Crescent Cheese Danishes

Crescent Cheese Danishes are a simple yet delicious pastry that combines the buttery flakiness of crescent rolls with a sweet and creamy cheese filling. Topped with a light glaze, these danishes are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe and learn how to make it step-by-step.

Ingredients

For the Danish:

• 1 medium package (8 oz) of softened Philadelphia cream cheese
• 2 tubes of crescent rolls
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup of light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

• 2/3 cup of powdered sugar
• 4 teaspoons of milk
• 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

1. Mix the Filling:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Rolls

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Roll Out the Dough:
   • Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles according to the perforations. You should have 16 triangles in total.

Step 3: Assemble the Danishes

1. Shape the Danishes:
   • Take each triangle and slightly stretch the dough to make it a bit larger. Fold the corners in to create a more rectangular shape with slightly raised edges to hold the filling.
2. Add the Filling:
   • Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each dough rectangle. Spread it slightly, but avoid the edges.
3. Brush with Butter:
   • Brush the edges of the dough with the melted butter.

Step 4: Bake the Danishes

1. Bake:
   • Place the assembled danishes on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

1. Mix the Glaze:
   • In a small bowl, combine 2/3 cup of powdered sugar, 4 teaspoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.

Step 6: Glaze the Danishes

1. Cool Slightly:
   • Allow the danishes to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
2. Drizzle the Glaze:
   • Drizzle the prepared glaze over the warm danishes.

Step 7: Serve

1. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Serve the Crescent Cheese Danishes warm or at room temperature. Enjoy their flaky, creamy, and sweet goodness!

Cooking Notes and Tips

• Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to achieve a smooth filling.
• Dough: Handle the crescent roll dough gently to avoid tearing. If it tears, you can pinch it back together.
• Glaze: Adjust the thickness of the glaze to your liking by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more milk for a thinner glaze.

Variations

Fruit-Filled Danishes

• Add Fruit:
  • Add a spoonful of fruit preserves (such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot) on top of the cream cheese filling before baking for a fruity twist.

Nutty Danishes

• Add Nuts:
  • Sprinkle chopped nuts (such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts) over the cream cheese filling before baking for added texture and flavor.

Lemon Danishes

• Add Lemon Zest:
  • Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a more pronounced lemon flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Breakfast or Brunch

• With Coffee or Tea:
  • Serve the danishes with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or brunch treat.

Dessert

• With Ice Cream:
  • Serve the danishes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Snack

• With Fresh Fruit:
  • Pair the danishes with fresh fruit for a balanced snack.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these danishes ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the danishes up to the baking step and refrigerate them overnight. Bake them fresh in the morning. You can also bake them and store them in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven before serving.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Q: Can I freeze these danishes? A: Yes, you can freeze the baked danishes. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

Q: Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent rolls? A: Yes, you can use homemade puff pastry or crescent dough for this recipe. The baking time may need to be adjusted accordingly.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese? A: Cream cheese is recommended for its smooth and creamy texture, but you could experiment with mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a different flavor profile.

Crescent Cheese Danishes are a delightful and easy-to-make pastry that’s perfect for any occasion. With their flaky crescent roll dough, creamy cheese filling, and sweet glaze, these danishes are sure to be a hit. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this treat is always a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious danishes with your family and friends!