Crescent Cheese Danishes

How to Prepare It

Let’s dive into the preparation steps of these delightful danishes.

Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and the optional lemon zest until everything is well blended and smooth.
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C), and while it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Crescent Dough: Unroll the crescent dough and carefully separate it into triangles.
Fill and Roll: Spoon your cream cheese filling onto the wide end of each triangle. Roll up each triangle tightly and pinch the ends to seal them well.
Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the tops of your rolled danishes for a golden finish.
Bake: Place the danishes in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until they have turned a lovely golden brown.
Serve with Toppings: If you like, warm up some apricot preserves or your favorite fruit jam to drizzle over the danishes. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Enjoy your freshly baked Crescent Cheese Danishes warm or at room temperature.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

These danishes are delicious on their own, but a few simple serving tips can elevate your experience! Try pairing them with fresh fruit, like strawberries or raspberries, for a pop of color and flavor.

You can also serve them alongside a strong cup of coffee or a sweetened chai tea. For a brunch setting, a light salad or quiche would complement these treats beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To keep your Crescent Cheese Danishes fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days.

If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze them before baking. Just roll and shape them, then wrap them tightly and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time from frozen.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Here are a few extra tips that will ensure your danishes turn out perfectly every time:

Let the Cream Cheese Soften: It’s vital that your cream cheese is softened fully; this helps achieve that creamy filling texture.
Use Parchment Paper: Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Experiment with Flavors: Switch out the vanilla for almond extract for a delightful twist!

Creative Twists

While the classic Crescent Cheese Danish is utterly delicious as is, don’t hesitate to get creative! Add a spoonful of fruit filling like cherry or raspberry for a tart twist or incorporate a touch of cinnamon for a spiced flavor. You might also consider drizzling chocolate over the top for an extra indulgent treat.

FAQs

How long does it take to prepare these danishes?
The entire process takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, with only about 15 minutes of baking time.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the danishes and store them unbaked in the refrigerator for a day before baking.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-8 minutes until warmed through, ensuring they retain their flaky texture.