Cream Cheese Crescent Danishes A Heavenly Easy Bake Delight

Introduction

There’s something magical about biting into a warm, flaky pastry filled with creamy, sweetened cheese. The Cream Cheese Crescent Danish is a shortcut to that magic — no need to be a professional baker or spend hours in the kitchen. This recipe uses crescent roll dough, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla to create danish pastries that are as good as (if not better than) your favorite bakery.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a cozy coffee treat, these danishes come together in under 30 minutes and will have everyone asking for more.

History of the Danish Pastry

The Danish pastry, or “Wienerbrød,” actually originates from Austria. It was brought to Denmark by Austrian bakers in the 19th century and quickly became a staple of Danish baking. Traditional Danish pastries are made from laminated dough with layers of butter, much like croissants. Over time, countless varieties have emerged, often filled with fruit, nuts, or — you guessed it — sweetened cream cheese.

The Cream Cheese Danish became especially popular in American bakeries in the mid-20th century. The version we’re making today is a modern twist, using crescent roll dough to make it quick and accessible.

Ingredients

• 1 package of Pillsbury Crescent Rolls (8 count)
• 1 block (8 oz) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 1 tbsp milk (for glaze)
• 1/4 tsp vanilla (for glaze)
• Optional: 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions & Methods

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preheat & Prep

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Shape the Dough

• Open the crescent roll package and separate the dough into 8 triangles.
• Pinch the perforated seams to close them, then shape each triangle into a circle, folding edges slightly to create a shallow cup.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling

• In a mixing bowl, combine:
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Mix until smooth and creamy.

4. Fill the Danishes

• Spoon about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling into the center of each crescent round.
• If desired, brush the exposed dough with beaten egg for a golden finish.

5. Bake

• Bake at 375°F for 13–15 minutes, or until golden brown.

6. Make the Glaze

• In a small bowl, whisk:
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp milk
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• Drizzle over warm danishes after baking.

Formation Tips

• Keep the cream cheese at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Shape the dough evenly to keep the filling from spilling over.
• Want fruit? Add a teaspoon of jam or pie filling on top of the cream cheese before baking.

Benefits

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• No fancy equipment needed.
• Customizable: Add fruit, nuts, or cinnamon.
• Crowd-pleaser: Great for breakfast buffets, brunches, or potlucks.
• Kid-friendly: Sweet, soft, and fun to make together

1. Quick and Convenient

Using crescent roll dough saves you time and effort without sacrificing taste. No kneading, rolling, or rising required — just open, fill, and bake!

2. Budget-Friendly

You don’t need expensive ingredients or bakery visits. Most items (like cream cheese, vanilla, and sugar) are pantry staples.

3. Customizable

You can tailor these danishes with:

• Fruit preserves (like raspberry, blueberry, or apricot)
• Chocolate chips or Nutella
• Cinnamon sugar
• Lemon zest for a citrusy twist

Each variation brings new flavors without extra complexity.

4. Kid-Friendly

Both in taste and prep! Kids love helping shape the dough, spoon in the filling, and (of course) eat them. It’s a fun baking activity for families.

5. Portion-Controlled

These are made individually, so you can enjoy a sweet treat without overindulging. They’re perfect for sharing or saving for later.

6. Crowd-Pleasers

Ideal for:

• Breakfast or brunch gatherings
• Potlucks
• Holiday spreads
• Coffee dates
  They look fancy, but anyone can make them — making you look like a baking pro!

7. Great Source of Comfort

Cream cheese and warm, fluffy pastry = instant mood booster. Perfect for rainy days, cozy nights, or when you need a sweet pick-me-up.

8. Versatile

Not just for breakfast! Serve them as:

• Dessert
• Midday snack
• Coffee companion
• Sweet treat in lunchboxes

9. Balanced Flavors

They strike the perfect harmony between sweet, creamy, and flaky, making them satisfying without being overly rich.

10. Make-Ahead Friendly

They store well in the fridge and reheat beautifully. Perfect for meal prep or baking in batches ahead of time.

Nutrition (Per Danish – Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	210–250 kcal
Protein	3–5g
Carbohydrates	18–22g
Fat	14–16g
Sugar	9–12g
Calcium	4% DV

Note: Values vary depending on brand and added toppings

.Nutrition Facts (Per Danish – Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	230–260 kcal
Total Fat	15g
• Saturated Fat	6g
• Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	25–30mg
Sodium	280–320mg
Total Carbohydrates	22–26g
• Dietary Fiber	<1g
• Sugars**	10–13g
Protein	3–5g
Calcium	4–6% DV
Iron	6–8% DV
Vitamin A	6% DV
Vitamin C	0% DV

DV = Daily Value based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Nutritional Notes:

• Cream Cheese contributes to the fat and protein content.
• Crescent Roll Dough is the primary source of carbohydrates and sodium.
• Sugar and Vanilla are minimal but add to the overall sweetness.
• Adding fruit preserves will increase sugar and possibly vitamin C.
• Using low-fat cream cheese can reduce fat and calorie count without sacrificing too much flavor.

Tips to Make It Healthier:

Skip or lighten the glaze
Use just a drizzle or dust with powdered sugar instead.

Use Reduced-Fat Cream Cheese
Cuts down on saturated fat and calories.

Choose Whole Wheat Crescent Dough (if available)
Adds more fiber and nutrients.

Reduce the Sugar
Try 1/4 cup sugar in the filling instead of 1/3 cup.

Add Fresh Fruit or Pureed Berries
Boosts vitamins and adds natural sweetness.

For the Lovers of Pastries…

Pastry lovers, this one’s for you. If you crave the tender flake of a croissant and the creamy richness of cheesecake, you’re about to meet your new obsession. These danishes are:

• Romantic enough for a breakfast-in-bed.
• Elegant enough for a holiday spread.
• Comforting enough for a solo coffee break.

This is the pastry that loves you back.

Conclusion

This Cream Cheese Crescent Danish recipe is the ultimate fusion of ease and indulgence. With store-bought dough and a homemade touch, you’ll whip up something that looks and tastes gourmet. Whether you’re baking for your family, brunching with friends, or treating yourself, this recipe will become a repeat star in your kitchen.