Introduction

This Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish is a festive and easy last-minute breakfast treat that’s perfect for holiday mornings. Fluffy crescent roll dough is filled with a sweet cream cheese mixture and cherry pie filling, then baked to golden perfection. A simple glaze finishes it off, making it as beautiful as it is delicious.

The dish is a Christmas tree-shaped arrangement of golden-brown rolls placed on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each roll has a round shape with a creamy white icing layer swirled inside the dough and topped with a bright red cherry jam center, creating a shiny, glossy look. There are five rows of rolls forming the tree, starting with a single roll at the top and expanding to a row of six at the bottom, plus a single roll at the base acting as the tree trunk. The rolls are drizzled with a smooth white glaze, adding a glossy texture. Two green pine branches lie diagonally at the bottom left and top right corners, framing the tree shape. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
¾ cup cherry pie filling
⅓ cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅓ cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
2 teaspoons milk (for glaze)

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and set aside.
Step 2: Open the cans of crescent rolls without separating the triangles. Using a serrated knife, slice each roll into 11 equal pieces.
Step 3: Arrange the dough circles on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree. Start with one circle at the top and increase the number of circles as you move downward. Reserve one piece for the tree stem.
Step 4: Using your thumb, a tart tamper, or the back of a spoon, gently indent the center of each dough circle to create a well for the filling.
Step 5: Spoon a small amount of the cream cheese mixture into each indentation.
Step 6: Add a small spoonful of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese in each circle. You will likely have some cherry filling leftover.
Step 7: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 18–20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown.
Step 8: While the Danish cools slightly, mix the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl to make the glaze.
Step 9: Drizzle the glaze over the warm Danish and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For a festive touch, add a few chopped nuts or sprinkle cinnamon on top before baking.
Try substituting cherry pie filling with other fruit preserves like raspberry, apricot, or blueberry.
If you don’t have a tart tamper, the back of a tablespoon works well to create the indentations.

Storage

Store any leftover Danish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven or microwave to restore softness before serving. It’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

How to Serve

The image shows a Christmas tree shape made of twenty golden-brown cinnamon rolls arranged carefully in rows: the top row has one roll, the second row has two, the third has three, the fourth has four, the fifth has five, and the base has four rolls plus one in the center as a trunk. Each cinnamon roll has a glossy white icing drizzle over it and a dollop of bright red cherry filling in the middle, giving a contrast of creamy white and deep red on the warm baked dough. The rolls rest on a white parchment paper placed on a white marbled surface, with green pine branches framing the bottom left and top right corners, adding a festive winter feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this Danish ahead of time?

You can assemble the Danish in advance and refrigerate it overnight before baking. Just bring it to room temperature before placing it in the oven for even baking.

What can I use if I don’t have cherry pie filling?

Fruit jams, preserves, or any pie filling of your choice will work well as a substitute for cherry pie filling in this recipe.

Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

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4.6 from 134 reviews

This Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish is an easy and festive last-minute breakfast treat. Using refrigerated crescent rolls filled with creamy sweetened cream cheese and cherry pie filling, this pastry is shaped into a charming Christmas tree and topped with a light powdered sugar glaze. Perfect for holiday mornings or gatherings, it’s quick to assemble and bake, delivering a delightful combination of flaky pastry and luscious filling.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 8–10 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Danish

2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
¾ cup cherry pie filling
⅓ cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze

⅓ cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons milk

Instructions

Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside while preparing the dough.
Slice Crescent Rolls: Open the packages of crescent rolls without separating them into triangles. Using a serrated knife, carefully slice each roll into 11 equal circular pieces.
Arrange Dough into Tree Shape: On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange the crescent roll circles in the shape of a Christmas tree. Start by placing one circle at the top and progressively add more circles per row as you move downward, saving one for the tree’s stem at the bottom.
Indent Dough Centers: Use your thumb, a tart tamper, or the back of a spoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each dough circle. This will create a little well for the filling.
Fill with Cream Cheese and Cherry Filling: Spoon a small amount of the cream cheese mixture into each indentation, then top with a small spoonful of cherry pie filling. Note: you likely won’t use all of the cherry pie filling.
Bake the Danish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled Danish for 18 to 20 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
Prepare and Apply Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm Danish.
Serve: Serve the Danish slightly cooled, immediately after glazing, to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Notes

Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and smooth filling.
You can substitute cherry pie filling with any other fruit pie filling of your choice, such as blueberry or strawberry.
Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and aid with cleanup.
For extra festive touch, consider decorating the glaze with colored sprinkles or edible glitter after applying.
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Do not overfill the dough circles, as too much filling may cause them to leak during baking.
Make sure to press the indentations firmly but gently enough to avoid tearing the dough.

Keywords: Christmas breakfast, cream cheese Danish, holiday pastry, crescent roll recipe, festive breakfast, cherry pie filling, easy Christmas recipes