Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Unroll the Crescent Roll Dough: If you’re using a regular crescent roll dough, carefully unroll the dough on the lined baking sheet. Pinch the seams together to create a seamless sheet of dough. If you’re using seamless dough, simply unroll it.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling
- Cream the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. If you’re using an egg yolk, add it to the mixture for an extra creamy and rich filling. Beat with a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the Filling: Spread the cream cheese mixture down the center of the dough, leaving about 1 inch of dough on each side.
Step 3: Fold the Dough
- Fold and Pinch: Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching the seams together to enclose the cheese mixture. If you’re feeling fancy, you can also braid the dough by cutting slits on each side of the dough and crossing them over the filling for a more decorative look.
Step 4: Bake
- Brush with Butter (optional): For a golden, crispy finish, lightly brush the top of the dough with melted butter.
- Bake the Danish: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese filling is set.
Step 5: Add the Glaze (Optional)
- Make the Glaze: While the Danish is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Drizzle the Glaze: Once the Danish is done and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top using a spoon or fork.
Step 6: Serve
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a final touch, dust with powdered sugar if you didn’t use the glaze. Slice into pieces and serve warm!
Tips for the Best Breakfast Cheese Danish:
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to ensure a smooth filling without lumps.
- Seamless Dough: If you can find seamless crescent roll dough, it makes the process even easier since there’s no need to pinch seams.
- Customize the Filling: Try adding a spoonful of lemon zest, or swirl in some fruit preserves like strawberry or raspberry for extra flavor.
- Glazing Alternative: Instead of the simple glaze, you can top the Danish with a lemon or orange glaze for a fresh citrus twist.
Variations:
- Fruit-Filled Danish: Add a layer of your favorite fruit jam or fresh fruit like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches on top of the cream cheese filling for a fruity version.
- Savory Twist: For a savory Danish, omit the sugar from the cream cheese mixture and add chopped herbs, garlic, and shredded cheese. You can even add bacon or ham for a heartier breakfast option.
- Cinnamon Roll Danish: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture and drizzle with a cream cheese glaze for a cinnamon roll-inspired Danish.
Storage:
- Store in the Fridge: Leftover Danish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat Before Serving: For best results, reheat slices in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore the crispness of the pastry.
Conclusion:
This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is the perfect combination of creamy and flaky, with a rich cheese filling and golden pastry that’s easy to whip up any morning. Whether you stick with the classic cheese filling or experiment with fun flavors, this breakfast pastry is sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy it warm, fresh out of the oven, and start your day on a delicious note!