Crescent Cheese Danishes are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that combines the flakiness of crescent roll dough with a creamy, sweet cheese filling. These danishes are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert. Topped with a simple vanilla glaze, they’re sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make these delicious danishes step-by-step.
Ingredients
For the Danish:
- 2 tubes of prepared crescent roll dough
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 4 teaspoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cream cheese, granulated white sugar, light brown sugar, melted butter, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Rolls
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll Dough: Open the tubes of crescent roll dough and separate them into individual triangles as per the perforations.
- Shape Danish: Take each triangle and fold the corners inward to create a small well in the center, forming a rough circular shape. Pinch the seams to seal.
Step 3: Assemble the Danishes
- Add Filling: Spoon a generous tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each dough circle. Spread it slightly, keeping it within the edges.
- Bake: Place the prepared danishes on the lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
- Mix 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 or powdered sugar as needed.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Glaze Danishes: Once the danishes are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Drizzle the prepared glaze over the warm danishes using a spoon or a small piping bag.
Serving
- Serve: Serve the Crescent Cheese Danishes warm or at room temperature. They are perfect on their own or paired with a cup of coffee or tea.
Cooking Notes
- Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a smooth filling.
- Lemon Juice: The lemon juice adds a slight tang that enhances the flavor of the cheese filling. You can adjust the amount based on your preference.
- Glaze: For a thicker glaze, use less milk; for a thinner glaze, add a bit more milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these danishes ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese filling and crescent roll dough ahead of time. Assemble and bake them fresh when ready to serve. The baked danishes can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Q: Can I use a different type of dough? A: While crescent roll dough is convenient and yields a flaky texture, you can also use puff pastry dough for a slightly different texture and taste.
Q: Can I add fruit to the filling? A: Yes, you can add a layer of fruit preserves or fresh fruit slices on top of the cream cheese filling before baking for added flavor.
Keto/Low Carb Version
To make a keto or low-carb version of these danishes, follow these modifications:
- Dough: Use a low-carb or almond flour-based dough instead of crescent roll dough.
- Sugar: Substitute the granulated white sugar and light brown sugar with keto-friendly sweeteners like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
- Glaze: Use a powdered keto sweetener mixed with a small amount of heavy cream or unsweetened almond milk.
Crescent Cheese Danishes are a delightful treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With their flaky dough, creamy filling, and sweet glaze, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious, homemade Danish that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying!
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