Cream Cheese Danish Bites
Transform crescent rolls into a golden, spiral Danish filled with sweet, creamy cream cheese. Soft, buttery, and easy to make, this recipe is perfect for breakfasts, brunches, or light desserts. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a simple way to impress with minimal effort.
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.
