Breakfast Cheese Danish

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm Breakfast Cheese Danish, especially when shared on a lazy Sunday morning. This flaky pastry, with its tender golden layers wrapped around a creamy, vanilla-kissed cheese center, is more than just a breakfast dish—it’s a quiet ritual of comfort and joy. Growing up, my grandmother would pull a homemade cheese Danish from the oven while the sun was still yawning its way through the windows. The scent alone was enough to get everyone out of bed. She never rushed the moment—coffee brewed slowly, the table was set simply, and we all took time to enjoy the little things.

The cheese Danish has its roots in European baking traditions, particularly from Denmark, where it’s known as “wienerbrød” and holds a beloved spot at the breakfast table. Though the original versions are often made with laminated dough from scratch, modern-day cooks—myself included—embrace the convenience of puff pastry or crescent roll dough to recreate that same warm magic at home, with just a little less work.

Whether you’re serving guests, preparing brunch, or simply craving a special start to your day, this Breakfast Cheese Danish offers a perfect balance of flaky texture, luscious filling, and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s the kind of pastry that tastes like love and lingers in your memory long after the last bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly easy yet impressive: You’ll look like a pastry pro with very little effort.
• Crowd-pleasing favorite: Cream cheese and golden pastry are always a hit.
• Customizable: Add fruit preserves, lemon zest, cinnamon, or even chocolate chips.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare in advance and bake fresh in the morning.

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INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

For the Pastry:

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (or crescent roll dough), thawed

For the Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg yolk

For the Glaze (Optional):

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk (more if needed for consistency)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

HOW TO MAKE BREAKFAST CHEESE DANISH

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. If using puff pastry, let it thaw completely but keep it cold to maintain its flakiness.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until it’s a smooth, even rectangle. If using crescent dough, unroll and press the seams together to form a solid sheet.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy. The filling should be spreadable but not runny. This is the heart of your Danish—the richer and smoother, the better.

Step 4: Assemble the Danish
Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a border of about ½ inch. You can fold the edges inward slightly to create a rustic crust that holds the filling in. If you’re feeling creative, add a thin layer of fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot over the cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 35–40 minutes if using puff pastry or 15–18 minutes for crescent dough. The pastry should puff up beautifully and take on a deep golden color. Your kitchen will fill with a scent so delightful it might just become your favorite alarm clock.

Step 6: Drizzle with Glaze
Once the Danish has cooled slightly (but is still warm), whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle generously over the top. The glaze will set as the Danish cools, adding a sweet finish without overpowering the filling.

HELPFUL TIPS

• Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free filling.
• Chill the dough slightly before baking to enhance flakiness.
• Line your pan with parchment paper for easy release and cleanup.
• Add a light sprinkle of turbinado sugar before baking for a crunchy top.
• Try swirling in lemon zest or jam for an extra burst of flavor.

DETAILS

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: European-inspired
Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES

• For a richer taste, you can substitute part of the milk in the glaze with heavy cream.
• Serve slightly warm for the best flavor and texture.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Estimated per serving:
Calories: 370
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Sugar: 18g
Protein: 6g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the Danish the night before, cover and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.

Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Bake first, let cool completely, then freeze. Reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.

What dough should I use?
Both puff pastry and crescent dough work well. Puff pastry gives a classic flaky texture, while crescent dough is softer and slightly sweeter.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat slices in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes to revive their crispiness.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls – Buttery, Zesty & Irresistibly Flaky!
• Cherry Hawaiian Danishes
• Irresistibly Flaky Crescent Cheese Danishes
• Berry Croissant Bake

CONCLUSION

The Breakfast Cheese Danish is more than a pastry—it’s a warm welcome to your morning, a taste of tradition, and a little slice of comfort. Whether you savor it with a mug of tea or serve it up for a holiday brunch, it brings a special kind of joy that lingers far beyond the plate. It’s simple to make, easy to love, and sure to become a treasured part of your breakfast routine.