Craving a flaky, buttery pastry filled with creamy, sweetened cheese? This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is exactly what you need. Made with store-bought puff pastry or crescent dough, it’s quick, simple, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime snack. Drizzle it with icing, and you’ve got a bakery-quality treat in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This danish has everything: a buttery, flaky exterior, creamy sweet cheese filling, and a touch of lemon and vanilla for extra flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser, and you don’t need any fancy skills to make it!
Reasons to Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
- Flaky and Buttery: Thanks to puff pastry or crescent dough.
- Creamy Cheese Filling: Sweet, tangy, and smooth.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for breakfast, dessert, or a coffee break.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Danish:
- Crescent Roll Dough or Puff Pastry (1 package): The base of the danish.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): The heart of the filling.
- Granulated Sugar (â…“ cup): For a touch of sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and flavor.
- Lemon Juice (1 tbsp): For a bright, tangy note.
- Lemon Zest (1 tsp, optional): For an extra hint of citrus.
- Egg (1 large, beaten): For brushing the pastry to get that golden finish.
For the Icing:
- Powdered Sugar (½ cup): For the drizzle.
- Milk (2 tbsp): To thin the icing.
- Vanilla Extract (½ tsp): For added flavor.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Let’s Make Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dough
- If using crescent roll dough, unroll and press the seams together to form a solid sheet. If using puff pastry, roll it out slightly on a floured surface.
- Make the Cheese Filling
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Danish
- Spread the cream cheese mixture down the center of the dough, leaving space on the edges.
- Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, or cut slits along the sides and fold them over to create a braided look.
- Brush with Egg Wash
- Brush the beaten egg over the top of the dough to give it a golden finish.
- Bake
- Bake for 18–22 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Prepare the Icing
- While the danish cools slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle and Serve
- Drizzle the icing over the warm danish and serve. Enjoy!
What to Serve with This Danish
- Fresh Fruit: Berries or orange slices complement the rich pastry.
- Coffee or Tea: The perfect pairing.
- Yogurt: For a light and refreshing side.
Tips for the Best Cheese Danish
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Prevents lumps in the filling.
- Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can cause leaks.
- Cool Slightly Before Icing: Letting it cool for a few minutes helps the icing set without melting too much.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes or until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Absolutely! Puff pastry will give you a flakier texture. - Can I add fruit to the filling?
Yes! Add fresh berries or a spoonful of fruit jam for a fruity twist. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
Conclusion
This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is a delightful, bakery-worthy treat that you can whip up at home in no time. Whether you’re enjoying it with coffee or sharing it with family, it’s sure to be a hit.
Don’t forget to share your creations and leave a review!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American/European
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 280 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 210mg

Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Craving a flaky, buttery pastry filled with creamy, sweetened cheese? This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is exactly what you need. Made with store-bought puff pastry or crescent dough, it’s quick, simple, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime snack. Drizzle it with icing, and you’ve got a bakery-quality treat in no time!
Ingredients
For the Danish:
- Crescent Roll Dough or Puff Pastry (1 package): The base of the danish.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): The heart of the filling.
- Granulated Sugar (â…“ cup): For a touch of sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and flavor.
- Lemon Juice (1 tbsp): For a bright, tangy note.
- Lemon Zest (1 tsp, optional): For an extra hint of citrus.
- Egg (1 large, beaten): For brushing the pastry to get that golden finish.
For the Icing:
- Powdered Sugar (½ cup): For the drizzle.
- Milk (2 tbsp): To thin the icing.
- Vanilla Extract (½ tsp): For added flavor.
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Prepare the Dough
- If using crescent roll dough, unroll and press the seams together to form a solid sheet. If using puff pastry, roll it out slightly on a floured surface.
-
Make the Cheese Filling
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
-
Assemble the Danish
- Spread the cream cheese mixture down the center of the dough, leaving space on the edges.
- Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, or cut slits along the sides and fold them over to create a braided look.
-
Brush with Egg Wash
- Brush the beaten egg over the top of the dough to give it a golden finish.
-
Bake
- Bake for 18–22 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
-
Prepare the Icing
- While the danish cools slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
-
Drizzle and Serve
- Drizzle the icing over the warm danish and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Prevents lumps in the filling.
- Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can cause leaks.
- Cool Slightly Before Icing: Letting it cool for a few minutes helps the icing set without melting too much.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American/European