Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe
If you’re looking for a pastry that hits that magical sweet spot between decadent and totally doable on a busy morning, let me introduce you to the Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish. Trust me—this isn’t some complicated bakery mystery, but a delightful, creamy, and buttery treat you can whip up in under half an hour with just a handful of basic ingredients. Each flaky bite balances luscious cream cheese filling with a light glaze for just the right amount of sweetness, all wrapped in golden crescent roll dough. Whether you’re making brunch for friends or just want to impress your loved ones with bakery-style flair, this Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is pure comfort with zero fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You might be amazed at how just a few familiar ingredients come together to create something that tastes straight out of a patisserie. Each component adds its own little magic to make your Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish irresistibly good.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): The creamy, tangy base for your filling—make sure it’s softened for perfectly smooth texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Brings the perfect sweetness and helps blend the filling into silky goodness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and adds a comforting, bakery-style aroma.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 ounces): Your shortcut to flakiness—no pastry skills required!
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Loosens the glaze, giving it that luscious pourable consistency.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens and thickens the glaze for that classic drizzle.
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds a fresh, zesty pop to brighten the glaze (totally optional, but highly recommended if you love a hit of citrus!).
How to Make Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), then line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little bit of prep makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your danishes won’t stick.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is totally smooth and creamy. A hand mixer works wonders here, but a sturdy spoon and a little elbow grease is just fine too!
Step 3: Shape the Crescent Dough
Pop open that can of crescent roll dough (always a satisfying moment, right?) and unroll it onto your work surface. Gently separate it into 4 rectangles, pressing the perforated seams together with your fingers to seal them up. You’re creating a base for the glorious filling.
Step 4: Assemble and Fill
Spoon a generous dollop of your cream cheese mixture right in the center of each rectangle. Take the corners of each rectangle and fold them toward the center so they lightly overlap on top of the filling. Give them a gentle pinch so they stick together—no perfection required!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the assembled pastries on your lined baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden brown color and crisp edges. The smell alone will have everyone lining up in the kitchen.
Step 6: Whip Up the Glaze
While your danishes are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and lemon juice (if using) in a small bowl until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. This is what gives your Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish that iconic bakery shine.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Let your fresh danishes cool for a few minutes so the glaze doesn’t melt right off. Then, use a spoon to drizzle the glaze over each one in smooth, zigzag patterns. It’s the finishing touch that makes these irresistible!
How to Serve Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish
Garnishes
For a professional-looking finish, you can add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or even a few curls of fresh lemon zest on top of the finished pastries. A tiny sprig of mint or a handful of fresh berries elevates the presentation and flavor even further!
Side Dishes
Pair your Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish with a bowl of seasonal fruit salad, a mug of hot coffee or chai, and maybe even some savory breakfast sausage or scrambled eggs if you like a bigger brunch spread. Their mild sweetness makes them the perfect complement to both cozy mornings and festive breakfasts.
Creative Ways to Present
Wow your family or guests by serving the danishes on a vintage cake stand or colorful platter. For a special brunch, try arranging each patisserie on individual dessert plates with a few berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Mini danish versions (using smaller squares of dough) also make darling party treats!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let your Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The glaze may soften a little, but they’ll still taste wonderful—just be sure to keep them covered to prevent dryness.
Freezing
These danishes freeze beautifully! Simply wrap each cooled, unglazed danish tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Pop them in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and add the fresh glaze just before serving.
Reheating
To restore their just-baked feel, warm leftover danishes in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 6–8 minutes, or until warmed through. For a quicker fix, a short zap in the microwave does the trick, but the oven keeps that outer flakiness crisp and delightful.
FAQs
Can I add fruit to these danishes?
Absolutely! A spoonful of fruit preserves under the cream cheese filling—think raspberry, apricot, or blueberry—adds a delicious little surprise. Fresh berries also work if you want extra pop and color.
How can I make these look extra golden on top?
Brush the tops with a bit of beaten egg before baking for that gorgeous glossy, golden bakery finish. It’s a simple step that really impresses!
What if I only have low-fat cream cheese?
Low-fat cream cheese works, but the filling may be a bit less rich and creamy. Softening it well and mixing thoroughly ensures a smooth result every time.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely—you can double or even triple the recipe with ease! Just bake in batches or on multiple trays, rotating halfway if your oven is full for even browning.
How long will the Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish keep?
These are best enjoyed fresh but stay tasty for up to three days in the refrigerator. Add a fresh layer of glaze after reheating to make them taste just-baked again!
Final Thoughts
The Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish has all the flavors you crave in a classic pastry, but with zero intimidation factor. It’s the sort of recipe you’ll turn to again and again—whether you need a crowd-pleasing brunch treat, a sweet snack with coffee, or simply want to enjoy the smell of something heavenly baking in your own kitchen. Give it a whirl and watch these dreamy danishes disappear in no time!
Print
Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 danishes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful morning treat with this easy breakfast cheese danish recipe. Creamy cheese filling wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough, baked until golden, and finished with a sweet glaze.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Filling:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese (softened), 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Danish:
1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent roll dough, 1 tablespoon milk
Glaze:
1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Filling: In a bowl, blend softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Prepare Danish: Unroll crescent dough into 4 rectangles, press seams together. Place cream cheese filling in the center, fold corners to the middle, pinch to seal slightly.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Make Glaze: While baking, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and lemon juice for the glaze.
- Finish: Let danishes cool slightly, then drizzle glaze over the top before serving.
Notes
- You can add fruit preserves under the cream cheese filling for a fruity twist.
- For a crispier texture, brush the tops with beaten egg before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
