There’s something irresistibly charming about biting into a warm, flaky cheese Danish. The soft, buttery layers of crescent roll dough enveloping a creamy, tangy filling and topped with a sweet glaze create a pastry experience that’s both comforting and indulgent. The aroma of freshly baked cheese Danishes wafting through the kitchen is enough to evoke memories of cozy mornings and joyful gatherings.
My love for cheese Danishes began in my grandmother’s kitchen, where she would bake them on special weekends. The process was always a bit of a family event, with everyone gathered around the kitchen table, eagerly awaiting that first golden, gooey bite. Over time, I’ve perfected a recipe that captures the essence of those cherished mornings while making it accessible for busy days. This recipe for Perfect Crescent Cheese Danishes is a modern twist on a classic favorite, using crescent roll dough for a simple yet scrumptious treat.
Ingredients
2 tubes of crescent roll dough
1 package (8 ounces) of Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons butter, fully melted
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
4 teaspoons milk
Optional Toppings:
Cherry, blueberry, or strawberry filling
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set the Temperature: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Danishes bake evenly and develop a beautiful golden color.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, lemon juice, pure vanilla extract, and granulated sugar. Use a mixer on medium speed to blend these ingredients until smooth and creamy. The lemon juice adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness, while the vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor. Set the cream cheese mixture aside.
3. Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough
Unroll the Dough: Open the two tubes of crescent roll dough, but don’t unroll them just yet. Instead, keep them in their rolled form.
Slice the Dough: Using a sharp knife, slice each roll of dough into thick rounds. The thickness of the slices should be about 1/2 inch to ensure they hold up well during baking and create a nice, fluffy base for the filling.
Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the sliced dough on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. The parchment paper helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking.
Form the Edges: Use your fingers or a small measuring cup to gently press around the edge of each slice, creating a small raised border. This helps contain the cream cheese filling and prevents it from spilling out during baking.
4. Prepare the Sweet Butter Mixture
Mix Butter and Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with 1/4 cup of light brown sugar. Mix thoroughly until the sugar is dissolved into the butter. This mixture adds a touch of caramelized sweetness to the outer layer of your Danishes.
Brush the Mixture: Using a pastry brush, generously brush the butter and sugar mixture over the top of each dough slice. This step gives the Danishes a delicious, slightly crisp, and sweet exterior.
5. Add the Cream Cheese Filling
Dollop the Filling: Spoon even amounts of the prepared cream cheese filling into the center of each dough slice. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling may spread and overflow during baking.
6. Bake the Danishes
Bake: Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 16-18 minutes, or until the Danishes are slightly golden brown. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them towards the end to ensure they don’t overbake.
Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the Danishes from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. This allows the filling to set slightly and makes them easier to handle.
7. Prepare the Glaze
Mix Glaze Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, and 4 teaspoons milk. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. The glaze should be thick but pourable.
Drizzle Glaze: Drizzle the glaze over each warm Danish. The glaze adds a touch of sweetness and a glossy finish that enhances the visual appeal of the pastries.
8. Add Optional Toppings
Top with Fruit Filling: For an extra burst of flavor and color, top each Danish with a spoonful of cherry, blueberry, or strawberry filling. This is optional but adds a delicious fruity element that pairs wonderfully with the creamy cheese filling.
Variations & Tips
Cheese Choices: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mascarpone or ricotta, for a different flavor profile. You can also mix in a bit of lemon zest for a brighter, more citrusy taste.
Flavor Additions: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese filling for a hint of spice. These spices can complement the sweet and tangy flavors of the filling.
Dough Alternatives: If you prefer a different type of dough, you can use puff pastry or phyllo dough. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the Danishes ahead of time and freeze them before baking. Simply assemble them, freeze on a baking sheet until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions: These Danishes are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat with afternoon tea. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Conclusion
Perfect Crescent Cheese Danishes are a delightful blend of buttery, flaky dough and creamy, sweet cheese filling. This recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic pastry that’s sure to impress family and friends. The combination of crescent roll dough with a rich cream cheese filling and a sweet glaze creates a treat that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking for a comforting homemade pastry, these Danishes are a perfect choice. The process is straightforward, and the results are always deliciously rewarding. Enjoy the warm, gooey goodness of these cheese Danishes, and let them fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked pastries.
