Here’s a recipe for Crescent Cream Cheese Danishes—a simple and delicious pastry made with crescent roll dough, a rich cream cheese filling, and optional fruit or glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!
🥐 Crescent Cream Cheese Danishes
✅ Yield:
8 danishes
⏱️ Time:
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Prep: 15 minutes
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Bake: 15–18 minutes
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Cool: 10 minutes
🧺 Ingredients
For the Danishes:
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1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough (like Pillsbury)
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4 oz (half a block) cream cheese, softened
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2 tbsp granulated sugar
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1/2 tsp vanilla extract
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1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for a tangy flavor)
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1–2 tbsp fruit preserves or pie filling (optional: raspberry, cherry, blueberry, etc.)
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1 egg, beaten (for egg wash – optional)
For the Glaze (optional):
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1–2 tsp milk
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1/4 tsp vanilla extract
🧑🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat the oven:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Make the cream cheese filling:
In a mixing bowl, beat together:
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4 oz cream cheese
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2 tbsp granulated sugar
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1/2 tsp vanilla extract
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1 tsp lemon juice (optional but adds great flavor)
Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
3. Prepare the crescent dough:
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Open the can of crescent rolls and separate the dough into 8 triangles (along the perforated lines).
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Take each triangle and roll the wide end toward the tip, just like a regular crescent roll.
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Now take each rolled crescent and coil it into a circle, tucking the end underneath.
Tip: Gently press the center of each circle down with your fingers or the back of a spoon to form a well for the filling.
4. Add the filling:
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Spoon about 1 heaping teaspoon of cream cheese mixture into the center of each danish.
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If using, add 1/2 tsp of fruit preserves or pie filling on top of the cream cheese.
5. Optional: Egg wash for golden color:
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Brush the edges of the dough with a beaten egg for a shiny, golden finish.
6. Bake:
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Bake in preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and the centers are set.
7. Cool:
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Let danishes cool on the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Add glaze (optional):
In a small bowl, mix:
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1–2 tsp milk (add gradually)
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1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Whisk until smooth and drizzle over cooled danishes with a spoon or fork.
🍓 Optional Toppings:
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Fruit preserves (raspberry, cherry, blueberry, peach)
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Lemon zest or cinnamon sprinkle
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Crushed nuts for texture
🧊 Storage:
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
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To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
💡 Tips:
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Don’t overfill the centers or they may overflow during baking.
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Use parchment paper for easier cleanup.
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Great to make ahead and glaze just before serving!