Crescent Cheese Danishes

by

Delight your taste buds with the irresistible sweetness of Crescent Cheese Danishes! These delectable pastries combine flaky crescent roll dough with a luscious cream cheese filling, all topped off with a sugary glaze. Whether you’re craving a luxurious breakfast, a delightful brunch addition, or a sweet treat to enjoy any time of day, this recipe has you covered. Dive into the details below to create your own batch of these heavenly delights.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tubes Crescent Rolls
  • 1 (8 oz.) package Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • For Glaze:
    • ½ cup powdered sugar
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 4 teaspoons milk

Directions:

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, use a mixer to blend softened cream cheese, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Prepare Crescent Dough: Carefully open the crescent roll tubes without unrolling them. Using a sharp knife, slice the dough into thick slices.
  4. Shape and Fill: Place each crescent roll slice on the prepared baking sheet. Using your fingers or a small measuring cup, create a small wall around the edge of each slice to contain the filling.
  5. Sweeten with Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, mix melted butter with light brown sugar. Brush this mixture over each crescent roll slice.
  6. Add Cream Cheese Filling: Spoon even amounts of the prepared cream cheese filling into the center of each crescent roll slice.
  7. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 16-18 minutes or until the danishes are lightly golden brown.
  8. Prepare Glaze: While the danishes are baking, prepare the glaze by combining powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.
  9. Glaze and Garnish: Once the danishes are baked, allow them to cool slightly before drizzling the prepared glaze over the top. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding cherry, blueberry, or strawberry filling on top.
  10. Serve and Enjoy: Indulge in the divine sweetness of these Crescent Cheese Danishes as a delightful breakfast treat or anytime snack.

Serving and Storage Tips:

  1. Serve Fresh and Warm: Crescent Cheese Danishes are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the pastry is still warm and flaky. Serve them alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or brunch experience.
  2. Garnish Creatively: Get creative with your garnishes to add extra flair and flavor to your danishes. Consider topping them with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries, blueberries, or cherries, or sprinkle them with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
  3. Customize with Fillings: While the classic cream cheese filling is divine on its own, feel free to experiment with different fillings to suit your taste preferences. Try adding a dollop of your favorite fruit jam or preserves before baking for a burst of fruity goodness.
  4. Store Properly: If you have any leftover danishes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave for a few seconds before serving to regain their warm, flaky texture.
  5. Freeze for Later: Crescent Cheese Danishes can also be frozen for longer-term storage. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be reheated from frozen in the oven or microwave whenever you’re craving a sweet treat.
  6. Refresh Before Serving: If reheating danishes from the refrigerator or freezer, consider refreshing them in the oven for a few minutes to crisp up the pastry and revive the flavors. This will ensure they taste just as delicious as when they were freshly baked.
  7. Enjoy Anytime: Whether enjoyed as a decadent breakfast, a midday snack, or a sweet dessert, Crescent Cheese Danishes are perfect for any occasion. Keep a batch on hand for a quick and satisfying treat whenever the craving strikes.

Variations:

  1. Fruit-Filled Danishes: Experiment with different fruit fillings to add a burst of flavor to your danishes. Simply spread your favorite fruit jam or preserves over the cream cheese filling before baking for a fruity twist.
  2. Nutty Delight: For a nutty variation, sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans, almonds, or walnuts over the cream cheese filling before baking. The crunchy texture and rich flavor of the nuts will complement the creamy filling perfectly.
  3. Chocolate Lovers’ Dream: Indulge your sweet tooth with a chocolate-filled variation. Spread a layer of chocolate hazelnut spread or chocolate ganache over the cream cheese filling before rolling up the crescent dough for a decadent treat.
  4. Savory Spin: For a savory twist on the classic danish, try filling the crescent rolls with savory ingredients like cooked bacon, spinach, and feta cheese or diced ham and shredded cheddar. Serve as a delicious appetizer or brunch option.
  5. Cinnamon Roll Inspired: Channel the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll by sprinkling a mixture of cinnamon and sugar over the cream cheese filling before rolling up the crescent dough. Drizzle with a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk for an irresistible sweet treat.
  6. Almond Joy Danishes: Combine the flavors of coconut, chocolate, and almonds by adding shredded coconut and chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling. Top with sliced almonds before baking for a delightful twist on the classic danish.
  7. Seasonal Delights: Get creative with seasonal ingredients to create unique variations throughout the year. Try adding pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice in the fall, or fresh berries and lemon zest in the summer for a burst of seasonal flavor.
  8. Mini Danishes: For a bite-sized version of this classic treat, use mini crescent rolls and portion out smaller amounts of the cream cheese filling. These mini danishes are perfect for serving at parties or as a fun snack for kids.
  9. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crescent roll dough to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions. Fill and bake as directed for a gluten-free indulgence everyone can enjoy.
  10. Vegan Twist: Make a vegan-friendly version of Crescent Cheese Danishes by using dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes. Ensure the crescent roll dough is also vegan-friendly, and customize the filling with your favorite vegan ingredients and flavors.

FAQs:

  1. Can I make Crescent Cheese Danishes ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the danishes up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Simply follow the recipe up to step 9, then cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake.
  2. Can I freeze Crescent Cheese Danishes? Absolutely! Once baked, allow the danishes to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
  3. How do I reheat leftover danishes? To reheat danishes, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for a few seconds until warm.
  4. Can I customize the glaze? Yes, feel free to customize the glaze according to your preferences. You can add a splash of citrus juice such as lemon or orange for a tangy twist, or swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a different flavor profile.
  5. Are Crescent Cheese Danishes suitable for special diets? Yes, you can adapt this recipe to suit various dietary preferences and restrictions. Use gluten-free crescent roll dough for a gluten-free option, or opt for vegan cream cheese and butter substitutes for a vegan-friendly version.
  6. Can I add different toppings to the danishes? Absolutely! Get creative with your toppings by adding sliced fruit, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of coconut flakes before baking. Customize the danishes to your liking for a personalized touch.

With a heavenly combination of flaky pastry, creamy cheese filling, and sugary glaze, Crescent Cheese Danishes are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet indulgence throughout the day, these irresistible pastries are bound to impress. Try this recipe today and treat yourself to a truly delectable culinary experience!