Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe

Fluffiest Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe for Morning Indulgence

Whipping up a delightful breakfast cheese danish sounds like the perfect morning adventure.

Crisp pastry layers fold around creamy cheese filling, creating a mouthwatering treat.

Mornings become magical when you slice into this golden, flaky delight.

Buttery dough transforms into a heavenly breakfast masterpiece that sparks joy.

Danish pastries originate from Denmark, bringing European charm right to your kitchen.

Simple ingredients and minimal skills can help you craft this impressive breakfast surprise.

You’ll impress everyone with these elegant, homemade cheese danishes that taste like a professional bakery creation.

Ingredients Needed for Breakfast Cheese Danish

Base Dough:
  • Crescent Roll Dough: Provides the light, flaky foundation for the danish, easy to work with and perfect for quick pastries.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese, Sugar: Smooth, sweet filling that creates a rich and creamy center for the danish, best when cream cheese is softened at room temperature.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet flavor to the filling, pure vanilla gives the best taste.
  • Lemon Zest: Optional ingredient that brightens the filling with a subtle citrus note, fresh zest recommended.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Creates a sweet, smooth drizzle that adds a finishing touch to the danish, adjust milk for desired consistency.

Let’s Bake: Breakfast Cheese Danish Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Workspace

Gather a baking sheet, parchment paper, medium mixing bowl, small whisk, and spoon.

Step 2: Ready the Oven

Warm the oven to 375°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 3: Unwrap Crescent Dough

  • Open crescent roll package
  • Separate dough into triangle sections
  • Place triangles on prepared baking sheet with slight spacing

Step 4: Create Creamy Filling

In mixing bowl, combine:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Lemon zest (optional)

Blend until smooth and consistent texture.

Step 5: Build Danish Pastries

  • Spread cream cheese mixture on wide triangle end
  • Roll dough from wide section toward point
  • Gently press edges to seal filling inside

Step 6: Bake Golden Treats

Place danish pastries in preheated oven. Bake until edges turn golden brown, approximately 10-12 minutes.

Step 7: Whip Up Sweet Glaze

In small bowl, whisk:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Adjust liquid for desired drizzling consistency.

Step 8: Finish with Glaze

Drizzle glaze over warm pastries using spoon or piping tool.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Present warm or room temperature. Perfect with coffee or morning beverage.

Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Tips to Know

  • Soften Cream Cheese Perfectly: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling that spreads easily.
  • Prevent Dough Tearing: Gently unroll crescent roll dough on a clean, cool surface to maintain its delicate texture and avoid accidental rips.
  • Control Glaze Consistency: Add milk gradually to powdered sugar mixture, stirring slowly until you reach a drizzle-friendly texture that flows smoothly but doesn't run off the danish.
  • Seal Filling Securely: Pinch dough edges carefully to prevent cream cheese from leaking during baking, creating a neat and professional-looking pastry.
  • Customize Flavor Boost: Experiment with adding small amounts of almond extract, orange zest, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the cream cheese filling for a personalized twist.

Store and Enjoy Breakfast Cheese Danish Later

  • Store leftover cheese danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each danish individually in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent them from sticking together.
  • Warm danishes in a preheated 350F (175C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy texture. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • For a quick reheat, microwave each danish for 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the pastry tough and chewy.
  • Freeze unglazed danishes in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before adding fresh glaze.

Pairings for Breakfast Cheese Danish

  • Rich, bold espresso or smooth Colombian medium roast perfectly complement the sweet, creamy danish, cutting through its richness with a delightful caffeine kick.
  • Freshly squeezed orange juice balances the pastry's sweetness, providing a citrusy contrast that cleanses the palate and adds a bright morning energy boost.
  • Fresh mixed berries or sliced strawberries create a light, refreshing accompaniment that enhances the danish's creamy texture and adds a nutritious touch to the breakfast experience.
  • Cinnamon-spiced chai latte offers a warm, aromatic pairing that echoes the danish's sweet notes while introducing a subtle spicy undertone for a more complex taste profile.

Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish, Made Your Way

  • Gluten-Free Danish: Replace crescent roll dough with gluten-free puff pastry or almond flour-based dough. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Cream Cheese Version: Swap dairy cream cheese with cashew-based or tofu cream cheese. Use plant-based milk and vegan butter alternative for glaze.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce glaze sweetness by using sugar-free powdered sweetener and almond milk.
  • Fruit-Infused Danish: Add fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries into cream cheese filling. Sprinkle diced fruit on top before rolling for extra flavor complexity.

Wondering About Breakfast Cheese Danish? Start Here

  • Can I use a different type of dough?

You can substitute crescent roll dough with puff pastry or even homemade danish dough. Just ensure the dough is rolled thin and can hold the cream cheese filling.

  • Is there a way to make this filling less sweet?

Reduce the sugar to 2 tablespoons or use a sugar substitute like stevia. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the cream cheese flavor.

  • Can I prepare these danishes ahead of time?

Prepare the filling and assemble the danishes the night before. Cover and refrigerate, then bake them fresh in the morning. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked danishes for up to 2 weeks.

  • How can I prevent the filling from leaking?

Ensure the edges are sealed properly when rolling. Avoid overfilling and leave a small border around the edges of the dough. Pinch the seams gently to keep the filling contained during baking.

Why Breakfast Cheese Danish Is a Morning Hit

  • Transform store-bought crescent rolls into delectable cheese danishes with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
  • Craft bakery-style pastries without advanced culinary skills, perfect for home cooks wanting to impress family and friends.
  • Prepare these danishes in under 30 minutes from start to finish, making them ideal for busy mornings or last-minute guests.
  • Adaptable recipe that works for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet afternoon snack that everyone from kids to adults will love.
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Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe

Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe


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4.8 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Delightful Danish Breakfast Pastries offer a mouthwatering blend of buttery layers and creamy cheese filling. Crisp golden edges and rich cream cheese center promise a delectable morning treat you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 package (8 oz or 225 g) refrigerated crescent roll dough
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened

Filling Ingredients:

  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Glaze Ingredients:

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 12 tablespoons milk
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Warm up the kitchen oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal pastry placement.
  2. Gently unfurl the crescent roll dough, carefully separating each triangular section and arranging them with gentle spacing on the prepared baking surface.
  3. Create a luscious cream cheese mixture by blending softened cream cheese with sugar, infusing delicate notes of vanilla and optional bright lemon zest until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
  4. Generously dollop the cream cheese filling along the broader section of each dough triangle, spreading carefully while maintaining clean edges.
  5. Elegantly roll each triangle from the wide base, tenderly encasing the creamy filling and delicately sealing the edges to prevent leakage during baking.
  6. Slide the assembled danishes into the preheated oven, allowing them to transform into golden, puffy pastries over 10-12 minutes of gentle baking.
  7. While the pastries bake, craft a luxurious glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk and vanilla, adjusting liquid proportions to achieve perfect drizzling consistency.
  8. Once pastries emerge with a beautiful golden hue, allow a brief cooling moment before adorning with the silky glaze.
  9. Serve these delectable treats warm, inviting companions to savor alongside a steaming beverage, celebrating the morning’s simple pleasures.

Notes

  • Select refrigerated crescent roll dough that’s fresh and not close to expiration for the best texture and rise.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese at room temperature to ensure a smooth, creamy filling without lumps.
  • Gently seal the edges of the danishes to prevent filling from leaking during baking, creating a neat and professional appearance.
  • Experiment with flavor variations by adding different extracts like almond or replacing lemon zest with orange zest for a unique twist.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Danish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 265
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 390 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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