Crescent Cheese Danishes

INGREDIENTS:

2 tubes of crescent roll dough

1 package (8 ounces) of Philadelphia cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons butter, fully melted

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1/4 cup light brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

4 teaspoons milk

Optional Toppings:

Cherry, blueberry, or strawberry filling

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the Oven

Set the Temperature: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Danishes bake evenly and develop a beautiful golden color.

2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, lemon juice, pure vanilla extract, and granulated sugar. Use a mixer on medium speed to blend these ingredients until smooth and creamy. The lemon juice adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness, while the vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor. Set the cream cheese mixture aside.

3. Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough

Unroll the Dough: Open the two tubes of crescent roll dough, but don’t unroll them just yet. Instead, keep them in their rolled form.

Slice the Dough: Using a sharp knife, slice each roll of dough into thick rounds. The thickness of the slices should be about 1/2 inch to ensure they hold up well during baking and create a nice, fluffy base for the filling.

Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the sliced dough on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. The parchment paper helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking.

Form the Edges: Use your fingers or a small measuring cup to gently press around the edge of each slice, creating a small raised border. This helps contain the cream cheese filling and prevents it from spilling out during baking.

4. Prepare the Sweet Butter Mixture

Mix Butter and Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with 1/4 cup of light brown sugar. Mix thoroughly until the sugar is dissolved into the butter. This mixture adds a touch of caramelized sweetness to the outer layer of your Danishes.

Brush the Mixture: Using a pastry brush, generously brush the butter and sugar mixture over the top of each dough slice. This step gives the Danishes a delicious, slightly crisp, and sweet exterior.

5. Add the Cream Cheese Filling

Dollop the Filling: Spoon even amounts of the prepared cream cheese filling into the center of each dough slice. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling may spread and overflow during baking.

6. Bake the Danishes

Bake: Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 16-18 minutes, or until the Danishes are slightly golden brown. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them towards the end to ensure they don’t overbake.

Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the Danishes from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. This allows the filling to set slightly and makes them easier to handle.

7. Prepare the Glaze

Mix Glaze Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, and 4 teaspoons milk. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. The glaze should be thick but pourable.

Drizzle Glaze: Drizzle the glaze over each warm Danish. The glaze adds a touch of sweetness and a glossy finish that enhances the visual appeal of the pastries …