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.
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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.
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Make the Cheese Filling
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
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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.
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Brush with Egg Wash
- Brush the beaten egg over the top of the dough to give it a golden finish.
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Bake
- Bake for 18–22 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
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Prepare the Icing
- While the danish cools slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
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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