Oh my goodness, you’re about to experience one of the most indulgent pastries ever—Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze! Imagine flaky, buttery dough paired with a smooth, rich cream cheese filling, topped off with a tangy-sweet burst of sugared cranberries and a drizzle of silky vanilla butter glaze. Trust me, this is the kind of treat you’ll want to savor with your morning coffee or as a little sweet pick-me-up during the day.
Why You’ll Love These Cream Cheese Danishes
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating something truly special. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet breakfast, hosting a brunch with friends, or treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, these danishes are the perfect fit. Here’s why this recipe will win your heart:
Versatile: These danishes are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a special treat for guests. They’re a crowd-pleaser at any gathering, making them the ultimate go-to pastry.
Budget-Friendly: You don’t need fancy ingredients to make this. With simple pantry staples like puff pastry and cream cheese, you’ll be able to create something that tastes like it came from a high-end bakery.
Quick and Easy: No need for a ton of prep work. The puff pastry does the heavy lifting for you, so all you need to focus on is layering the goodness inside and letting it bake to perfection.
Customizable: If cranberries aren’t your thing, feel free to swap them out with other fruits or toppings—blueberries, raspberries, or even chopped pecans could work wonders!
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of these Cream Cheese Danishes. It’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is a showstopper. Let’s break it down:
Puff Pastry: The flaky, buttery base that gives these danishes their signature texture. Puff pastry is a baker’s best friend when you want something impressive but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Cream Cheese: The rich and creamy center that makes these danishes truly indulgent. It pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the glaze and the tartness of the cranberries.
Sugar: For sweetness! It’s the perfect balance to the cream cheese filling and helps bring the sugared cranberries to life.
Egg: Adds richness to the cream cheese filling and gives the pastry a golden, glossy finish after baking.
Vanilla Extract: This is where the magic happens! It infuses the glaze with a warm, comforting aroma that makes each bite feel like a cozy hug.
Fresh Cranberries: The tangy-sweet topping that brightens up the whole pastry, giving it a pop of color and flavor.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even baking and gives your danishes the perfect golden-brown finish.
Prepare the Cranberries: In a small saucepan, cook the cranberries with sugar until they soften and release their juices, about 5 minutes. Set them aside to cool. This creates that sweet-tart cranberry topping we all crave!
Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy. This filling is the heart of your danishes, so take your time to get it just right.
Assemble the Danishes: Unroll the puff pastry on a floured surface. Cut it into squares and place a spoonful of cream cheese filling in the center of each square. Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling, creating a pocket. Press the edges gently to seal.
Bake to Perfection: Place the danishes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed up. The smell of baking pastry will have you practically drooling.
Glaze Time: While the danishes are baking, melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla extract to create the glaze. Once the danishes are out of the oven, drizzle them with this luscious glaze.
Add the Cranberries: Top each danish with a spoonful of the sugared cranberries. These little jewels will add a burst of sweetness and tartness that perfectly complements the creamy filling and buttery pastry.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy the crispy, creamy, fruity goodness!
Nutrition Facts:
- Servings: 12 danishes
- Calories per serving: 310
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze
These danishes are perfect on their own, but you can easily elevate your breakfast or brunch experience by pairing them with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a complete spread, serve alongside some fresh fruit or yogurt, and maybe even a few slices of crispy bacon to balance out the sweetness. Trust me, your guests will be impressed!
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- If you want a more intense cranberry flavor, add a squeeze of fresh orange juice to the cranberries while they cook.
- To keep your danishes fresh for longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- If you’re in a hurry, you can skip the sugared cranberries and top the danishes with a simple fruit preserve or jam instead.
FAQ’s
- Can I use a different type of fruit for the topping? Yes! You can swap the cranberries for any fruit you like—blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced strawberries would be delicious.
- Can I use a different pastry dough? Puff pastry is the best option for this recipe, but if you want a softer texture, you could try using crescent roll dough instead.
- Can I make these danishes ahead of time? You can prepare the danishes the night before and store them in the fridge. Just bake them fresh the next morning for the best results.
- What if I don’t have fresh cranberries? If you can’t find fresh cranberries, you can use frozen cranberries or even substitute with dried cranberries (just rehydrate them with a little water or juice).
- Can I freeze these danishes? Absolutely! Once they’re baked and cooled, freeze them in an airtight container for up to a month. Just pop them in the oven to reheat.
- Can I make the glaze without butter? If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or another dairy-free butter substitute.
- How can I make the filling sweeter? If you prefer a sweeter filling, just add a little more sugar to taste. You can also try using powdered sugar for a smoother texture.
- Can I add nuts to this recipe? Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would make a fantastic addition to the cream cheese filling or as a topping.
- How can I get my danishes extra crispy? For an extra crispy pastry, brush the puff pastry with a little melted butter before baking.
- Can I use a store-bought glaze instead of making my own? Yes, if you’re short on time, you can easily use a store-bought glaze or icing.
Conclusion
These Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze are the perfect combination of flaky pastry, creamy filling, and sweet-tart cranberry topping. Whether you’re looking to impress at brunch or simply treat yourself to something delicious, these danishes will become a new favorite in your kitchen. Happy baking, and enjoy every sweet bite!
Print
Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 10min
- Total Time: 28min
- Yield: 4danishes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Everything about these cream cheese danishes will bring holiday joy to your kitchen! Twirls of crescent dough layered with cream cheese and baked with a pool of strawberry jam and a buttery glaze on top to finish. Add in those sugared cranberries to bring it right over the top!
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Danishes:
– 1 roll refrigerated crescent rolls
– 2 ounces cream cheese
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1 egg + 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
– 1/2 cup jam or fruit spread (e.g., strawberry)
Vanilla Butter Glaze:
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tablespoon warm melted salted butter
– 1 tablespoon warm water
– 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sugared Cranberries:
– 3 cups fresh cranberries
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Unroll the crescent dough and separate into 4 rectangles. Press seams together to seal.
3. In a small bowl, mix cream cheese and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar until smooth.
4. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly onto each rectangle.
5. Add a spoonful of jam or fruit spread on top of the cream cheese layer.
6. Fold the corners of the dough towards the center, pinching to seal and form a danish shape.
7. Place danishes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to make the egg wash. Brush over the danishes.
9. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
For the Vanilla Butter Glaze:
10. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, warm water, and vanilla extract until smooth.
11. Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled danishes.
For the Sugared Cranberries:
12. In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, creating a simple syrup.
13. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Add cranberries to the syrup, stirring to coat.
14. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cranberries to a wire rack and let them dry for about 1 hour.
15. Roll the sticky cranberries in the remaining 3/4 cup granulated sugar until well coated.
16. Once the danishes are glazed, top with sugared cranberries before serving.
Notes
– These danishes are best enjoyed warm, shortly after baking.
– You can experiment with different fruit spreads like raspberry or apricot for variety.
– The sugared cranberries add a festive touch, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1danish
- Calories: 758
- Sugar: 54g
- Sodium: 687mg
- Fat: 18.2g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 143.3g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7.2g
- Cholesterol: 55mg