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Easy Cheese Danish Recipe
Introduction
There’s something irresistible about a freshly baked cheese Danish—the buttery layers, sweet and tangy filling, and a drizzle of icing to top it all off.
This easy cheese Danish recipe brings all that bakery-level goodness to your kitchen without the need for complicated dough-making.
Using Rhodes Dinner Rolls as a base, this shortcut keeps things simple while delivering maximum flavor and texture.
Ingredients
12 Rhodes Dinner Rolls, thawed but still cold
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons butter, melted
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 large egg, beaten
12 tablespoons lemon curd and/or raspberry preserves
For the White Icing
1 cup powdered sugar
4–5 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Start by preparing a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Arrange the thawed but cold Rhodes Dinner Rolls evenly on the sheet
leaving space for them to expand as they bake. Press down on each roll to flatten it slightly, creating a small indentation in the center.
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon juice. Beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy.
This will be the rich and tangy filling that gives the Danish its signature flavor.
Use a spoon to place a small dollop of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each roll. Spread it out slightly, keeping it mostly within the indentation.
Top with a tablespoon of lemon curd or raspberry preserves on each Danish, adding color and fruity contrast.
Brush the edges of the rolls with the beaten egg. This will help give the pastries a beautiful golden finish once baked.
Bake the Danishes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
While the Danishes are cooling slightly, make the white icing by whisking together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
Drizzle the icing over the warm Danishes using a spoon or piping bag. Allow the icing to set before serving, or enjoy them while still slightly warm for a gooey treat.
How to Make
Using frozen dinner rolls makes this recipe incredibly convenient.
Make sure the rolls are thawed but still cold so they’re easy to handle and won’t spread too much during prep. You can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
Flattening each roll is an important step. It creates a nest for the filling and ensures even baking. Press down gently but firmly so you don’t tear the dough.
The cream cheese filling comes together quickly. Make sure your cream cheese is softened beforehand—leave it at room temperature for 30 minutes or microwave it in short bursts if needed.
Adding the fruit topping brings vibrant flavor. You can use just lemon curd, just raspberry preserves, or a combination of both for variety in every bite.
The egg wash is what gives these Danishes their glossy, bakery-style appearance. Be sure to brush it evenly around the exposed dough for consistent color.
Keep an eye on the baking time. Depending on your oven, you may need to adjust slightly to avoid undercooking the center or over-browning the edges.
Once cooled slightly, the icing adds the final touch. You can adjust the milk quantity to make it thicker or thinner depending on how bold you want your drizzle to be.
Variations
For a tropical twist, substitute the lemon curd with pineapple or mango preserves. The sweetness and acidity pair beautifully with the creamy filling.
If you prefer a more savory treat, omit the powdered sugar and fruit, and add herbs like chives or dill to the cream cheese. Top with shredded cheese or a slice of tomato.
Try different fillings like blueberry jam, apricot preserves, or Nutella for unique flavor combinations that suit your preferences.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese filling for a warm, spiced note that’s perfect for fall and winter mornings.
Instead of a white icing drizzle, you can sprinkle the Danishes with powdered sugar just before serving for a simpler finish.
For a richer dough texture, allow the rolls to rise slightly after shaping before baking. This gives them a more pillowy and traditional Danish feel.
Mini versions can be made using smaller dough pieces for bite-sized treats—ideal for parties or brunch buffets.
Tips
Always use cream cheese at room temperature to ensure a smooth filling without lumps. Cold cream cheese can result in a grainy texture.
If you’re in a rush, use ready-made puff pastry or crescent dough instead of Rhodes rolls for an ultra-quick alternative.
Don’t overfill the Danishes—too much filling can cause them to overflow during baking and make a mess. A tablespoon each of cream cheese and fruit is plenty.
You can make these Danishes ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Warm the Danishes in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving to bring back their just-baked feel.
Let the icing set before stacking or storing to prevent smudging or sogginess. For neat results, drizzle icing with a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped.
Consider topping the Danishes with slivered almonds or a sprinkle of coarse sugar before baking for added texture and presentation.
Conclusion
This Easy Cheese Danish recipe delivers all the decadence of a pastry shop with half the effort. It’s a great go-to for brunches, holidays, or simply treating yourself to something delicious and homemade.
With versatile fillings, simple ingredients, and minimal prep time, this recipe is as practical as it is delightful. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll want to keep it on repeat for any occasion that calls for something sweet and special.
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