Quick Cream Cheese Danish Rolls

I have to admit—there are few things that make me happier than the smell of something buttery, flaky, and slightly sweet baking in the oven. And these Quick Cream Cheese Danish Rolls? Oh, they check all the boxes. Every time I make them, the kitchen smells like a little corner bakery, and I can’t help but hover near the oven door, waiting for that golden perfection.

If you’re like me and crave a treat that feels fancy but doesn’t demand hours of effort (or a pastry degree), this recipe is your new best friend. It takes that classic Danish flavor—sweet, creamy cheese wrapped in flaky pastry—and simplifies it into a quick, crowd-pleasing version you can whip up any morning of the week.

---

💫 Why This Recipe Is Special

Traditional Danish pastries can be a labor of love: laminating dough, chilling layers, and carefully folding butter into flour. Beautiful, yes—but not exactly something you tackle before your morning coffee. These Quick Cream Cheese Danish Rolls skip all that fuss by using store-bought crescent roll dough (or puff pastry, if you prefer).

The result? Buttery, golden rolls with a rich, slightly tangy cream cheese filling and just the right touch of sweetness. They look like something from a bakery window but take a fraction of the time—and that, to me, is baking magic.

---

💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes—yes, really!
• Minimal Ingredients: You probably have most of them already.
• Rich & Creamy Flavor: A perfect balance of buttery pastry and tangy-sweet filling.
• Versatile: Dress them up with fruit preserves, lemon zest, or a drizzle of icing.
• Perfect Anytime Treat: Ideal for brunches, holidays, or lazy weekend mornings.

---

🧰 Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a few basics that make life easier:

• Mixing Bowl: For blending the cream cheese filling until smooth.
• Hand Mixer or Whisk: Helps you achieve that creamy, lump-free texture.
• Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy matters, even in simple recipes.
• Small Spoon or Cookie Scoop: For placing the filling neatly in the center.
• Cooling Rack: Keeps the bottoms from getting soggy once baked.

---

🧈 Ingredients

For the Danish Rolls

• 2 cans (8 oz / 226 g each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

For the Glaze (optional but irresistible)

• ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
• 1–2 tsp milk (or cream for richness)
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

---

⏱️ Recipe Overview

• Yield: 16 rolls
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

---

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps your rolls from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using) until creamy and smooth.

💬 If your cream cheese is too cold, microwave it for 10–15 seconds to soften it up. You want a silky, spreadable texture—no lumps!

3. Shape the Dough

Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into rectangles (two triangles pressed together). Gently pinch the seams closed.

If you’re feeling fancy, you can even twist the dough into spirals for that bakery-style look.

Roll each rectangle from the long side into a log, then coil it into a spiral (like a cinnamon roll). Place them on your baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

4. Add the Filling

Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make a small indentation in the center of each roll. Spoon about a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into the middle. Don’t worry if it spreads a bit—it’ll bake beautifully.

5. Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown and the centers are puffed.

💬 This is the moment your kitchen starts smelling like a bakery—try not to peek too often, even though it’s tempting!

6. Add the Glaze (Optional)

While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for your glaze. Drizzle it over the warm Danish rolls and let it set for a few minutes before serving.

---

🍓 Serving Ideas

These rolls are delicious just as they are, but you can easily take them up a notch:

• Add fruit topping: Spoon a bit of strawberry jam, cherry preserves, or lemon curd on top before baking.
• Sprinkle cinnamon sugar: For a cozy twist.
• Add zest: Lemon or orange zest in the filling gives a bright, fresh flavor.
• Top with almonds: A sprinkle of sliced almonds before baking adds crunch and elegance.

---

🧺 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• To Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.

---

💡 Pro Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

Here’s where I share the little secrets that make all the difference:

• Don’t skip softening the cream cheese. Cold cream cheese will give you lumpy filling—no fun.
• Seal your dough seams well. It prevents the filling from leaking out during baking.
• Don’t overbake. They should be golden, not dark brown—otherwise, the pastry dries out.
• Let them cool slightly. The filling sets as they cool, making them easier (and safer!) to eat.
• Double the glaze. If you love extra sweetness, no judgment—make a little more glaze to drizzle.

---

🍽️ Nutrition (Per Roll)

Approximate values:

• Calories: 180
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Sugar: 9 g

---

💬 Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully comforting about a recipe that feels both homemade and effortless—and these Quick Cream Cheese Danish Rolls deliver exactly that. They’re warm, flaky, and creamy with just enough sweetness to make you smile with every bite.