Indulge in Delight: Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes Recipe
Are you ready to elevate your breakfast or brunch with a delightful treat that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than our Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes recipe! These bite-sized pastries are a perfect combination of flaky crescent roll dough, creamy cheese filling, and sweet cherry pie topping. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to a delicious snack, these mini danishes are sure to impress. Join us as we explore the ins and outs of this delightful recipe, including ingredients, instructions, cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb versions to cater to different dietary needs. Let’s dive into the world of Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes together!
Ingredients:
For the Danishes:
- 1 package of crescent rolls (Pillsbury recommended)
- 1-2 tablespoons flour for dusting
For the Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 3/4 cup powdered or granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 can cherry pie filling
For the Glaze:
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
- 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
Preparing the Danishes:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the crescent roll package.
- Prepare Work Surface: Lightly dust a clean surface with flour to prevent sticking.
- Roll Out Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough onto the floured surface. Gently press the seams together to seal.
- Cut into Squares: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into squares of equal size.
- Forming the Danishes: Place each square of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using your fingers, create a small indentation in the center of each square to hold the filling.
Making the Filling:
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered or granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Fill the Danishes: Spoon a small amount of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each dough square, filling the indentation you created earlier.
Baking and Finishing:
- Adding Cherry Topping: Spoon a dollop of cherry pie filling onto the center of each cream cheese-filled dough square.
- Bake in the Oven: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake according to the crescent roll package instructions, or until the danishes are golden brown and puffed up.
- Making the Glaze: While the danishes are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing the granulated sugar and milk in a small bowl until well combined.
- Applying Glaze: Once the danishes are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately brush the glaze over the tops while they are still warm.
- Cooling and Serving: Allow the danishes to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fruit fillings such as blueberry, raspberry, or peach for variety.
- Add a Drizzle: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled danishes before serving.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
- Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of these danishes, use a low-carb almond flour dough in place of crescent rolls. Substitute powdered erythritol for the sugar in the filling, and use a sugar-free cherry pie filling.
- Low Carb Version: Follow the keto version instructions, but also consider reducing the amount of almond flour used and adding a bit of xanthan gum for texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use frozen crescent roll dough for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use frozen crescent roll dough, but make sure to thaw it completely before using it in the recipe.
Q: Can I make these danishes ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the danishes up to a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Warm them in the oven before serving.
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling? A: While fresh cherries can be used, cherry pie filling provides a convenient and flavorful option for these danishes.
Q: How do I store leftovers of these danishes? A: Leftover danishes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Warm them in the microwave or oven before serving.
In conclusion, our Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their flaky pastry, creamy cheese filling, and sweet cherry topping, these danishes are sure to please even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these bite-sized delights are guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends. So why wait? Whip up a batch of these irresistible danishes today and treat yourself to a little slice of heaven!