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.

Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Dough

Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles.

To shape the danishes:

Roll each triangle slightly wider.
Fold the corners inward slightly to create a small border.
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