How to Make Delicious Crescent Roll Danish

Crescent Roll Danish

If you’re looking for a simple yet irresistibly tasty breakfast treat, learning how to make a Crescent Roll Danish is your golden ticket. This delightful pastry wraps creamy fillings in buttery crescent dough, giving you that perfect flaky texture and sweet flavor that makes mornings extra special. Whether you’re serving it for a weekend brunch or a quick weekday pick-me-up, this recipe combines accessible ingredients with easy steps that anyone can master. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the aroma of freshly baked goodness and impress your family or guests with a homemade crescent roll Danish that tastes like it came from a bakery!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Crescent Roll Danish comes together in minutes using store-bought dough, perfect for busy mornings or unexpected guests.
  • Versatile Flavors: You can customize fillings to suit sweet or savory preferences, making it great for any craving.
  • Flaky Perfection: Using crescent roll dough ensures a buttery, flaky pastry every time, no complicated puff pastry required.
  • Impressive Presentation: The folded dough creates beautiful layers and shapes that look professional with minimal effort.
  • Kid-Friendly: It’s a fun recipe that kids can help with, from pinching the dough to spreading the filling.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating a delicious Crescent Roll Danish starts with simple ingredients that each play an important role in the final taste and texture. From the flakiness of the crescent dough to the rich cream cheese and sweet jam fillings, every component is essential and easy to find.

  • Crescent Roll Dough: The star of the show, providing a buttery and flaky base with minimal effort.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds a smooth, tangy richness that balances perfectly with sweet flavors.
  • Sugar: Just a sprinkle to give the cream cheese filling a touch of sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the filling with a warm, aromatic note.
  • Fruit Jam or Preserves: Your choice of flavor that gives colorful bursts of sweetness and moisture.
  • Egg (for egg wash): Brushed on top to help the dough turn golden and glossy during baking.
  • Powdered Sugar Glaze (optional): Adds a shiny, sweet finish for that extra bakery-style touch.

Variations for Crescent Roll Danish

One of my favorite things about the Crescent Roll Danish is how easy it is to experiment and personalize to your tastes or dietary preferences. Feel free to try out these variations and discover your new favorite twist!

  • Berry Medley: Mix different berry jams like blueberry and raspberry for a tangy, fruit-packed filling.
  • Nutella Swirl: Swap jam for a dollop of Nutella for a creamy, chocolate-hazelnut surprise.
  • Savory Cheese and Herb: Replace sweetness with shredded cheese and fresh herbs for a delicious brunch option.
  • Almond Filling: Add almond extract to the cream cheese and sprinkle sliced almonds on top for a nutty crunch.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Use vegan crescent dough and dairy-free cream cheese for a plant-based delight.
How to Make Delicious Crescent Roll Danish

How to Make Crescent Roll Danish

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, soften your cream cheese by letting it sit at room temperature. Then, mix in sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This forms the flavorful base that perfectly complements the flaky dough.

Step 2: Unroll and Divide the Dough

Carefully unroll the crescent dough onto a clean surface. Separate it into triangles by following the perforations, so each piece becomes an individual Danish base.

Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese and Jam

Spoon a generous dollop of cream cheese mixture near the wide end of each dough triangle. Add a small spoonful of your favorite jam or preserves on top of the cream cheese for sweetness and moisture.

Step 4: Roll Up the Danish

Starting at the wide end with the filling, gently roll each crescent triangle toward the pointy end, making sure to tuck the edges slightly to hold everything inside during baking.

Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash

Beat an egg lightly and brush it over the tops of the rolled Danish. This helps them develop that beautiful golden-brown color and a glossy finish as they bake.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Place your Danish pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 12 to 15 minutes, until the dough is puffed and golden brown on top.

Step 7: Add a Sweet Glaze (Optional)

Once cooled slightly, drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the Danishes for that classic bakery look and an extra touch of sweetness.

Pro Tips for Making Crescent Roll Danish

  • Chill Your Dough: Keeping the dough cold until just before baking ensures maximum flakiness and prevents it from becoming too soft.
  • Don’t Overfill: Using just the right amount of filling avoids leaks during baking and keeps the layers intact.
  • Use Fresh Jam: Fresh, high-quality fruit preserves provide the most vibrant flavor and color.
  • Even Egg Wash: Brush the dough gently but evenly for a consistent golden finish without pooling.
  • Let Cool Slightly Before Glazing: This prevents the glaze from melting and keeps it looking neat and shiny.

How to Serve Crescent Roll Danish

Garnishes

Top your Crescent Roll Danish with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness and visual appeal. Fresh berries or a sprig of mint make for a lovely, fresh contrast as well.

Side Dishes

This Danish pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea and makes a great companion to fresh fruit salad or yogurt for a balanced breakfast spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Crescent Roll Danish on a rustic wooden board or a pretty plate lined with parchment paper. Arrange several with varied fillings for a colorful, inviting breakfast platter that guests will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Crescent Roll Danish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the pastry soft and delicious without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked Danish by assembling them and then wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to one month, then thaw in the fridge overnight before baking fresh.

Reheating

To warm leftover Danishes, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This revives the flaky texture and brings back that just-baked crispness.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent rolls?

Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry or any flaky dough can work, but crescent roll dough makes this recipe incredibly quick and easy.

What types of jam work best for Crescent Roll Danish?

Fruit preserves like strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or blueberry are perfect since they add sweetness and moisture without overpowering the cream cheese.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan crescent dough options to enjoy a fully plant-based Crescent Roll Danish.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Don’t overfill and tuck the dough edges well when rolling. Also, chilling the assembled Danishes briefly before baking can help set the shape.

Is it possible to freeze baked Crescent Roll Danish?

While you can freeze baked pastries, they are best enjoyed fresh. If freezing, wrap tightly and reheat gently to preserve texture.

Final Thoughts

Making Crescent Roll Danish at home is one of those satisfying foodie wins that’s both simple and truly delicious. It’s a recipe that invites creativity with fillings and looks fantastic on any breakfast table. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, roll up these flaky treats, and enjoy a perfect, comforting start to your day or a sweet snack anytime. You’ll be amazed at how something so easy can taste so extraordinary!

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Print

Crescent Roll Danish

Crescent Roll Danish is a quick and easy breakfast pastry that combines buttery, flaky crescent dough with a creamy, tangy cream cheese filling and sweet fruit jam. Perfect for busy mornings or special brunches, this recipe offers customizable fillings and an impressive bakery-style presentation with minimal effort.

  • Author: Kaeli
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 Danishes 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry Base

  • 1 package store-bought crescent roll dough (8 oz)

Filling

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons fruit jam or preserves (any flavor)

For Baking

  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

Optional Glaze

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon milk or lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, soften your cream cheese by letting it sit at room temperature. Then, mix in sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This forms the flavorful base that perfectly complements the flaky dough.
  2. Unroll and Divide the Dough: Carefully unroll the crescent dough onto a clean surface. Separate it into triangles by following the perforations, so each piece becomes an individual Danish base.
  3. Add the Cream Cheese and Jam: Spoon a generous dollop of cream cheese mixture near the wide end of each dough triangle. Add a small spoonful of your favorite jam or preserves on top of the cream cheese for sweetness and moisture.
  4. Roll Up the Danish: Starting at the wide end with the filling, gently roll each crescent triangle toward the pointy end, making sure to tuck the edges slightly to hold everything inside during baking.
  5. Brush with Egg Wash: Beat an egg lightly and brush it over the tops of the rolled Danish. This helps them develop that beautiful golden-brown color and a glossy finish as they bake.
  6. Bake Until Golden: Place your Danish pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 12 to 15 minutes, until the dough is puffed and golden brown on top.
  7. Add a Sweet Glaze (Optional): Once cooled slightly, whisk powdered sugar with milk or lemon juice to make a glaze. Drizzle this over the Danishes for a classic bakery look and an extra touch of sweetness.

Notes

  • Chill Your Dough: Keeping the dough cold until just before baking ensures maximum flakiness and prevents it from becoming too soft.
  • Don’t Overfill: Using just the right amount of filling avoids leaks during baking and keeps the layers intact.
  • Use Fresh Jam: Fresh, high-quality fruit preserves provide the most vibrant flavor and color.
  • Even Egg Wash: Brush the dough gently but evenly for a consistent golden finish without pooling.
  • Let Cool Slightly Before Glazing: This prevents the glaze from melting and keeps it looking neat and shiny.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Danish
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: crescent roll danish, easy breakfast pastry, cream cheese danish, flaky crescent pastry, homemade danish, quick danish recipe

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