Delight in the homemade simplicity of this Cream Cheese Danish recipe, featuring a soft, flaky pastry filled with a sweet cream cheese mixture. These danishes are perfect for a leisurely breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat throughout your day. With ingredients easily assembled from ready-made crescent dough and a few additional pantry staples, this recipe combines convenience with the joy of baking from scratch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizes ready-made crescent rolls for convenience without compromising on taste.
- Customizable: Easy to add your favorite fruit toppings or flavorings to the cream cheese mixture.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for a family breakfast, a gathering with friends, or as a delightful dessert.
Ingredients:
Danish Components:
- Two 8-ounce tubes of crescent rolls
- One 8-ounce package of cream cheese, at room temperature
- ¼ cup granulated white sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 8 tablespoons light brown sugar
Glaze Components:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 teaspoons of milk
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Filling
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, blend the room temperature cream cheese with white sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- Carefully unroll the crescent dough from the tubes. Press the dough into four rectangles per tube, sealing the perforations to prevent splitting.
- Brush the melted butter evenly over each piece of dough.
- Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of brown sugar evenly over each rectangle.
Step 3: Shape the Danishes
- Start rolling each rectangle tightly from the long side, sealing the edges to keep the filling inside.
- Carefully coil each rolled rectangle into a spiral shape.
- Press the center down to create a well for the filling.
Step 4: Add Filling and Bake
- Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with nonstick spray.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each Danish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown.
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze and Finish
- While the danishes bake, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a small bowl until smooth.
- Remove the baked danishes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm danishes.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Cream Cheese Danishes warm for the best flavor and texture.
- For a festive touch, add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or top with fresh berries or lemon zest before serving.
Storage Tips:
- Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave for best results before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Cream Cheese Danishes as a special treat that brings a touch of bakery-style indulgence to your kitchen table. Whether for a special occasion or a delightful start to any day, these danishes are sure to impress.
