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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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Prepare and Apply Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm Danish.
  8. 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

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/christmas-tree-cream-cheese-danish-recipe/