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This easy Crescent Cheese Danishes turns regular store-bought crescents into fancy treats that taste just like ones from a bakery. The smooth, sweet cheese filling plus fruity jam makes a tasty breakfast or snack that's ready in just minutes.
I first whipped these up when my kid needed something for a surprise school bake sale. Everyone loved them so much that now we make them every Sunday while we sip coffee in our PJs.
Ingredients
- Crescent roll dough: Gives you that flaky texture without making dough yourself
- Cream cheese: Brings that real danish taste when it's fully softened
- Granulated sugar: Cuts through the cream cheese tang just right
- Vanilla extract: Gives the filling extra flavor dimension
- Fruit preserves: Adds pretty color and sweetness, so pick good quality ones
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Oven:
- Get your oven hot at 375°F (190°C) while you put everything together. Put some parchment on a baking sheet to make cleanup super easy.
- Create the Filling:
- Mix your soft cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla in a bowl until it's totally smooth. You want it creamy but firm enough to scoop.
- Prepare the Dough:
- Open your crescent rolls and pull them apart into triangles. If they're sticking, just dust your counter with a bit of flour.
- Assemble the Danishes:
- Put a big spoonful of cheese mix on the wide part of each triangle. Make a little dent in the middle and drop in some fruit preserves. Don't go overboard or it'll leak everywhere.
- Shape and Roll:
- Roll each triangle from the wide end, tucking in any filling that tries to escape. Put them on your baking sheet with the pointy end tucked under so they don't unroll.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Stick them in the oven for 12-15 minutes, but keep an eye on them at the end. They should turn nice and golden with a bit of puff. Don't worry if the filling bubbles a little.
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I've got a soft spot for the raspberry ones. My grandma always baked raspberry pastries from scratch, and though these are much faster to make, they still take me back to those mornings at her table. That tart raspberry flavor really works magic with the rich cream cheese.
Serving Suggestions
These go great with a cup of coffee or tea at breakfast, but you can also serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For fancy brunches, stack them on a tiered plate with some fresh berries scattered around. Sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top just before serving to make them look extra special.
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Make-Ahead Options
You can get these ready the night before by putting them together, placing them on your baking sheet, covering with plastic, and sticking them in the fridge. Next morning, just heat up the oven and cook them about 2-3 minutes longer since they'll be cold. You can also mix up the cream cheese filling two days ahead and keep it in the fridge in a sealed container.
Flavor Variations
Fruit preserves work great, but why not try some different fillings? Kids go crazy for the Nutella version. For something less sweet, use less sugar in your cream cheese and add some chopped herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, or sprinkle on everything bagel seasoning. If you love citrus, lemon curd makes an amazing alternative to jam.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap out the fruit preserves for something else?
Definitely! Go for any jam or preserve you like such as blueberry, raspberry, apricot, or even your own homemade version.
- → How can I tone down the sweetness?
For a milder taste, try using less sugar in the cream cheese or choose a less sugary fruit spread to mix things up.
- → Is it possible to prep these ahead of time?
These are best fresh, but you can get the cream cheese filling ready and unroll the dough beforehand. Assemble and bake just before serving for top-notch results.
- → What’s the best way to keep leftovers?
Pop any extras into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat in an oven to bring back their flaky texture.
- → Can homemade crescent dough work?
Of course! Homemade dough fits perfectly. Roll it super thin and cut it into triangles for easy use.
- → What drinks pair nicely with these pastries?
They’re awesome with coffee, tea, or even a chilled glass of orange juice. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or treat!