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Crescent Cheese Danishes

Crescent Cheese Danishes are a quick and delicious pastry made with flaky crescent dough and a creamy sweet cheese filling. These homemade danishes taste like something from a bakery but are surprisingly simple to prepare. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even a sweet snack with coffee or tea.

The buttery crescent dough bakes into a golden, flaky crust while the cream cheese filling becomes smooth, rich, and slightly sweet.


Prep and Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Bake Time: 15–18 minutes

  • Total Time: About 30 minutes

  • Servings: 8 danishes


Ingredients

For the Danishes

  • 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for flavor)

  • 1 egg yolk

For the Egg Wash

  • 1 egg white

  • 1 tablespoon water

For the Glaze

  • ½ cup powdered sugar

  • 1–2 teaspoons milk

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract


Equipment Needed

  • Baking sheet

  • Parchment paper

  • Mixing bowl

  • Hand mixer or whisk

  • Spoon or spatula


Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.


Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, combine:

  • Softened cream cheese

  • Granulated sugar

  • Vanilla extract

  • Lemon juice

  • Egg yolk

Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.

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Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Dough

Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles.

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To shape the danishes:

  1. Roll each triangle slightly wider.

  2. Fold the corners inward slightly to create a small border.

  3. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.


Step 4: Add the Filling

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each dough piece.


Step 5: Apply Egg Wash

Mix the egg white with water and brush it lightly over the edges of the dough.
This helps the pastry bake into a beautiful golden color.


Step 6: Bake

Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and flaky.

Allow the danishes to cool for about 5 minutes before adding glaze.


Make the Sweet Glaze

In a small bowl, mix:

  • Powdered sugar

  • Milk

  • Vanilla extract

Stir until smooth and drizzle over the warm danishes.


Tips for the Best Crescent Cheese Danishes

  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened for a smooth filling.

  • Do not overfill the dough or the filling may spill during baking.

  • Let the pastries cool slightly before glazing so the icing sets nicely.

  • Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.


Optional Flavor Variations

Berry Cheese Danish

Add a teaspoon of strawberry, blueberry, or raspberry jam on top of the cream cheese filling.

Lemon Danish

Add extra lemon zest to the filling for a bright citrus flavor.

Cinnamon Sugar Danish

Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the dough before baking.


Storage Instructions

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to refresh the pastry.

  • These pastries can also be frozen for up to 1 month.


Approximate Nutrition (Per Danish)

  • Calories: 230

  • Carbohydrates: 20g

  • Fat: 14g

  • Protein: 4g

  • Sugar: 10g

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