Heavenly Cheese Danishes Recipe: Fluffy Pastry Perfection

Soft, buttery pastries dance with creamy cheese in this irresistible cheese danishes recipe that promises pure breakfast bliss.

Golden-brown edges curl around a luscious cream cheese filling, beckoning you closer with each delicate fold.

These elegant pastries emerge from the oven with a delicate shimmer, promising a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Flaky layers of delicate dough cradle a rich, tangy center that whispers of indulgence.

The aroma of freshly baked danishes will transform your kitchen into a charming European bakery.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet and creamy textures that elevate your morning routine.

Prepare to savor a moment of pure culinary joy with these delectable cheese danishes that are sure to become your new breakfast favorite.

Cheese Danishes Ingredient Rundown for Perfect Pastries

• Crescent Dough: A soft and flaky base that provides the foundation for the delicate Danish pastry.

• Cream Cheese: A rich and creamy ingredient that creates a smooth and tangy filling for the Danish.
• Granulated Sugar: A sweetener that balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
• Vanilla Extract: An aromatic flavor enhancer that adds depth to the cream cheese filling.

• Brown Sugar, Melted Butter: A sweet and rich combination that adds caramelized flavor and moisture to the pastry surface.
• Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: A classic glaze that provides a sweet and glossy finish to the baked Danish.

Directions for Cheese Danishes from Mixing to Baking

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350F (177C).

Give your baking sheet a quick spritz with non-stick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Filling

• Cream cheese (room temperature)
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract

Blend everything until silky smooth and set aside.

Step 3: Unroll and Reshape Dough

Carefully unfurl the crescent dough tubes.

You’ll have 8 rectangular pieces.

Gently press those triangle perforations together to create solid rectangles.

Step 4: Butter and Sweeten

Brush each rectangle with melted butter.

Sprinkle a generous layer of brown sugar across the buttery surface.

Step 5: Create Danish Swirls

Roll each rectangle from the long side into a log shape.

Pinch the edges to seal tight.

Coil each log into a circular shape, tucking the end underneath.

Press a small indentation in the center of each coil to cradle the filling.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the coiled dough on the baking sheet, leaving space between each pastry.

Dollop cream cheese filling into the center of each coil.

Slide into the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and puff up beautifully.

Step 7: Craft a Silky Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Milk

Blend until smooth, adding extra milk if needed to achieve a drizzle-worthy consistency.

Step 8: Final Flourish

Pull the danishes from the oven and let them cool for a quick 5 minutes.

Drizzle the glaze over the warm pastries and serve right away for maximum deliciousness.

Cheese Danishes Secret Tips for Great Results

• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to ensure smooth, lump-free filling that spreads easily.
• Pinch perforated edges firmly to prevent filling from leaking during baking, creating a more stable pastry structure.
• Gently twist and coil the dough with even pressure to achieve a uniform shape that bakes evenly and looks professional.
• Adjust milk quantity gradually to achieve the ideal drizzling thickness – start with small amounts and mix thoroughly.
• Watch danishes closely in the final baking minutes, as ovens vary; golden brown is the perfect color for a delicate, flaky pastry.

Cheese Danishes Creative Flavor Combos to Try

• Fruit-Filled Danish: Replace cream cheese filling with mixed berry compote or apple cinnamon spread for a fruity alternative.
• Savory Herb Danish: Swap sweet filling with herbed goat cheese and sprinkle with fresh thyme, creating a delicious breakfast or appetizer option.
• Gluten-Free Danish: Use gluten-free crescent roll dough and almond flour to accommodate wheat-sensitive individuals while maintaining similar texture and taste.
• Vegan Danish: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream, use plant-based butter, and replace crescent dough with dairy-free puff pastry for a completely plant-based version.

Plating and Sharing Cheese Danishes

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange danishes on a beautiful wooden board with fresh berries and mint leaves for an elegant brunch centerpiece.
• Sweet Breakfast Companion: Pair these warm pastries with a hot cup of coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice for a delightful morning treat.
• Dessert Presentation Magic: Dust the glazed danishes with powdered sugar and serve on individual dessert plates for an upscale restaurant-style experience.
• Family Sharing Style: Cut the danishes into smaller pieces so everyone can enjoy a bite-sized version during gatherings or potlucks.

How to Keep Cheese Danishes Soft and Fresh

• Store leftover cheese danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each pastry individually in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent them from sticking together.
• Preserve danishes for longer by freezing them flat on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They'll keep well for 2-3 weeks when properly sealed.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed danishes in the oven at 325F (163C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy texture and bring back that fresh-baked taste. Avoid using the microwave, which can make the pastry soggy.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for Cheese Danishes?

The key ingredients are crescent dough, cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, brown sugar, melted butter, powdered sugar, and milk.

• Is this recipe beginner-friendly?

Yes, it’s perfect for beginners. The recipe uses simple steps with pre-made crescent dough, making it easy to assemble and bake.

• Can I prepare the cream cheese filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix the cream cheese filling up to 2 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to use.

• How do I prevent the dough from sticking while rolling?

Lightly dust your work surface with flour to prevent the crescent dough from sticking and make rolling easier.

What Makes Cheese Danishes a Timeless Treat

• Elevate Weekend Brunch: Transform ordinary mornings with these stunning cream cheese danishes that bring restaurant-quality pastries straight to your kitchen.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Wow: Crescent roll dough becomes a shortcut to creating impressive bakery-style treats without complex techniques or professional baking skills.
• Kid-Friendly Cooking Companion: Perfect for involving children in the kitchen, with simple rolling and shaping steps that make baking a fun family activity.
• Sweet Gathering Centerpiece: Guaranteed crowd-pleaser for brunches, potlucks, and casual get-togethers, delivering irresistible flavors that everyone will adore.

Cheese Danishes Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Irresistible homemade Cheese Danishes bring European bakery magic straight to kitchen counters. Flaky pastry envelops creamy cheese filling, promising delightful moments of pure culinary pleasure you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 tubes (8 ounces each) crescent rolls
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature

Sweeteners:

• 8 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for filling)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for glaze)
• 4 teaspoons milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and lightly coat a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Create the cream cheese filling by blending room temperature cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy in a medium mixing bowl.
3. Carefully unroll the crescent dough, merging the triangular perforations to form 8 solid rectangular pieces across both tubes.
4. Generously brush each rectangular dough piece with melted butter, then evenly distribute brown sugar over the surface.
5. Transform each rectangle into a log by rolling from the long side, sealing the edges tightly. Coil each log into a circular shape, tucking the end underneath and creating a small central indentation for filling.
6. Arrange the coiled dough pieces on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart. Delicately spoon cream cheese mixture into the center of each coil.
7. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the pastries achieve a golden brown color and appear puffy and elevated.
8. While baking, whisk powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a small bowl to create a smooth glaze, adjusting milk quantity for desired drizzling consistency.
9. After removing from the oven, allow danishes to cool for 5 minutes. Drizzle glaze over warm pastries and serve immediately to enjoy optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Allow cream cheese to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling that blends easily.
• Work with crescent dough quickly and gently to prevent it from warming up and becoming too sticky, which can make shaping difficult.
• Create a slightly deeper well in the center of each danish to help contain the cream cheese filling and prevent excessive leaking during baking.
• Adjust the glaze by adding milk or powdered sugar gradually to achieve the perfect drizzling texture that’s neither too thick nor too runny.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Danish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg