Can I substitute another dough for crescent rolls?

Absolutely! Puff pastry works beautifully if you want even more flakiness. Just cut into squares and follow the same steps. Biscuit dough is another quick option, though the texture will be a bit more cake-like.

Can these be made ahead of time?

You can prep the filling a day in advance and refrigerate it. As for the danishes themselves, they taste best warm from the oven, but are still delicious up to a day later.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Definitely. If you prefer a less sweet treat, cut back on the granulated sugar in the filling or use less glaze. The texture will remain rich and tasty.

How do I keep the filling from leaking out?

Make sure to create a deep enough well in each dough section, and resist overfilling. Press the edges a little if needed. Some spreading is natural—it just adds to their homemade charm!

Crescent Cream Cheese Danishes Recipe

Description

Indulge in these easy and delicious Crescent Cream Cheese Danishes, featuring a buttery crescent dough base, creamy sweetened cream cheese filling, and a luscious vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat, these danishes come together quickly with minimal prep and bake time.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Dough

2 cans crescent rolls

Cream Cheese Filling

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Topping

1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp. butter, melted

Glaze

2/3 cup powdered sugar
4 tsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the danishes from sticking.
Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Mix Brown Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined to form a sweet topping.
Prepare Crescent Dough: Open the crescent roll packages and cut each roll into 8 even sections. You should have 16 pieces. Place each section flat on your prepared baking sheet.
Shape and Fill Dough: Using your fingers or the back of a spoon, gently press into the center of each dough section to create a well for the filling.
Assemble Danishes: Brush the tops of the dough sections with the brown sugar-butter mixture. Spoon a portion of the cream cheese filling into the well of each section.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the danishes for 15-20 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and cooked through.
Prepare Glaze: While the danishes are baking, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth to create the glaze.
Glaze and Serve: Once danishes are done, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Brush or drizzle the glaze over the tops before serving.

Notes

Make sure cream cheese is fully softened for a lump-free filling.
For an extra touch, add a bit of lemon zest to the filling.
Danishes are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
For easier cleanup, line your baking sheet with parchment paper.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 danish
Calories: 180
Sugar: 13g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 20mg