These Cheese Danishes are the ultimate homemade treat, combining the soft, flaky texture of crescent roll dough with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling. Topped with a light glaze, they are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. With only a few ingredients, these danishes come together quickly, making them a great option for anyone craving bakery-quality pastries without the hassle. The result is a flaky, delicious danish that tastes like it came straight from the bakery.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Danish Components

• 2 tubes (8 ounces each) of crescent rolls

• 1 (8-ounce) package of cream cheese (room temperature)

• 1/4 cup granulated white sugar

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons salted butter (melted)

• 8 tablespoons light brown sugar

Glaze

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 4 teaspoons milk

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).

2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:

   • In a medium bowl, mix the room temperature cream cheese, white sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

3. Prepare the Crescent Dough:

   • Unroll the crescent dough and divide it into 8 rectangles. Seal any perforations between the triangles.

4. Assemble the Danishes:

   • Brush each rectangle with the melted butter and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Roll each rectangle starting from the longer side and form a coil, sealing the edges.

5. Fill and Bake:

   • Place each coiled rectangle on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each coil. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.

6. Prepare the Glaze:

   • In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm danishes once they are out of the oven.

Nutrients (per serving)

Approximate values per danish

• Calories: 210 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 25g

  • Sugar: 12g

• Protein: 3g

• Fat: 12g

  • Saturated Fat: 6g

• Cholesterol: 20mg

• Sodium: 250mg

• Potassium: 50mg

• Calcium: 20% of Daily Value

• Iron: 4% of Daily Value

These Cheese Danishes are a delicious combination of soft, flaky dough and a creamy, sweet filling, making them an ideal treat for any occasion. They are easy to prepare and yield a warm, comforting result that feels like a special breakfast or afternoon snack.

The Key Ingredients: Crescent Rolls, Cream Cheese, and Brown Sugar

Crescent Roll Dough: Buttery and Flaky

The secret to the light, flaky texture of these danishes lies in the crescent roll dough. This dough, which comes pre-made and ready to use, creates a delicate, buttery crust that wraps around the creamy filling. The dough is soft yet crisp after baking, making it the perfect base for the sweet cream cheese mixture. Using crescent rolls makes these danishes incredibly easy to prepare without compromising on flavor or texture.

Cream Cheese: Rich and Smooth

The cream cheese filling is the heart of the danish, providing a rich, tangy, and smooth texture that contrasts beautifully with the flaky dough. Sweetened with sugar and flavored with a touch of vanilla extract, the cream cheese mixture is creamy and indulgent without being overly sweet. It melts into the dough as it bakes, creating a luscious filling that is both decadent and comforting.

Brown Sugar: Caramelized and Sweet

The addition of brown sugar adds depth to the danish, providing a hint of caramel flavor that perfectly complements the cream cheese filling. The brown sugar also gives the dough a slightly sweet and golden-brown finish as it bakes, creating a delicious contrast to the tangy cream cheese filling.

Glaze: Sweet and Simple

The glaze is the final touch that brings everything together. Made with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, the glaze is drizzled over the warm danishes after baking, adding a sweet, glossy finish that makes these pastries look and taste irresistible. The glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the cream cheese filling without overwhelming the flavors.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cheese Danishes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the danishes from sticking and to make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, mix the room temperature cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. This creamy mixture will serve as the filling for your danishes.

Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Dough

Unroll the crescent roll dough and divide it into 8 rectangles. Carefully seal any perforations between the triangles to form full rectangles. This will help create a uniform base for your danishes.

Step 4: Assemble the Danishes

Brush each rectangle with melted butter and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Roll each rectangle starting from the longer side, forming a coil shape, and seal the edges to hold the shape.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Place each coiled rectangle on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each coil. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the danishes are golden brown and flaky. The cheese filling should be slightly puffed up and set.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While the danishes are baking, mix the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a small bowl until smooth. The glaze should have a pourable consistency but not be too runny.

Step 7: Drizzle the Glaze

Once the danishes are baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of each danish. The glaze will add a sweet, glossy finish, making them even more delicious.

Serving Suggestions

These Cheese Danishes are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:

• For Breakfast: Pair a warm danish with a cup of coffee or espresso for a delightful morning treat. The combination of the flaky dough and creamy filling makes them the perfect breakfast indulgence.

• For Brunch: Serve these danishes as part of a brunch spread, alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or eggs. Their light sweetness will complement savory dishes perfectly.

• As a Snack: These danishes are a perfect snack when you’re craving something sweet. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or hot chocolate for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Why Cheese Danishes are Perfect for Any Occasion

Cheese Danishes are perfect for a variety of occasions. Their simplicity and quick preparation make them an excellent choice for busy mornings or last-minute brunches, while their delicious flavor and elegant appearance make them suitable for special gatherings and celebrations. Whether you’re preparing them for breakfast, serving them at a gathering, or enjoying them as a sweet snack, these homemade danishes are sure to impress.

The combination of flaky crescent dough, creamy filling, and sweet glaze is universally loved, making these Cheese Danishes a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Their versatility and ease of preparation make them a go-to option when you want to indulge without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Conclusion: A Perfectly Sweet and Flaky Delight

Homemade Cheese Danishes are a delicious, easy-to-make treat that will transport you straight to your favorite bakery. The flaky, buttery dough paired with the creamy cream cheese filling and sweet glaze creates a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack, these danishes will satisfy your cravings for something both light and rich at the same time. Enjoy the warmth, sweetness, and flaky goodness of this simple yet irresistible pastry!