Nothing beats the smell of fresh cream cheese danish rolls baking in your kitchen on a weekend morning. These golden, flaky pastries are the perfect blend of buttery layers and sweet, creamy filling that makes every bite absolutely heavenly. I've been making cream cheese danish rolls for over a decade, and this recipe has become my go-to whenever I want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
What makes these cream cheese danish rolls so amazing is how simple they are to make using crescent roll dough. You get all the delicious flavors of a bakery-style danish without the complicated yeast dough process. The result is perfectly golden cream cheese danish rolls that are ready in just 20 minutes ; making them ideal for busy mornings or surprise guests.
Why This Recipe Will Become Your New Breakfast Favorite
These cream cheese danish rolls have everything you want in a breakfast pastry ; they're incredibly easy, use simple ingredients you probably already have, and taste like they came straight from a fancy bakery. The secret is using crescent roll dough as your base, which gives you those beautiful buttery layers without any of the work. I discovered this method when I needed a quick breakfast for unexpected guests, and now it's my most requested recipe.
The beauty of cream cheese danish rolls lies in their versatility and foolproof nature. Unlike traditional danish that requires hours of preparation and precise technique, these rolls come together quickly and work perfectly every time. The cream cheese filling stays perfectly creamy while the pastry becomes golden brown and flaky. Whether you're hosting a brunch or just want to treat your family to something special, these cream cheese danish rolls deliver bakery-quality results with minimal effort.
Jump to:
Ingredients
For the Danish Rolls:
- refrigerated crescent roll dough
- cream cheese
- granulated sugar
- vanilla extract
- egg yolk
For the Glaze:
- powdered sugar
- whole milk
- vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins:
- fruit preserves (strawberry or blueberry)
- lemon zest
- sliced almonds
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen Setup
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper
- Remove the crescent roll dough from the refrigerator and let it sit for 5 minutes to make handling easier
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk
- Mix the cream cheese mixture until completely smooth and creamy with no lumps
Step 2: Assemble the Danish Rolls
- Unroll the first tube of crescent roll dough and separate into 4 rectangles, pressing the perforated seams together firmly
- Place about 2 tablespoons of cream cheese filling in the center of each rectangle
- Fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to seal completely
- Repeat with the second tube of dough to make 8 danish rolls total
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
- Place the sealed danish rolls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each roll
- Brush the tops lightly with milk or beaten egg for extra golden color
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up beautifully
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before glazing
Step 4: Add the Finishing Glaze
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth
- Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm danish rolls
- Serve immediately while still warm for the best texture and flavor
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Expert Cooking Tips
Getting perfect cream cheese danish rolls every time comes down to a few key techniques that I've learned over the years. Here are my top tips for success:
Temperature Control
- Always use softened cream cheese that's been at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Cold cream cheese won't mix properly and will create lumps in your filling.
- Don't overbake the rolls ; they should be golden brown but still tender inside.
- Let the danish cool for exactly 5 minutes before glazing so the glaze doesn't melt off but still absorbs slightly.
Assembly Secrets
- Press the crescent roll seams together firmly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Don't overfill each roll ; 2 tablespoons of filling is the perfect amount for proper sealing.
- Brush the tops with milk or egg wash for that beautiful bakery-style golden color.
- Space the rolls properly on the baking sheet to allow for even browning and expansion.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
These cream cheese danish rolls are incredibly versatile, and I love experimenting with different flavors and dietary modifications. Here are some of my favorite variations:
Flavor Variations
Transform your basic danish into exciting new flavors by adding different ingredients to the cream cheese filling. Try mixing in 2 tablespoons of strawberry jam for strawberry cream cheese danish, or fold in fresh blueberries for a fruity twist. For chocolate lovers, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and an extra tablespoon of sugar to create chocolate cream cheese danish. Lemon zest and a tablespoon of lemon juice create bright, citrusy rolls that are perfect for spring brunches.
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crescent roll dough available in most grocery stores
- Reduced Sugar: Replace granulated sugar with sugar substitute at a 1:1 ratio
- Dairy-Free: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative
- Protein Boost: Add 2 tablespoons of vanilla protein powder to the filling
Topping Ideas
Instead of traditional glaze, try these delicious alternatives. A simple dusting of powdered sugar creates an elegant look, while a cream cheese frosting made with butter, powdered sugar, and cream cheese makes them extra indulgent. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or blueberries on top adds natural sweetness and beautiful color.
Equipment Recommendations
The right tools make preparing cream cheese danish rolls much easier and ensure consistent results every time.
- Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for properly combining the cream cheese filling without lumps
- Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless
- Pastry Brush: Perfect for applying egg wash or milk for golden browning
- Wire Cooling Rack: Allows proper air circulation for even cooling
- Large Baking Sheet: Provides enough space for all 8 rolls with proper spacing
- Electric Hand Mixer: Makes mixing the cream cheese filling quick and lump-free
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Proper storage keeps your cream cheese danish rolls fresh and delicious for several days. Here's how to handle leftovers and meal prep:
Short-Term Storage
Store cooled danish rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cream cheese filling requires refrigeration for food safety, so never leave them at room temperature for more than 2 hours. To refresh day-old rolls, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
Freezing Instructions
- Before Baking: Assemble the rolls completely, place on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes to the baking time.
- After Baking: Cool completely, wrap individually in plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 300°F oven.
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare the cream cheese filling up to 2 days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the unbaked rolls the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight before baking fresh in the morning.
The Secret to Bakery-Style Results
After years of perfecting cream cheese danish rolls, I've discovered two game-changing secrets that elevate these from good to absolutely incredible.
The first secret is the "double seal" technique. Instead of just pinching the edges together, I fold the dough over twice and press firmly with a fork along the seams. This creates a beautiful decorative edge while ensuring none of the delicious cream cheese filling escapes during baking. The result is picture-perfect cream cheese danish rolls that look professionally made.
My second secret is the timing of the glaze application. Most people either glaze too hot or too cold, but the magic happens when you glaze the rolls exactly 5 minutes after they come out of the oven. The residual heat allows the glaze to set perfectly while still maintaining that glossy, bakery-style finish that makes cream cheese danish rolls so visually appealing.
FAQ
How long can a cream cheese danish sit out?
Cream cheese danish rolls should not sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to the dairy content. After this time, bacteria can begin to grow, making them unsafe to eat. Always refrigerate leftovers promptly.
How long should I let my cream cheese sit out to soften?
Let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before using. Properly softened cream cheese should give slightly when pressed but not be completely warm or melty.
Should pastries with cream cheese be refrigerated?
Yes, any pastries containing cream cheese, including cream cheese danish rolls, must be refrigerated after cooling. The dairy content requires cold storage to prevent spoilage and maintain food safety.
Should cheese danish be warm or cold?
Cream cheese danish rolls taste best when served slightly warm. If eating refrigerated leftovers, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their flaky texture and enhance the flavors.
Perfect Pairings for Your Morning Spread
These buttery, flaky cream cheese danish rolls pair beautifully with other breakfast favorites that complement their sweet, creamy flavors. The rich cream cheese filling makes them perfect alongside a hot cup of coffee or freshly brewed tea.
For an impressive brunch spread, serve your cream cheese danish rolls with Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe for variety in both flavor and presentation. The tartness of raspberries creates a lovely contrast to the mild sweetness of the original rolls. Don't forget to include Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls ; their similar cream cheese base and fruit elements create a cohesive theme while offering guests different textures and flavors to enjoy.
Happy baking and enjoy every flaky, creamy bite! 🥐
; Viola
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Cream Cheese Danish Rolls recipe:
Easy Cream Cheese Danish Rolls
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Electric hand mixer
- 1 Pastry Brush
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Parchment paper
- 1 Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Danish Rolls
- 2 tubes refrigerated crescent roll dough 8 oz each
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoon whole milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
- 2 tablespoon fruit preserves strawberry or blueberry
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoon sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth.
- Unroll the crescent dough, fill each section with the cream cheese mixture, and seal the edges.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool for 5 minutes on a wire rack.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make glaze. Drizzle over the cooled rolls.
Leave a Reply