Name: Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 package crescent roll dough; 8 oz cream cheese, softened (Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing.); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup cherry pie filling (Or use fresh cherries, pitted and halved.); to taste powdered sugar (For dusting before serving.)

Pin8

Vote

There’s something undeniably delightful about biting into a freshly baked Mini Cherry Cheese Danish. The combination of a flaky pastry, creamy cheese filling, and sweet cherry topping makes this treat a perfect indulgence for any time of day. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, surprising your family with breakfast in bed, or simply craving a sweet snack, these mini danishes are quick and simple to whip up, requiring just a handful of ingredients. Fun fact: the Danish pastry is not actually from Denmark—its origins can be traced back to Austria! Made with ease, this recipe is not only family-friendly but is sure to impress your guests with its charming presentation and delightful flavors.

If you love these Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes, you might enjoy our recipe for Apricot Pastry Puffs as well, which shares a similar flaky texture and sweet filling that’s just as scrumptious. Trust me; these will bring smiles to your table, so let’s get started with this irresistible recipe!

What is Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes?

So, you might be wondering, what exactly are Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes? Well, it’s quite simple—they’re little pockets of joy made from delicate pastry filled with a creamy cheese mixture and topped with vibrant cherries. But who came up with this delightful name? Legend has it that Danish pastries were named after the hardworking bakers of Denmark—or as they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!” So, why not make these sweet bites and see if they can win over someone’s heart (or at least their taste buds)? Your kitchen will smell fantastic, and trust me, you’ll want to share these delicious treats with everyone around!

Why You’ll Love This Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes

There are three key reasons why these Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes are sure to capture your heart:

Delightful Flavors: The crispiness of the pastry complements the creaminess of the cheese and the burst of sweetness from the cherry topping. Each bite is like a flavor explosion in your mouth!
Cost-Saving Benefits: Buying pastries at a bakery can be pricey, but making them at home is not only budget-friendly but also allows you to customize flavors to your liking. You can use fresh cherries, canned cherries, or even a mix of berries for added fun.
Simple Ingredients: All you need are a few basic pantry staples to create these little masterpieces. You won’t need to hunt down fancy ingredients; just gather what you likely already have at home.

If you’re a fan of easy and delicious homemade treats like our Berry Cream Cheese Crescents, you’ll definitely want to give these Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes a try. The joy of baking (and eating) these treats will have you coming back for more!

How to Make Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes

Quick Overview

Making Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes is a breeze! With just a few easy steps and a short preparation time, these delightful pastries can be ready in under 30 minutes. The combination of buttery pastry and creamy cheese filling creates a satisfyingly rich treat without the fuss. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet afternoon snack.

Key Ingredients for Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes

To make your Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 package of crescent roll dough
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries, pitted and halved)
Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
Roll Out the Dough: Open the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. You should have eight triangles.
Assemble the Danishes: Lay each triangle on the parchment paper. Place a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each triangle. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, creating a small pocket.
Add Cherry Topping: Spoon a dollop of cherry pie filling on top of each filled pastry.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the dough is golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the danishes from the oven and let them cool slightly. If desired, you can dust them with powdered sugar before serving.

What to Serve Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes With

These Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes make a delightful standalone treat, but they pair well with various accompaniments. Consider serving them with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of iced tea for a well-rounded experience. For breakfast, they can be enjoyed alongside scrambled eggs for a perfect sweet and savory combo. If you have guests over, a fruit salad on the side would complement their sweet flavors beautifully.

Top Tips for Perfecting Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes

Make Ahead: If you’re planning to serve these pastries at a later time, you can prepare the filling and pastries ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to swap out the cherry filling for other fruit toppings like blueberries, strawberries, or even apricot jam for a delightful twist!
Temperature Matters: Ensure that your cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
Even Baking: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking to ensure all pastries are evenly golden.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store the Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. If you want to freeze them, place individual danishes in a freezer-safe container. They can be enjoyed fresh from the freezer by reheating them directly from frozen—perfect for a quick treat!

In conclusion, these Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes are a delightful addition to your baking repertoire. With their charming appearance and delicious flavors, you’re bound to impress family and friends alike. So, roll up your sleeves and grab that crescent roll dough—it’s time to make some magic in your kitchen! Happy baking!