Easy Cheese Danish Recipe 

A cheese danish is a delightful pastry with a soft, flaky crust and a creamy, sweet cheese filling. It’s a bakery favorite that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea. This easy cheese danish recipe uses Rhodes dinner rolls, making it simple to prepare while still delivering a delicious homemade taste. Whether you enjoy them with lemon curd, raspberry preserves, or just the creamy filling, this recipe will surely become a family favorite!

Why Make This Recipe

Making cheese danishes at home ensures you get fresh, warm, and perfectly sweet pastries without the extra cost of bakery treats. Plus, you can customize the flavors and enjoy the satisfaction of a homemade breakfast or snack. Using store-bought dough cuts down on preparation time, making this recipe perfect for beginners and busy bakers alike.

How to Make Easy Cheese Danish

This simple recipe involves flattening thawed Rhodes dinner rolls, letting them rise, and then filling them with a sweet cream cheese mixture and fruit preserves. After baking, drizzle with icing for a final touch of sweetness. The result? A bakery-style danish with minimal effort!

Ingredients

Dough and Filling:

• 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

White Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 4-5 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough: Lightly flour your hands and flatten each thawed dinner roll into a 3-inch disc. Place them on two baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
2. Butter and Sugar: Brush each disc with warm melted butter and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Cover loosely with a clean dish towel or plastic wrap sprayed with non-stick spray.
3. Let the Dough Rise: Allow the rolls to rise in a warm spot until doubled in size. This may take around 50 minutes, depending on room temperature. Placing them in an oven with just the light on can help speed up the process.
4. Make the Filling: While waiting, mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon juice with an electric mixer until smooth. Set aside.
5. Preheat Oven: Once the rolls have risen, remove them from the oven and preheat it to 350°F (175°C).
6. Fill the Rolls: Using your fingertips, press an indentation into the center of each roll. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center, followed by 1 teaspoon of lemon curd or raspberry preserves.
7. Egg Wash & Bake: Brush the edges of each roll with the beaten egg. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Cool & Ice: Let the danishes cool on the pan for about 5 minutes. In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Add more milk if needed to reach a drizzling consistency. Drizzle over the danishes.
9. Serve & Enjoy: Enjoy them warm or at room temperature for the best flavor!

How to Serve Easy Cheese Danish

These cheese danishes taste best when served warm with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. You can also add fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. They make a fantastic addition to brunch spreads or a delightful afternoon treat.

How to Store Easy Cheese Danish

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1-2 days.
• Refrigeration: If keeping longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days and warm slightly before serving.
• Freezing: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes.

Tips to Make Easy Cheese Danish

• Ensure the dough rises properly by placing it in a warm, draft-free environment.
• Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling.
• Experiment with different fillings, such as blueberry or strawberry jam.
• Don’t overfill the pastries to prevent spillage while baking.

Variations

• Fruit Mix: Try combining different jams like apricot, blueberry, or cherry for variety.
• Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped almonds or walnuts over the icing for added crunch.
• Cinnamon Flavor: Add a dash of cinnamon to the cream cheese filling for a warm spice flavor.

FAQs

How long do cheese danishes last?

Cheese danishes stay fresh for 1-2 days at room temperature and up to 5 days in the fridge. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I use a different dough for this recipe?

Yes! You can use puff pastry, crescent roll dough, or homemade sweet dough instead of Rhodes rolls.

What can I serve with cheese danish?

These pastries pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or fresh fruit. They also complement brunch spreads with eggs, bacon, and yogurt.

Enjoy this easy and delicious cheese danish recipe, perfect for any occasion!