This Easy Cream Cheese Danish is a delightful treat that transforms simple crescent rolls into a rich, creamy breakfast or brunch favorite.
Packed with smooth cream cheese and lightly sweetened, it offers a satisfying balance of protein and good fats.
Quick to assemble and bake, this recipe is perfect for busy mornings, casual gatherings, or effortless meal prep, bringing bakery-quality flavor to your kitchen in under 40 minutes.
Cream Cheese Danish Bites
Equipment
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl
- 1 cookie sheet
- 1 Whisk or Electric Mixer
- 1 Pastry brush
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 8 rolls uncooked crescent dough 1 large can or 2 small cans
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup sugar divided
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract divided
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Danish will bake evenly and develop a golden, flaky exterior. While the oven heats, lightly grease a cookie sheet with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent the Danish from sticking. Set the prepared pan aside for later.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Using a whisk or electric mixer, beat the ingredients together until smooth, creamy, and fully blended. Take your time here to ensure there are no lumps; a silky filling will enhance the texture of your Danish.
- Prepare Crescent Dough: Carefully unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Separate the dough into 4 large rectangles (or use the perforated sections if using a canned dough). Pinch the perforations together to seal them so the dough will not split during rolling. This step is essential for maintaining a uniform spiral shape.
- Brush with Butter and Sugar: Using a pastry brush, generously coat each rectangle with melted butter. Sprinkle a tablespoon of sugar evenly over each piece of dough. This will add a delicate sweetness and help create a slightly caramelized crust during baking.
- Roll the Dough Into Spirals: Starting from one end, carefully roll each rectangle lengthwise into a tight log. Pinch the edges to seal so the roll does not unravel while baking. Then, gently coil each log into a spiral, pressing lightly in the center to create a shallow well for the cream cheese filling. Place each spiral on the prepared cookie sheet, leaving some space between them to allow for expansion.
- Add Cream Cheese Filling: Spoon about 1/4 of the prepared cream cheese mixture into the center well of each spiral. Make sure the filling stays mostly in the middle to prevent it from spilling over during baking. This ensures each bite has a balanced combination of flaky dough and creamy filling.
- Bake Until Golden Brown: Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 16–18 minutes, or until the Danish are puffed up and golden brown. Keep an eye on them toward the end of baking, as ovens can vary. The edges should be lightly browned, and the cream cheese should appear set but still soft.
- Prepare Sweet Glaze: While the Danish are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is completely smooth and lump-free. Adjust the consistency with a few drops of milk if needed; the glaze should be pourable but thick enough to coat the Danish without running off.
- Drizzle Glaze Over Danish: Once the Danish are baked, allow them to cool for 5–10 minutes on the cookie sheet. Then, using a spoon or small whisk, drizzle the glaze generously over the top of each spiral. The warm Danish will absorb some of the glaze, creating a sweet, glossy finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your Easy Cream Cheese Danish is now ready to serve! These pastries are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, but they also taste delicious at room temperature. Pair with a cup of coffee, tea, or fresh fruit for a perfect breakfast or brunch treat.
Notes
- Use fresh, room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Crescent roll dough can vary by brand; ensure seams are well-sealed to prevent leaks during baking.
- Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking while rolling dough.
- Adjust sugar in the filling or topping based on your sweetness preference.
- Allow Danish to cool slightly before drizzling glaze to avoid melting it completely.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest over the cream cheese before baking.
- Make ahead: Dough can be assembled and refrigerated for up to 4 hours before baking.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Danish
Creating the perfect cream cheese Danish comes down to balance, temperature, and timing.
Always start with room-temperature cream cheese; cold cheese will be lumpy and harder to spread.
When rolling the dough, pinch seams and ends firmly to prevent the filling from oozing out.
A light brush of melted butter on the dough adds richness and encourages a golden-brown finish.
Finally, allow the Danish to cool just enough before glazing—it ensures the sweet topping adheres beautifully without melting into a puddle.
These small adjustments elevate your homemade Danish to bakery-level quality.
Serving Suggestions for Delightful Meals
This Danish is incredibly versatile.
Serve warm for breakfast with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, or include it as a sweet centerpiece on a brunch table alongside fresh berries and yogurt.
It also makes an excellent dessert when paired with a light scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
For gatherings, cut into halves or quarters to create bite-sized treats that are perfect for sharing.
The buttery, creamy flavors make it a hit for both casual mornings and special occasions.
Storage Tips for Freshness
To keep your Danish fresh, store baked pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
If you want to extend shelf life, refrigerate for up to 5 days; warm slightly before serving to restore flakiness.
For longer storage, Danish can be frozen unglazed in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferred to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
Always glaze just before serving for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use pre-shredded cream cheese instead of block?
Pre-shredded cream cheese is not recommended as it often contains stabilizers that prevent smooth mixing.
For a silky filling, always use block cream cheese, softened at room temperature.
2. Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the crescent roll dough with a gluten-free variety.
Ensure the dough is pliable enough to roll without cracking; you may need to handle it gently and adjust baking time slightly.
3. Can I prepare the Danish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the Danish and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before baking.
This is perfect for morning prep if you want fresh pastries without the early-morning hassle.
4. How do I prevent the cream cheese from leaking?
Pinch all seams and ends of the rolled dough securely.
Slightly pressing the center of the spiral creates a natural pocket for the filling.
Avoid overfilling to reduce the risk of spillage during baking.
5. Can I customize the filling or glaze?
Yes! Add flavors like lemon zest, almond extract, or cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture.
For the glaze, you can substitute milk with cream, add a touch of maple syrup, or sprinkle with finely chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
