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Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 117 reviews

These Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze are a delightful treat that combines flaky crescent roll dough, a creamy sweetened cheese layer, and bursts of fruity jam. Topped with tart sugared cranberries and a smooth vanilla butter glaze, these danishes offer a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Ingredients

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Danish Dough & Cream Cheese Filling

  • 1 roll refrigerated crescent rolls
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1/2 cup jam or fruit spread (strawberry or seasonal)

Sugared Cranberries

  • 3 cups fresh cranberries
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar (divided: 1/2 cup + 3/4 cup)

Vanilla Butter Glaze

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon warm melted salted butter
  • 1 tablespoon warm water
  • 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Make the Sugared Cranberries: In a small saucepan, bring 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup granulated sugar to a boil. Boil for 3-4 minutes to create a simple syrup. Add the washed and dried fresh cranberries to the syrup, stirring gently to coat them evenly. Transfer the cranberries to a parchment-lined tray, spreading them out, and let them cool for one hour to become sticky but not overly wet. Once cooled, toss the cranberries with the remaining 3/4 cup of sugar to fully coat them, setting aside for garnish.
  2. Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the refrigerated crescent roll dough onto a clean work surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out gently and press the seams together to create one solid rectangle, slightly larger than its original size, ensuring a uniform base for the filling.
  3. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with 1 tablespoon granulated sugar until smooth and evenly combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough to create a creamy layer.
  4. Shape the Danishes: Cut the dough into four long strips. Fold each strip in half carefully to prevent the cream cheese from sticking to your hands, then twist each strip into a long rope. Coil each rope into a spiral to form a danish shape. Place each formed danish onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  5. Apply Egg Wash and Add Jam: Mix the egg with the tablespoon of milk to create an egg wash. Brush this gently over each danish to give them a golden finish when baked. Dollop about 1 tablespoon of jam or fruit spread onto the center of each danish.
  6. Bake the Danishes: Bake the danishes in the preheated oven at 375°F for 10 minutes. For a more golden and crisp finish, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (204°C) and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  7. Prepare the Vanilla Butter Glaze: While the danishes are baking and cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, warm melted salted butter, warm water, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
  8. Finish the Danishes: Once the danishes are removed from the oven and slightly cooled, top each with a few of the prepared sugared cranberries for a tart and crunchy contrast. Drizzle the vanilla butter glaze generously over the danishes. Serve warm for the best flavor experience.

Notes

  • The sugared cranberries add a beautiful tart crunch that balances the rich cream cheese and sweet glaze perfectly.
  • You can use any jam or fruit spread you prefer; seasonal flavors like raspberry or apricot also work wonderfully.
  • If you prefer a softer danish, skip the higher temperature baking step; if you like them crunchier, baking longer at 400°F will achieve that.
  • The cream cheese should be softened to room temperature to blend smoothly with the sugar.
  • These danishes are best enjoyed warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and gently reheated before serving.

Keywords: cream cheese danishes, sugared cranberries, vanilla butter glaze, crescent roll pastry, easy danish recipe, breakfast pastry

Find it online: https://cookwithyana.com/cream-cheese-danishes-with-sugared-cranberries-and-vanilla-butter-glaze-recipe/