This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is a flaky, buttery pastry filled with a sweet and creamy cheese filling. Made with store-bought puff pastry or crescent roll dough, it’s a quick and simple recipe that tastes bakery-fresh. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these cheese danishes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal ingredients and quick prep make it perfect for busy mornings.
- Tastes like it came straight from a bakery.
- Versatile and can be customized with fruit, jam, or chocolate.
- Great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- Ready in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Crescent roll dough or puff pastry sheets
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for glaze)
- Milk or cream (for glaze)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Prepare the Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. - Assemble the Danish:
- If using crescent roll dough, unroll the dough and press the seams together to create a single sheet. Cut into rectangles.
- If using puff pastry, cut into squares or rectangles.
- Spoon a dollop of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each piece of dough. Fold the edges slightly over the filling or create your desired shape.
- Brush with Egg Wash:
Brush the edges of the dough with beaten egg to give them a golden finish. - Bake:
Place the assembled danishes on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. - Make the Glaze (Optional):
In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar and a splash of milk or cream to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle over the cooled danishes. - Serve:
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10 danishes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
- Fruit-Topped Danish: Add fresh fruit or fruit preserves on top of the cheese filling before baking.
- Chocolate Danish: Add a few chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent twist.
- Cinnamon Sugar Danish: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the filling for extra warmth and flavor.
- Savory Danish: Use ricotta or cream cheese mixed with herbs for a savory breakfast option.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free puff pastry or crescent dough.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the danishes the night before and bake them fresh in the morning.
2. Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?
Yes, but phyllo dough requires layering with melted butter to achieve the same flaky texture.
3. Can I freeze these danishes?
Yes, freeze unbaked danishes on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
4. Can I add jam to the filling?
Absolutely! Swirl your favorite jam into the cream cheese mixture or layer it on top of the filling.
5. What type of cream cheese works best?
Full-fat cream cheese provides the creamiest texture, but low-fat or dairy-free alternatives also work.
6. Can I use homemade dough?
Yes, homemade crescent or puff pastry dough can be used for a truly from-scratch treat.
7. Can I make a large Danish instead of individual ones?
Yes, use the dough to create a single large Danish braid with the filling in the center.
8. How can I prevent the filling from spreading?
Ensure the cream cheese filling is thick and not overfilled to avoid spreading during baking.
9. What toppings go well with these danishes?
Try powdered sugar, fresh fruit, chocolate drizzle, or chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.
10. Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based milk for the glaze.
Conclusion
Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a bakery-style treat at home. With its flaky crust, creamy filling, and endless customization options, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it warm with a cup of coffee or as an elegant addition to brunch, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Print
Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 danishes 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is a quick and delicious way to start your morning. Made with flaky crescent roll dough and a creamy cheese filling, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
- For the Danish:
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Prepare the Dough:
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 8 triangles. Lay them flat on the prepared baking sheet, keeping a little space between each.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using) until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Danishes:
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling onto the widest part of each triangle. Spread it slightly but avoid the edges.
- Roll up the dough starting from the wide end, wrapping the filling inside. Gently press the edges to seal if needed.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the danishes are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.
- Glaze the Danishes:
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm danishes using a spoon or piping bag.
- Serve:
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea!
Notes
- Add a dollop of fruit preserves (like raspberry or apricot) on top of the cream cheese filling for a fruity twist.
- These danishes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.