Easy Cream Cheese Danish

Easy Cream Cheese Danish (Using Dinner Rolls!) – A Sweet Breakfast Favorite

Looking for a simple, showstopping brunch recipe that tastes like it came straight from a bakery? These Easy Cream Cheese Danishes made with frozen dinner rolls are everything you could want in a morning treat—flaky, creamy, sweet, and a total crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re preparing breakfast for a special holiday or just craving a weekend indulgence, these danishes bring together convenience and luxury. No need to fuss with pastry dough from scratch—frozen rolls make the process effortless while delivering bakery-quality results.

Why You'll Love These Easy Danishes

• No pastry-making required – Frozen dinner rolls are the shortcut to buttery, flaky perfection.
• Rich cream cheese filling – Tangy, smooth, and perfectly sweetened.
• Versatile toppings – Add lemon curd, raspberry preserves, or both for a pop of fruit flavor.
• Perfect for brunch, holidays, or gifting – These danishes are as beautiful as they are delicious.

 Equipment Needed

• 2 baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons & cups
• Electric hand mixer
• Pastry brush
• Small whisk or spoon for icing
• Cooling rack (optional)

 Ingredients

For the Danish:

• 12 frozen Rhodes Dinner Rolls (thawed but still cold)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 12 teaspoons raspberry preserves and/or lemon curd

For the Icing:

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

 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Rolls

Lightly flour your hands and flatten each thawed roll into a 3-inch disc. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets.

2. Brush & Sprinkle

Brush each roll with melted butter and sprinkle with granulated sugar.

3. Let Them Rise

Cover the trays and let the rolls rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—this usually takes 50–60 minutes.

4. Make the Filling

While the rolls rise, beat together the cream cheese, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and lemon juice until smooth. Set aside.

5. Preheat Oven

Remove rolls from oven (if used for proofing) and preheat to 350°F (175°C).

6. Fill the Centers

Gently press an indentation in the center of each roll. Spoon in 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling, then top with 1 teaspoon of raspberry preserves or lemon curd.

7. Egg Wash & Bake

Brush the edges with beaten egg. Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown and puffed.

8. Cool Slightly & Ice

Cool for 5 minutes. While cooling, whisk together icing ingredients. Drizzle over warm danishes.

 Variations & Tips

• Mix and match flavors: Try apricot jam, strawberry preserves, or blueberry compote.
• Make ahead: Assemble the night before and refrigerate until baking.
• Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

 Perfect for Pinterest, Facebook, or Brunch Boards

These danishes not only taste amazing—they look gorgeous on a brunch table or in a gift box. With their delicate swirl of fruit and drizzle of icing, they’ll earn compliments every time.

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Easy Cream Cheese Danish

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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• - 12 Rhodes Dinner Rolls thawed but still cold
• - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• - 2 tbsp melted butter
• - 4 oz cream cheese softened
• - 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• - 1 tsp lemon juice
• - 1 large egg beaten
• - 12 tsp lemon curd and/or raspberry preserves

For the Icing:

• - 1 cup powdered sugar
• - 4–5 tbsp milk
• - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

• baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• mixing bowls
• - Hand mixer
• Measuring tools
• pastry brush
• - Cooling rack (optional)

Method

 

1. Flatten thawed rolls into 3-inch discs. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
2. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar. Cover and let rise until doubled.
3. Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon juice until smooth.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. Press a well into each roll, fill with 1 tbsp cream cheese mixture and 1 tsp jam.
6. Brush edges with beaten egg.
7. Bake 15–20 minutes until golden.
8. Cool 5 minutes. Mix icing and drizzle over danishes. Serve warm or at room temp.

Notes

Best enjoyed fresh. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Try different jams or fruit fillings for variety.