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This simple Crescent Cheese Danishes recipe transforms store-bought crescent rolls into impressive pastries that rival bakery offerings. The combination of creamy sweetened cheese filling and fruity preserves creates a delightful morning treat or afternoon indulgence that comes together in minutes.
I started making these danishes when my daughter had a last-minute school bake sale. The compliments were so enthusiastic, they've become our Sunday morning tradition while we relax with coffee in our pajamas.
Ingredients
- Crescent roll dough: Provides the flaky pastry base without the fuss of making dough from scratch
- Cream cheese: Creates that authentic danish flavor when softened completely to room temperature
- Granulated sugar: Balances the tanginess of the cream cheese perfectly
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the filling
- Fruit preserves: Bring color and complementary sweetness, use quality preserves for best results
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature while you assemble the danishes. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Create the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until completely smooth with no lumps. The filling should be creamy but still hold its shape when spooned.
- Prepare the Dough:
- Unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean surface and separate into triangles along the perforated lines. If the dough feels sticky, lightly dust your work surface with flour.
- Assemble the Danishes:
- Place a generous tablespoon of cream cheese mixture on the wide end of each triangle. Make a small indentation in the center of the cheese mixture and fill with a teaspoon of fruit preserves. Be careful not to overfill or the filling will leak during baking.
- Shape and Roll:
- Gently roll up each triangle starting from the wide end, tucking in any filling that tries to escape. Place on the prepared baking sheet with the point tucked underneath to prevent unrolling during baking.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, watching carefully during the final minutes. The danishes should be evenly golden brown with a slightly puffed appearance. The filling may bubble slightly which is perfectly normal.
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The raspberry version holds a special place in my heart. My grandmother always made raspberry pastries from scratch, and while these are a quicker version, they still remind me of Sunday mornings at her kitchen table. The bright tang of raspberries cuts through the richness of the cream cheese perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
These danishes pair wonderfully with coffee or tea for breakfast, but they also make a lovely dessert when warmed and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an elevated brunch presentation, arrange them on a tiered serving platter with fresh berries scattered around. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds a professional bakery touch.
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Make-Ahead Options
You can prepare these danishes the night before by assembling them completely, placing them on a baking sheet, covering with plastic wrap, and refrigerating. In the morning, simply preheat the oven and bake them for 2-3 minutes longer than the recipe states since they'll be cold from the refrigerator. The cream cheese mixture can also be prepared up to two days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Flavor Variations
While traditional fruit preserves work beautifully, consider experimenting with different fillings. Nutella creates a decadent chocolate version that children especially love. For a more savory approach, reduce the sugar in the cream cheese mixture and add finely chopped herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning. Lemon curd offers a bright alternative to fruit preserves for citrus lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different fruit preserves for the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite fruit preserves, such as raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or even blueberry for a personalized touch.
- → Is there a way to make this dessert less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the cream cheese mixture or opt for a less sweet fruit preserve to balance the flavors.
- → Can I prepare these danishes in advance?
While these are best served fresh, you can prepare the cream cheese mixture and unroll the dough in advance. Assemble and bake them when ready to serve for optimal freshness.
- → What’s the best way to store leftover danishes?
Store any leftover danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven to regain some of their flakiness.
- → Can I use homemade crescent dough instead of a canned version?
Yes, homemade crescent dough works perfectly for this recipe. Just ensure it’s rolled thin and cut into triangles for easy assembly.
- → What can I pair with these danishes for serving?
Pair these danishes with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of orange juice to complete your breakfast or dessert spread.