Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish

Craving something warm, cheesy, and a little sweet for breakfast? That’s why I love making Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish! They’re quick, flaky, and so tasty.

I use simple puff pastry and mix up a creamy cheese filling. Then I bake until golden and drizzle with icing. My family can’t wait to dig in when they come out of the oven!

No fancy skills needed. Just a few easy steps and simple ingredients. Perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunch.

Let’s make these danishes together! I’ll show you how simple it is. Ready for a warm, cheesy breakfast treat?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Convenience Meets Quality: Using store-bought crescent roll dough saves time but still yields a golden, flaky pastry with minimal effort.
• Rich, Creamy Filling: The cream cheese mixture is gently sweetened with sugar and flavored with vanilla, creating a luscious center that is not overly sweet.
• Perfect for Beginners: No complicated dough-making or rolling required—just simple assembly and baking.
• Quick Baking: From start to finish, you can have fresh Danish pastries in about 25 minutes, ideal for busy mornings or last-minute guests.
• Customizable: Easily add fruit preserves, fresh berries, or nuts for variety, or enjoy them plain as a comforting treat.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 10 minutes – This includes softening the cream cheese and mixing the filling.
Cook Time: 15 minutes – Baking time for the Danish to achieve a golden, puffed crust.
Total Time: Approximately 25 minutes from start to finish.

Yield: This recipe makes 8 individual cheese Danishes, suitable for about 4 people (two per person), but easily doubled for larger groups.

Difficulty Level: Very easy. This recipe is beginner-friendly with straightforward steps, perfect if you’re new to baking or short on time.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Baking Sheet: To bake the Danish pastries evenly.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Mixing Bowl: To prepare the cream cheese filling.
• Hand Mixer or Whisk: For smooth, lump-free filling.
• Small Bowl: For mixing the glaze ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy in ingredients.
• Spoon or Piping Bag (Optional): To neatly place the cream cheese filling onto the dough.

Ingredients Breakdown

Crescent Roll Dough (2 cans, 8 oz each): This pre-made dough is buttery, flaky, and easy to work with, eliminating the need for homemade puff pastry or yeast dough.

• Cream Cheese (16 oz, softened): The star ingredient of the filling, it needs to be softened to room temperature to blend smoothly without lumps.
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Adds gentle sweetness to balance the tang of the cream cheese.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Provides a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Whole Egg (1): Incorporated in the filling for richness and structure.
• Egg White (1): Used for brushing the dough before baking, helping to create a glossy, golden crust.
• Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup) and Milk (2 tablespoons): Whisked together to make a simple glaze that adds a subtle sweetness and attractive finish.

Variations for Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish

• Add Fruit: Spread a thin layer of your favorite jam or preserves (like raspberry, apricot, or strawberry) under the cream cheese filling for a fruity twist.
• Use Fresh Fruit: Top the cheese filling with fresh blueberries, sliced strawberries, or raspberries before baking for added texture and flavor.
• Nuts and Spices: Sprinkle chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans on top, or add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese mixture for warmth.
• Glaze Options: Swap the simple powdered sugar glaze for a lemon glaze (powdered sugar mixed with lemon juice) for a citrusy finish.
• Vegan or Dairy-Free: Substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use vegan crescent dough if desired.

How to Make Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and whole egg. Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat the ingredients together until smooth and creamy with no lumps. This filling should be thick but spreadable.

2. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

3. Prepare the Dough

Unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean surface. Separate each can into 4 rectangles by pressing the perforations firmly. You should have 8 rectangles total.

4. Assemble the Danishes

Place a spoonful (about 2 tablespoons) of the cream cheese filling in the center of each rectangle. Use the back of the spoon to gently spread the filling slightly, leaving a small border around the edges.

5. Fold and Seal

Fold the corners of each rectangle towards the center over the filling, slightly overlapping them to create a seal. Press gently to help the dough stick together but don’t cover the filling completely.

6. Brush with Egg White

Using a pastry brush or clean finger, lightly brush the exposed dough edges with the egg white. This will help the pastries develop a glossy, golden finish as they bake.

7. Bake

Place the assembled Danishes on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the dough is puffed and golden brown.

8. Prepare the Glaze

While the Danishes bake, whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth and runny but not too thin.

9. Glaze and Cool

Remove the Danishes from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm pastries using a spoon or a small piping bag for a neat finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Danishes warm or at room temperature. They pair well with a cup of coffee, tea, or fresh fruit juice. If you want to prepare ahead, bake them and warm briefly before serving. They also freeze well — just thaw and warm in a low oven for best results.

Storing Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish

• Room Temperature: Store the Danishes in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep leftovers refrigerated for up to 4 days. Warm gently before serving to restore flakiness.
• Freezing: Wrap each Danish individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 5–10 minutes.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Soften Cream Cheese Thoroughly: This ensures a smooth, lump-free filling that spreads easily.
• Don’t Overfill: Use about 2 tablespoons of filling per pastry to avoid spillage while baking.
• Seal Edges Gently: Press corners firmly but carefully to keep the filling inside without tearing the dough.
• Use Egg White for Shine: Brushing egg white on the dough edges gives a nice golden finish without browning the filling.
• Watch Baking Time: Baking too long can dry out the pastry; look for puffed, golden crust as a sign of doneness.
• Glaze When Warm: Drizzle the glaze over slightly cooled Danishes so it sets nicely without melting away.

Nutrition Information (Per Danish)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	280 kcal
Total Fat	17 g
Saturated Fat	10 g
Cholesterol	70 mg
Sodium	300 mg
Carbohydrates	24 g
Dietary Fiber	<1 g
Sugars	11 g
Protein	5 g

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Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish FAQs

Q: Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough?
A: Yes, puff pastry works well but may need slightly longer baking time. It also creates a flakier, more delicate texture.

Q: How do I soften cream cheese quickly?
A: Microwave it in short 10-second bursts, checking and stirring in between to avoid melting.

Q: Can I make the filling ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese filling up to a day in advance. Keep it refrigerated and bring to room temperature before assembling.

Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
A: Yes, you can freeze assembled Danishes before baking or freeze baked Danishes wrapped well. Thaw before baking or reheating respectively.