Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Danishes Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love a bakery-style treat that’s surprisingly easy to make at home, then you absolutely must try this Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Danishes Recipe. The tender, flaky crescent dough wraps around a luscious, creamy filling bursting with vanilla-scented cream cheese and melty chocolate chips. Topped with a simple but irresistible powdered sugar glaze, these danishes are perfect for brunch, dessert, or any time you want to feel like a pastry chef without all the fuss. I’m excited to share how you can create these beautiful, delicious pastries in just about 22 minutes—your guests (and your taste buds) are going to thank you!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Danishes Recipe calls for just a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a key role to build layers of taste, creaminess, and that perfect golden crust. The ingredients are straightforward, but each one is essential for that authentic bakery flavor and texture you’ll crave.

• Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Gives the filling its signature tangy creaminess that’s smooth and rich.
• Sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese mixture without overpowering the delicate flavor.
• Sour cream (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle tang and moisture to keep the filling luscious and soft.
• Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses warm, fragrant notes that elevate the overall taste.
• Crescent roll dough (1 8-count tube): Acts as the golden, flaky vessel that holds all that delicious filling.
• Chocolate chips (1/3 cup): The melty chocolate chunks that take every bite to the next level of indulgence.
• Powdered sugar (1/3 cup): The base for a shiny, sweet glaze that adds a lovely finishing touch.
• Milk (2 teaspoons): Mixed with powdered sugar to create the perfect drizzle consistency.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Danishes Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit while lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your danishes bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze and your treats picture-perfect.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling

Grab a medium bowl and use a hand-held electric mixer to beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Keep mixing until it’s smooth and creamy—this mixture is the heart of your danishes, so getting a silky texture here really makes a difference.

Step 3: Cut and Shape the Dough

Unroll your crescent roll dough and cut it into 8 slices. Place each slice cut side down on your baking sheet and gently stretch and flatten the middle. This creates a nicely sized pocket to hold your irresistible cream cheese filling.

Step 4: Fill and Top with Chocolate Chips

Spoon a generous dollop of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each dough piece. Then, sprinkle chocolate chips on top so they’ll melt beautifully during baking, adding pockets of creamy chocolate throughout your danish.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown. Once out of the oven, allow the danishes to cool for about 10 minutes—this rest time lets them set just right for the glaze.

Step 6: Drizzle with Sweet Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar and milk together in a small bowl until you get a smooth glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled danishes for a shiny, sweet finish that adds the perfect touch of sweetness and a little sparkle to each pastry.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Danishes Recipe

Garnishes

For a beautiful presentation, dust your danishes lightly with extra powdered sugar or sprinkle some finely chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for added texture and a nutty contrast. Fresh berries on the side also add a lovely pop of color and freshness that brightens every bite.

Side Dishes

These danishes pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or rich hot chocolate in the morning. For brunch gatherings, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness with some savory and fresh flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Danishes Recipe on a decorative platter lined with parchment paper or a wooden board to showcase their golden glow. You could also arrange them in a circle with a small bowl of warm chocolate sauce or berry compote in the center for dipping—fun and delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, keep your danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay moist and flavorful but make sure to cover them well to prevent drying out.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze unglazed danishes in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last up to two months frozen, making sure you always have a sweet treat on hand.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy, warm the danishes in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 5 to 7 minutes or until heated through. If they had glaze before freezing, drizzle fresh glaze after reheating to restore that glossy finish and sweet touch.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese or flavored varieties?

Regular cream cheese works best for that classic creamy texture and mild tang. Flavored cream cheese could add interesting twists, but it might overpower the subtle sweetness and vanilla notes in this recipe.

Is there a substitute if I don’t have crescent roll dough?

Puff pastry dough is a great alternative that offers a light, flaky texture. Just be sure to thaw it properly and handle it gently to maintain those layers.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

You can substitute vegan cream cheese, use dairy-free sour cream, and opt for dairy-free crescent rolls (some brands offer them) along with vegan chocolate chips. The results will be deliciously kind to everyone!

Can these be made ahead of time fully assembled?

It’s best to prepare and fill the danishes shortly before baking. The dough can get soggy if filled too long ahead. However, you can mix the filling a day before and keep it refrigerated for convenience.

What is the best way to avoid soggy bottoms?

Using parchment paper and making sure to slightly stretch but not overwork the dough helps keep it crisp. Also, avoiding excess filling and baking until golden crisp will ensure your danishes stay delightfully flaky.

Final Thoughts

The Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Danishes Recipe is a little slice of heaven you can create with simple ingredients and limited time. Whether it’s a lazy weekend morning, a special brunch, or a treat to impress friends, these danishes deliver irresistible creaminess, sweet chocolate, and golden dough that make every bite a celebration. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do—happy baking!

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