Name: Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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

why make this recipe

Making a Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish is a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season. This delightful treat is not only visually appealing but also delicious, with a creamy filling and sweet cherry topping. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or holiday gatherings, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress your family and friends. With its eye-catching shape and delightful flavors, it becomes an exciting centerpiece for any Christmas spread.

🧰 Kitchen tools commonly used in similar recipes

Before starting, many home cooks like to have these basic tools ready:

how to make Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish

Ingredients :

2 cans of refrigerated crescent rolls
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup of cherry pie filling
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons milk

Directions :

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Mix until smooth, then set aside while you prepare the crescent rolls.
Open the packages of crescent rolls, but do not separate them. Use a serrated knife to slice each "roll" into 11 equal pieces.
Arrange the dough circles into the shape of a Christmas tree, starting with one circle at the top and working your way down. Increase the number of crescent roll circles as you go. Save one for the stem of the tree!
Using your thumb, a tamper, or the back of a spoon, gently indent the middle of each circle to create a space for the cream cheese.
Place a small spoonful of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each crescent circle.
Top with a small spoonful of cherry pie filling. Note that you may not use all the cherry pie filling.
Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 18 – 20 minutes or until golden brown. Allow the Danish to cool.
In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar and milk. Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled Danish and serve immediately.

how to serve Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish

Serve the Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish warm or at room temperature. It’s great on a holiday brunch table or as a sweet snack during festive gatherings. You can cut it into slices for easy serving and pair it with a hot beverage like coffee or hot chocolate.

how to store Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish

To store leftover Danish, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results, reheat in the oven before serving to restore the flaky texture. If you’d like to store it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish

Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
For a firmer filling, you can add an egg yolk to the cream cheese mixture.
Keep an eye on the Danish while baking to ensure it doesn’t over-brown. Every oven is different, so baking times may vary.

variation (if any)

Feel free to switch up the filling! Instead of cherry pie filling, you can use raspberry jam, blueberry pie filling, or even chocolate chips for a different flavor. You can also add some cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese mixture for extra warmth.

FAQs

Q: Can I use homemade crescent rolls instead of store-bought?
A: Yes, homemade crescent rolls will work perfectly in this recipe.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked Danish. Just thaw in the fridge before baking when you’re ready to enjoy.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble the Danish and bake it on the day you plan to serve it for the best flavor and texture.