Crescent Cheese Danishes: The Easy Pastry That Tastes Like You Spent Hours in the Kitchen 1

There’s something magical about biting into a warm, flaky pastry with a sweet, creamy cheese filling that melts in your mouth. That’s exactly what you get with homemade Crescent Cheese Danishes! Originally inspired by traditional Danish pastries that have been beloved in Europe for centuries, this simplified version uses crescent roll dough to bring that bakery-quality experience right into your home kitchen—without the intimidating process of making laminated dough from scratch.

These Crescent Cheese Danishes are perfect for busy mornings when you want to impress your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, looking for a delightful breakfast treat, or simply craving something sweet and satisfying, this recipe delivers every single time. The best part? You only need about 30 minutes from start to finish, and the ingredients are simple pantry staples that you probably already have on hand. Let me show you how to create these golden, pillowy pastries that will have everyone thinking you ordered them from a fancy bakery!

Ingredients List

For the Pastries:

2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 large egg yolk (reserve the white for egg wash)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For the Egg Wash:

1 egg white (from the separated egg above)
1 tablespoon water

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar (also called confectioners’ sugar)
2-3 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Optional Toppings:

Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
Lemon zest for a citrusy twist
Sliced almonds for crunch

Substitution Notes:

You can use low-fat cream cheese if you prefer a lighter option
Almond extract can replace vanilla for a different flavor profile
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cream cheese and non-dairy milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when everything slides right off without any mess!

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling In a medium mixing bowl, combine your softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon to beat them together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This step is crucial because any lumps in your filling will show up in the final pastry. Add the vanilla extract, egg yolk, and flour, then mix again until everything is perfectly combined and creamy. The flour helps stabilize the filling so it doesn’t run out during baking.

Step 3: Unroll and Shape the Crescent Dough Carefully unroll both cans of crescent roll dough. You’ll notice the dough is pre-scored into triangles—ignore those perforations for now. Instead, press the seams together to create two large rectangles of dough. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, divide each rectangle into 4 equal squares. You should end up with 8 squares total. If your dough is too sticky, dust your work surface lightly with flour.

Step 4: Add the Cheese Filling Place about 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each dough square. Don’t overfill them—I know it’s tempting, but too much filling will leak out during baking and create a mess. Leave about a half-inch border around the edges so you can properly seal your danishes.

Step 5: Create the Danish Shape Here’s where it gets fun! Take two opposite corners of each square and fold them toward the center, overlapping them slightly. Press down gently to seal them in place. You can leave the other two corners open for that classic Danish look, or fold all four corners to the center if you prefer a more enclosed pastry. There’s no wrong way—both styles taste amazing!

Step 6: Apply the Egg Wash In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white and water until frothy. Using a pastry brush, gently brush this mixture over the exposed dough on each Danish. This creates that beautiful golden-brown, glossy finish that makes bakery pastries look so professional. Make sure not to brush the cheese filling, just the dough.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection Arrange your Crescent Cheese Danishes on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart—they’ll puff up as they bake. Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes; every oven is different, and you want them perfectly golden, not burnt.

Step 8: Make the Sweet Glaze While your danishes are cooling (give them at least 10 minutes—patience!), whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a tiny pinch of salt in a small bowl. Start with 2 tablespoons of milk and add more if needed to reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still drizzle-able.

Step 9: Drizzle and Serve Once your danishes have cooled slightly but are still warm, drizzle the glaze over the top using a spoon or transfer it to a piping bag for more control. If you’re adding fresh berries or other toppings, now’s the time! Serve these beauties while they’re still warm for the ultimate indulgent experience.

Pro Tips & Variations

Time-Saving Hacks:

Make the cream cheese filling the night before and store it in the refrigerator—just let it come to room temperature before assembling.
You can assemble the danishes up to 2 hours ahead, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

Flavor Variations:

Lemon Cream Cheese Danish: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to the cream cheese filling for a bright, citrusy twist.
Berry Swirl: Drop a teaspoon of berry jam (strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry) on top of the cream cheese before folding the corners.
Cinnamon Sugar: Mix 2 tablespoons sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon and sprinkle over the danishes before baking for extra warmth and spice.
Chocolate Lover’s Version: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cream cheese mixture and top with chocolate drizzle instead of vanilla glaze.

Healthier Options:

Use whole wheat crescent dough if available
Reduce the sugar in the filling to ¼ cup
Skip the glaze and dust with powdered sugar instead
Top with fresh fruit for natural sweetness and added nutrients

Presentation Tips:

Arrange on a tiered serving platter for brunch gatherings
Dust with powdered sugar through a fine-mesh sieve for an elegant look
Serve alongside fresh fruit and coffee for a complete breakfast spread

Storage & Reheating Tips

Storing Leftovers: If you somehow have any leftover Crescent Cheese Danishes (though they usually disappear quickly!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The refrigerator helps preserve the cream cheese filling, though the pastry may lose a tiny bit of its crispness.

Freezing Instructions: These danishes freeze beautifully! You can freeze them either before or after baking:

Before baking: Assemble the danishes completely but don’t apply egg wash. Freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, apply egg wash and bake from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes to the baking time.
After baking: Let the baked danishes cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Don’t add the glaze until after reheating.

Reheating Methods:

Oven method (best): Preheat your oven to 325°F. Place the danishes on a baking sheet and warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through and the pastry crisps up again.
Microwave method (quick): Heat for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Note that this won’t restore crispness but works in a pinch.
Air fryer method: Reheat at 320°F for 3-4 minutes for perfectly crispy results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Crescent Cheese Danishes Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these danishes in several ways for advance preparation. Assemble them completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking. Just add a minute or two to the baking time since they’ll be cold from the fridge. Alternatively, you can bake them fully, store them in the refrigerator, and reheat them just before serving. They’re incredibly forgiving and perfect for stress-free entertaining!

What’s the Best Way to Soften Cream Cheese Quickly?

If you forgot to take your cream cheese out ahead of time, don’t panic! Cut it into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. For an even faster method, place the unwrapped cream cheese on a microwave-safe plate and microwave it on 50% power for 15-second intervals, checking between each interval. Be careful not to melt it—you want it soft and spreadable, not liquid.

Can I Use Puff Pastry Instead of Crescent Rolls?

Yes, you can! Puff pastry will give you an even flakier, more authentic Danish texture. Use store-bought puff pastry sheets, cut them into squares, and follow the same assembly instructions. Keep in mind that puff pastry typically requires a slightly lower temperature (around 350°F) and may need 18-20 minutes of baking time. The flavor will be more buttery and rich, which many people prefer.

Why Is My Filling Leaking Out During Baking?

Filling leakage usually happens for one of three reasons: overfilling the danishes, not sealing the corners properly, or using cream cheese that’s too soft or warm. Make sure you’re using only about 2 tablespoons of filling per danish, press the folded corners down firmly, and ensure your cream cheese filling is smooth but not runny. Adding that tablespoon of flour to the filling also helps it hold its shape during baking.

Can I Make These Without Eggs?

Yes! For an egg-free version, simply omit the egg yolk from the filling—the filling will still taste delicious and hold together well. For the egg wash, you can brush the pastries with melted butter or a mixture of milk and a tiny bit of maple syrup to achieve that golden color. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still absolutely delicious.

Nutritional Information

Per Danish (makes 8 servings):

Calories: 285
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 420mg
Total Carbohydrates: 32g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 16g
Protein: 5g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on specific brands used and any modifications made to the recipe. The glaze adds approximately 50 additional calories per serving.

Recipe Card: Crescent Cheese Danishes

Recipe Title: Easy Homemade Crescent Cheese Danishes

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 danishes

Ingredients:

2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
8 oz cream cheese, softened
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg, separated
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon water
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, egg yolk, and flour until smooth and creamy.
Unroll crescent dough, press seams together, and cut into 8 squares.
Place 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each square.
Fold two opposite corners to the center and press to seal.
Whisk egg white with water and brush over the dough portions.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze.
Drizzle glaze over slightly cooled danishes and serve warm.

Notes:

Don’t overfill the danishes or the filling will leak during baking
Make sure cream cheese is fully softened for the smoothest filling
These are best served fresh but can be stored for up to 5 days refrigerated
Feel free to customize with your favorite fruit toppings or flavor variations

Final Note to Readers

If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with friends and family, and let us know your thoughts in the comments—we love hearing your cooking stories and tips! Did you try a different flavor variation? Did your kids help you make these? What did you serve them with? Your feedback helps us create more recipes that you’ll love, and it helps other home cooks know what to expect. Don’t forget to take a photo of your beautiful Crescent Cheese Danishes and tag us on social media—we can’t wait to see your delicious creations! Happy baking, and may your kitchen always smell like fresh pastries!