There’s something about the delicate, flaky layers of a cream cheese Danish that immediately makes you feel like you’re treating yourself to something special.
It’s a combination of rich, sweetened cream cheese nestled in a buttery, crisp pastry, topped with just the right amount of sweetness—whether it’s for a cozy breakfast or a simple afternoon treat. And the best part? You don’t have to be a seasoned baker to pull it off!
I’ve been making this Easy Cream Cheese Danish for years, and it never fails to impress. The dough is light and buttery, and the filling is perfectly tangy with a touch of sweetness.
It’s a recipe that keeps giving, offering just the right balance of flavor and texture. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, craving something for dessert, or just want a homemade snack, this recipe is a go-to. No complicated steps, just quick, satisfying results.
For an extra indulgence, consider pairing these Danishes with a drizzle of Coffee Butter Frosting on top—trust me, it takes these to a whole new level.
Why This Is My Go-To Recipe?
- Quick & Easy: I love how effortlessly this comes together, and the ingredients are simple enough to always have on hand.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a lazy morning or a special gathering, it’s always the right choice.
- Customizable: Over time, I’ve swapped the filling with fruit or jam, and it’s been a hit every time.
- The Main Benefit: There’s no better feeling than watching my guests’ faces light up when they bite into these delicious, homemade treats!
Easy Cream Cheese Danish Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
- Cookie sheet
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 8 uncooked Crescent Rolls 1 large or 2 small cans
- 4 oz softened Cream Cheese
- 1/2 cup Sugar divided
- 1 1/2 tsp Vanilla
- 2 tbsp melted Butter
- 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
- 2 tsp Milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a cookie sheet.
- Beat cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/2 tsp vanilla in a medium bowl until smooth.
- Unroll dough into 4 rectangles, sealing the perforations by pinching.
- Brush each rectangle with melted butter and sprinkle with 1 tbsp of sugar.
- Roll each rectangle into a log and pinch the seam to seal.
- Coil each roll into a spiral and press down the middle to make room for the filling.
- Place on the prepared cookie sheet and top with cream cheese mixture.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes until golden, then drizzle with icing made of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 505kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 64g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 38g |
| Sugars | 46g |
| Sodium | 583mg |
Variations for Easy Cream Cheese Danish Recipe!
- Fruit-Filled Danish: Add a spoonful of fruit preserves or fresh fruit (like berries or apples) along with the cream cheese filling for a fruity twist. You can layer fruit at the bottom before adding the cream cheese mixture.
- Lemon Cream Cheese Danish: For a zesty flavor, add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon zest and a little lemon juice to the cream cheese filling. This will give your Danish a fresh, tangy edge.
- Cinnamon Sugar Danish: Mix cinnamon with the sugar before sprinkling it on the dough for an extra layer of flavor. You can also swirl cinnamon into the cream cheese filling for a spiced twist.
- Almond Cream Cheese Danish: Incorporate 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract into the cream cheese filling for a nutty, rich flavor. You can also top the Danish with sliced almonds for added crunch.
- Nutty Danish: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cream cheese mixture or sprinkle them over the top before baking for extra texture and flavor.