Easy Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze

There’s something magical about the smell of fresh pastries baking in the oven, especially during the holiday season. The combination of warm, buttery dough, creamy filling, and a sweet glaze makes for a truly comforting treat. However, many beginner bakers shy away from making pastries, assuming they require advanced skills and hours of preparation. That is why this Cream Cheese Danish recipe is the perfect starting point.

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Using refrigerated crescent roll dough eliminates the need for complex techniques like laminating butter layers, making this recipe approachable for those new to baking. The sugared cranberries add a festive touch with their tart-sweet burst of flavor, while the vanilla butter glaze ties everything together. Whether you are making these for a holiday brunch, an afternoon treat, or just because you want something delicious with your coffee, these danishes will impress without requiring extensive baking experience.

This article will walk you through each step in a way that ensures clarity and confidence. By the end, you will have a batch of homemade danishes that look and taste like they came straight from a bakery.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Beginners

1. Simple Ingredients: Everything in this recipe is easily available at most grocery stores. The crescent roll dough saves time and effort, making the process stress-free.
2. Minimal Equipment Needed: No need for special tools or pastry skills—just a rolling pin, a baking sheet, and a mixing bowl.
3. Customizable: The filling and toppings can be adjusted to personal preferences, making it an excellent recipe to experiment with.
4. Quick Baking Time: These danishes take about 30 minutes from start to finish, so you get instant gratification without spending hours in the kitchen.
5. Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of sweet and tangy elements makes this an irresistible treat for all ages.

Ingredients and Substitutions

For the Cream Cheese Danishes

• 1 roll refrigerated crescent rolls
• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 egg + 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
• ½ cup jam or fruit spread (strawberry works well, but other fruit preserves like raspberry or blueberry are great alternatives)

For the Vanilla Butter Glaze

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon warm melted salted butter
• 1 tablespoon warm water
• ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Sugared Cranberries

• 3 cups fresh cranberries
• ½ cup water
• 1¼ cups granulated sugar

Alternative Ingredients

• If fresh cranberries are unavailable, dried cranberries can be rehydrated in warm water before sugaring.
• Any fruit jam can work in place of strawberry jam. Seasonal flavors like apple, peach, or cherry add variety.
• If you prefer a tangier flavor, use mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sugared Cranberries

Sugared cranberries add a pop of flavor and an elegant touch to these danishes.

1. In a small saucepan, bring ½ cup of water and ½ cup of granulated sugar to a gentle boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
2. Add the washed and dried cranberries to the pot, stirring to coat them evenly.
3. Transfer the cranberries to a parchment-lined tray and let them cool for one hour. This step helps them become sticky so the sugar will adhere properly.
4. Once cool, toss the cranberries with the remaining ¾ cup of sugar until they are well coated.

Set aside until ready to use.

Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Dough

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Unroll the refrigerated crescent dough onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to gently press the seams together, forming a solid rectangle slightly larger than the original shape.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar until smooth. If you want an ultra-creamy consistency, use an electric mixer.
2. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared dough.

Step 4: Shape the Danishes

1. Using a knife or a pizza cutter, divide the dough into four long strips.
2. Fold each strip in half lengthwise to prevent the cream cheese from spilling out.
3. Twist each strip into a long rope and then roll it into a spiral shape to form the danish.
4. Place each spiral onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Apply the Egg Wash and Add the Jam

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to make an egg wash.
2. Brush each danish with the egg wash to give them a golden, glossy finish.
3. Spoon about one tablespoon of jam onto the center of each danish. Stir the jam beforehand to make it more spreadable, or add a few drops of water to thin it slightly.

Step 6: Bake the Danishes

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
2. If you prefer a more golden-brown color, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake for an additional 3–5 minutes.
3. Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before adding the glaze.

Step 7: Prepare the Vanilla Butter Glaze

1. While the danishes are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, warm water, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Drizzle the glaze over each danish before it sets. The glaze hardens quickly, so apply it immediately after mixing.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

1. Top each danish with a few sugared cranberries for a festive touch.
2. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Avoiding Common Mistakes

• Dough Too Sticky? Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking.
• Jam Too Thick? Stir it well before using. If necessary, add a teaspoon of warm water to loosen it up.
• Glaze Hardening Too Quickly? Work fast when drizzling the glaze, as it sets within minutes.

Time-Saving Tips

• Prepare the sugared cranberries a day in advance to save time.
• Use pre-made fruit preserves to avoid the hassle of making jam from scratch.
• If baking for a crowd, double the recipe and bake in batches.

Serving Suggestions

These danishes pair well with a variety of beverages and side dishes:

• Beverages: Serve with a hot cup of coffee, spiced chai, or vanilla-flavored milk.
• Breakfast Spread: Add scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or a small serving of yogurt with granola.
• Dessert Option: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce for a richer treat.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Room Temperature: Store leftover danishes in an airtight container for up to two days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to five days; reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze individually wrapped danishes for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Final Thoughts

This recipe proves that baking delicious, bakery-style pastries at home does not have to be intimidating. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginners can achieve stunning results. The combination of buttery dough, creamy filling, tangy cranberries, and sweet glaze creates a dessert that feels special yet is easy to prepare.

If you try this recipe, share your experience and any personal twists you added. Happy baking!