lemon zest or almond extract to the cream cheese filling.
• Swap out the powdered sugar topping for a light glaze made from powdered sugar mixed with a splash of milk.
• Use your favorite fruit preserves such as raspberry, apricot, or blueberry for varied flavors.
• If you prefer a crispier texture, brush the pastries with an egg wash before baking.

Storage

Store any leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in a warm oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes to restore flakiness before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these danishes ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the danishes and keep them refrigerated before baking. Bake them fresh when ready to serve for the best texture.

Can I freeze crescent cheese danishes?

Absolutely. Freeze unbaked, assembled danishes on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Crescent Cheese Danishes Recipe

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4.6 from 494 reviews

Delightful and easy-to-make Crescent Cheese Danishes featuring flaky crescent roll dough filled with a creamy sweetened cream cheese mixture. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these pastries bake up golden brown and can be topped with powdered sugar or fresh fruit for an extra touch.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 22-25 minutes
• Yield: 8 danishes 1x
• Category: Breakfast Pastry
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz)

Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg yolk (optional)

Other

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for dusting)
• Powdered sugar (for serving, optional)
• Fresh fruit or fruit preserves (for topping, optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and aid easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Filling: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk (if using). Mix thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring even sweetness and flavor.
3. Prepare Dough: Lightly dust a clean surface with all-purpose flour. Unroll the crescent roll dough carefully and press the seams together firmly to avoid separation during baking.
4. Cut Dough: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into individual triangles or squares, depending on preference.
5. Fill Pastries: Spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese filling onto the center of each dough piece, taking care not to overfill to prevent leakage.
6. Fold and Seal: Fold each dough piece over the filling and pinch the edges tightly to seal completely, creating a closed pastry to hold the filling while baking.
7. Bake: Place the sealed pastries spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed up and golden brown on top.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove the danishes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Optionally dust with powdered sugar or top with fresh fruit or fruit preserves before serving. These can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Do not overfill the pastries to prevent filling from leaking out while baking.
• The egg yolk in the filling is optional but adds richness and helps the mixture bind.
• Pressing seams of crescent dough ensures the pastry holds together during baking.
• Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking on the baking sheet.
• For a fruitier version, add fresh berries or your favorite fruit preserves on top after baking.
• Serve warm for a soft, creamy texture or cool for a slightly firmer filling consistency.

Keywords: crescent roll danish, cheese danish, cream cheese pastry, easy breakfast, sweet pastry