Crescent Roll Cream Cheese Danish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for busy mornings, brunch gatherings, or when you’re craving a sweet treat without the mess of traditional pastry-making. Using store-bought crescent dough keeps things simple, while the creamy filling and vanilla glaze elevate it to something special. It’s rich, creamy, sweet, and soft with just the right touch of crunch on the edges.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Refrigerated crescent roll dough

• Cream cheese (softened)

• Granulated sugar

• Vanilla extract

• Lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

• Powdered sugar

• Milk or cream (for glaze)

• Egg (for egg wash, optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using) until smooth and creamy.

3. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into rectangles (not triangles). Press the seams together to seal.

4. Slice each rectangle into smaller squares or keep as-is depending on the size danish you want.

5. Place each piece on the prepared baking sheet and slightly roll or press the edges inward to create a small border.

6. Spoon a dollop of the cream cheese filling into the center of each square.

7. Brush the edges with egg wash if using for a glossy finish.

8. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.

9. While the danishes are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a splash of milk until smooth.

10. Once the danishes have cooled slightly, drizzle with glaze and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 cream cheese danishes.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Fruit topping: Add a spoonful of jam or fresh berries on top of the cream cheese filling before baking.

• Almond version: Add almond extract to the filling and sprinkle slivered almonds on top before baking.

• Cinnamon sugar: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on the edges before baking for extra flavor.

• Mini danishes: Cut into smaller pieces for bite-sized versions—perfect for brunch spreads.

• Chocolate drizzle: Replace the glaze with melted chocolate for a richer dessert twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Avoid freezing after baking, as the cream cheese filling can change texture. If freezing is needed, do so before baking and add the glaze after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, but full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture and flavor. Low-fat versions may result in a slightly thinner filling.

Can I prepare these in advance?

Yes, you can assemble them and store in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Add the glaze just before serving.

What’s the best way to seal the seams of crescent dough?

Pinch the seams together tightly with your fingers or press gently with a rolling pin.

Can I make these with puff pastry instead?

Yes, puff pastry works well and gives a flakier texture, though it will require a slightly longer bake time.

Do I need to use an egg wash?

It’s optional, but it gives the pastry a golden, shiny finish.

Can I add toppings after baking?

Absolutely. Fresh fruit, glaze, or powdered sugar can all be added once the danishes have cooled slightly.

Why is my filling runny?

Make sure your cream cheese is softened but not melted, and avoid overmixing to keep the filling thick and creamy.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, but the glaze adds sweetness and enhances the bakery-style appeal.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container and enjoy within 3 days for best texture and flavor.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use two cans of crescent rolls and double the filling and glaze ingredients.

Conclusion

Crescent roll cream cheese danishes are a simple yet decadent treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With their flaky pastry base and creamy filling, they offer bakery-quality flavor without the hassle. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, they’re bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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