Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish
If you’re looking for a delightful addition to your breakfast table this holiday season, look no further than this Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish! This recipe is not only easy to whip up, but it also adds a festive flair that will impress your family and friends. Perfect for Christmas morning or any brunch gathering, these charming little pastries are sure to become a seasonal favorite in your home.
Imagine the smiles on your loved ones’ faces as they gather around a beautifully arranged Christmas tree made of flaky crescent rolls filled with sweet cream cheese and cherry goodness. It’s a fun, interactive dish that brings everyone together, making memories as you all dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have this stunning Danish ready in no time!
- Family-Friendly: Kids love both making and eating this festive treat—it’s perfect for cooking together.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep the components the night before to make your Christmas morning stress-free.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of cream cheese and cherry pie filling creates a sweet and creamy bite that everyone will adore.
- Showstopper Presentation: This recipe makes for an eye-catching centerpiece on any brunch buffet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish is a breeze! You’ll find these are all simple, wholesome items that you may already have in your kitchen. Let’s get started!
- 2 cans of refrigerated crescent rolls
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup cherry pie filling
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons milk
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your fillings or presentation. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:
- Change the Fruit Filling: Swap out cherry pie filling for blueberry or apple pie filling for a different flavor twist.
- Add Spices: Mix in some cinnamon or nutmeg with the cream cheese for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Go Nutty: Top with crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts before baking for added crunch and flavor.
- Glaze it Differently: Instead of powdered sugar glaze, drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.
How to Make Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. This mixture needs to be smooth so that it easily fills each crescent roll circle. Setting this aside while you work on the crescent rolls ensures those flavors meld perfectly.
Step 2: Cut the Crescent Roll Dough
Open the packages of crescent rolls but keep them intact. Using a serrated knife, slice each roll into 11 equal pieces. This step is crucial because uniform pieces help create an even shape for your beautiful tree!
Step 3: Shape Your Christmas Tree
Now comes the fun part! Arrange those dough circles into the shape of a Christmas tree on your baking sheet. Start at the top with one circle and increase layers downward. Don’t forget to save one piece for the trunk of your tree!
Step 4: Indent Each Circle
Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press down in the center of each circle. This creates little wells where you’ll add your delicious cream cheese mixture later. It’s important not to skip this step; otherwise, there won’t be enough room for all that tasty filling!
Step 5: Fill with Cream Cheese Mixture
Spoon a small amount of your cream cheese mixture into each indented circle. Be generous but careful not to overfill! After that, add a dollop of cherry pie filling on top of each one. You won’t need all of it; save some for later snacking!
Step 6: Bake Your Danish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake your creation for about 18–20 minutes or until golden brown. The smell wafting through your kitchen during baking will be heavenly; trust me!
Step 7: Drizzle with Glaze
Once cooled slightly, mix together powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl to create your glaze. Drizzle it over the Danish while it’s still warm—this final touch makes everything taste even better!
Now you’re ready to serve this lovely Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish at breakfast or brunch! Enjoy every bite surrounded by loved ones and holiday cheer!
Pro Tips for Making Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish
Making this festive treat is a breeze, but these tips will help you achieve the perfect presentation and flavor!
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Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Softening the cream cheese makes it easier to mix and spread, ensuring a smooth filling that complements the flaky dough.
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Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to add lots of cherry pie filling, overfilling can cause a mess while baking. A small spoonful ensures each bite remains delightful without overflowing.
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Watch the Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your Danish during the last few minutes of baking. You want them golden brown but not overcooked.
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Cool Before Glazing: Allowing the Danish to cool slightly before adding the glaze helps it set better, creating a beautiful finish that won’t slide off.
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Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to swap out cherry pie filling for other fruit preserves or cream cheese flavors! This versatility allows you to customize your Danish for any occasion.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish
Presentation is key when it comes to festive recipes like this one! Here are some fun ideas to serve your Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish that will impress your family and friends.
Garnishes
- Powdered Sugar Dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a snowy effect that enhances the Christmas theme.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: Placing a few mint leaves next to your Danish on the serving platter adds a pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits like oranges, pomegranates, and kiwis complements the sweetness of the Danish perfectly.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries provides a healthy contrast and adds texture to your brunch spread.
- Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs bring protein into your meal and balance out the sweetness of the Danish.
- Hot Chocolate Bar: Set up a hot chocolate station with toppings like marshmallows and whipped cream. It’s a cozy addition that pairs wonderfully with breakfast pastries!
Now you’re ready to create a memorable Christmas morning breakfast that will have everyone smiling! Enjoy making this delightful Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish and happy holidays!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish is a perfect make-ahead recipe that can save you time on busy mornings. Preparing it in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and you’ll have a delightful breakfast ready for your loved ones.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the Danish to cool completely before storing.
- Place leftovers in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- To freeze, ensure the Danish is completely cooled.
- Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the desired number of Danish from the fridge or freezer.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and slightly crispy.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about making this delicious treat!
Can I make Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and shape the Danish a day ahead, just bake it fresh on Christmas morning for that warm, flaky goodness.
What is the best way to store Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them individually wrapped.
Can I use different fillings for my Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different fruit fillings like blueberry, raspberry, or even apple pie filling for a unique twist.
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cream cheese?
While cream cheese gives this recipe its signature flavor and texture, you can substitute with mascarpone or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if desired.
How can I make my Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish look more festive?
You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top after glazing, or add colorful sprinkles for an extra festive touch!
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this delightful Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish as much as I do! It’s not just visually stunning but also wonderfully delicious—a perfect addition to your holiday brunch. Share it with family and friends; I’m sure they’ll love it just as much. Happy baking and Merry Christmas!
Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
If you’re searching for a festive and delightful breakfast treat this holiday season, the Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish is a must-try! This charming pastry blends flaky crescent rolls with a rich cream cheese filling and sweet cherry topping, creating an eye-catching centerpiece perfect for Christmas morning or any brunch gathering. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it also brings joy and togetherness as family and friends dig into this interactive dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup cherry pie filling
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons milk
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Open crescent roll packages without separating them; slice each roll into 11 equal pieces.
- Arrange dough circles in a tree shape on a baking sheet.
- Indent each circle with your thumb or spoon to create wells.
- Fill each well with cream cheese mixture and top with cherry pie filling.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–20 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk to create glaze; drizzle over cooled Danish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Danish (80g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
