These Crescent Cheese Danishes are a quick and easy way to enjoy a bakery-style treat at home. Made with crescent roll dough and a creamy sweetened cheese filling, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The simple glaze adds the perfect finishing touch to these flaky and delicious pastries.
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
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Set this filling aside.Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Rolls
Open the cans of crescent roll dough and unroll the dough onto a flat surface. Separate the dough into the pre-scored triangles.
For each triangle, fold the two outer corners toward the center to create a diamond shape. Press down in the middle of the dough to make an indentation where you’ll place the cream cheese filling.
Step 4: Add the Filling
Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the prepared cream cheese mixture into the center of each crescent roll. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling will expand slightly as it bakes.
Step 5: Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk the reserved egg white and brush it lightly over the edges of the crescent rolls. This will help give the danishes a golden, glossy finish.
Step 6: Bake the Danishes
Place the filled crescent rolls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the cheese filling is set. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly while you prepare the glaze.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Start with 1 tablespoon of milk and add more as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Step 8: Drizzle the Glaze
Once the danishes have cooled slightly, drizzle the prepared glaze over the top of each danish. 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 as a delightful breakfast or dessert.
Cooking Notes:
- Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Filling Variations: You can add fruit preserves or fresh fruit on top of the cream cheese filling for a fruity variation, such as strawberry or blueberry.
- Storage: These danishes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them briefly in the oven or microwave before serving.
Variations:
1. Fruit-Filled Cheese Danishes:
Top the cream cheese filling with a spoonful of fruit preserves (like strawberry, raspberry, or apricot) before baking for a fruity twist.
2. Chocolate Cheese Danishes:
Mix in a handful of mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese filling for a chocolatey version.
3. Nutty Cheese Danishes:
Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts like almonds or pecans over the glaze for added crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use homemade crescent dough?
Yes, if you prefer, you can use homemade crescent dough or puff pastry for a more customized touch.
Q: Can I freeze these danishes?
Yes, you can freeze the baked danishes without the glaze. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat in the oven, then add the glaze.
Q: Can I make them ahead of time?
You can prepare the danishes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the glaze after baking
These Crescent Cheese Danishes are an easy yet impressive treat that tastes like it came straight from a bakery. The flaky crescent dough paired with the creamy cheese filling and sweet glaze is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these danishes are a delicious, homemade delight
