If you’re in search of a pastry that’s effortlessly elegant yet incredibly simple to make, look no further than Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes. These sweet, flaky treats combine everything you want in a brunch pastry—crisp crescent dough, luscious cream cheese filling, vibrant cherry topping, and a drizzle of sugary glaze. Whether you’re baking for a weekend breakfast, holiday gathering, or just craving something sweet and homemade, these danishes are your golden ticket.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to prepare these bakery-style cherry cheese danishes in your own kitchen—no fancy skills required. From ingredient breakdowns to baking tips, flavor variations, and even nutritional info, you’ll have everything you need to make these a go-to in your baking rotation.
Why You’ll Love These Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes
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Quick & Easy: Using store-bought crescent roll dough cuts down on time without sacrificing taste.
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Customizable: Use cherry pie filling or substitute with your favorite fruits like blueberries or peaches.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the components in advance and assemble just before baking.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for brunch spreads, baby showers, dessert trays, or even afternoon coffee.
Ingredients (US Cups & Measures, Makes 15 Mini Danishes)
Here’s a complete breakdown of everything you’ll need for this recipe. Measurements are given in U.S. cups and standard format, ideal for home cooks.
Dough:
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1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz)
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2 Tbsp all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
Cream Cheese Filling:
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½ cup cream cheese (4 oz), softened
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¾ cup powdered sugar
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½ tsp vanilla extract
Fruit Topping:
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1 cup cherry pie filling (store-bought or homemade)
Glaze:
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⅓ cup granulated sugar
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3 Tbsp milk
Note: You can substitute with homemade cherry filling if desired—see our variation section below!
Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe comes together quickly in about 40 minutes total. Here’s a full breakdown from start to finish.
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the pastry.
2. Prepare the Crescent Dough
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Unroll the refrigerated crescent dough on a lightly floured surface.
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Separate the triangles, then slice each triangle across its center to yield 15 smaller pieces.
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This doesn’t need to be perfect—they’ll puff up during baking and hide any uneven cuts.
3. Shape the Dough Cups
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Place each dough piece on the sheet, point side down.
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Use the bottom of a small glass or cup to gently press into the center of each piece, creating a small well. The edges should rise to form a rim that holds the filling.
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Lightly dust with flour to prevent sticking during shaping.
Tip: If your dough warms up too much, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm it up again.
4. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, mix together:
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½ cup softened cream cheese
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¾ cup powdered sugar
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½ tsp vanilla extract
Whisk or beat until smooth, creamy, and slightly fluffy.
5. Fill the Pastry Cups
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Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into each shaped dough cup.
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Using a clean spoon, top the cream cheese with 4–5 cherry pieces (≈1 tablespoon cherry pie filling).
You want a good balance—enough filling to be flavorful, but not so much that it spills during baking.
6. Bake the Danishes
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Place the tray in your preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes.
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Watch for golden brown pastry edges and set filling.
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the pastries to cool for about 5 minutes before glazing.
7. Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together:
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⅓ cup granulated sugar
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3 Tbsp milk
Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and the glaze is thick but pourable.
Adjust thickness with a touch more sugar (for thicker glaze) or milk (for thinner drizzle).
8. Glaze and Serve
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Drizzle the glaze over each warm danish using a spoon or a small piping bag.
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Let the glaze set for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Serve warm or at room temperature. These are best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated and reheated.
Total Time Breakdown
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Bake Time | 15–20 minutes |
| Cooling & Glazing | 5 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
Nutritional Information (Per Danish)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~230 kcal |
| Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Sugar | 16g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
This is an estimate and will vary based on brands and ingredient substitutions.
Baking Tips for Success
These danishes are beginner-friendly, but these pro tips will help you perfect them every time.
Use Cold Dough
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Crescent dough is easier to handle and shape when cold. If it becomes too sticky or stretchy, refrigerate for 10 minutes.
Don’t Overfill
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Stick to about 1 tbsp each of cream cheese and cherry filling to avoid overflow during baking.
Let Them Cool Slightly
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Allow the pastries to rest for 5 minutes out of the oven before glazing. It helps set the shape and improves flavor.
Customize the Glaze
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For added elegance, add a drop of almond extract or a pinch of lemon zest to the glaze.
Variations & Flavor Swaps
Looking to mix things up? These danishes are endlessly adaptable.
Blueberry Cream Cheese Danishes
Swap cherry pie filling for blueberry pie filling. Garnish with lemon zest after baking.
Peach Melba Style
Use peach preserves and a raspberry drizzle in place of cherry and glaze.
Chocolate-Strawberry
Add a few chocolate chips under the cream cheese filling and top with sliced fresh strawberries.
Lemon Raspberry
Use lemon curd instead of cream cheese and add a fresh raspberry or two on top.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Storage:
Store cooled danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
Freezing:
Freeze unglazed danishes in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Thaw and reheat as needed. Add glaze after reheating.
Make-Ahead:
You can mix the cream cheese filling a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Assembling and baking the next morning takes just 20 minutes!
Serving Suggestions
These danishes shine on a brunch buffet or dessert board. Serve them with:
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Fresh fruit platters
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A big pot of coffee or tea
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Whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream
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Lightly toasted almonds sprinkled on top
Final Thoughts: A Sweet, Simple Favorite
Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes are proof that you don’t need a bakery to enjoy flaky, sweet, and impressive pastries. With a few simple ingredients and under an hour of your time, you can whip up a tray of these bite-sized delights that taste like they took hours to prepare.
Whether you’re making them for brunch guests, holiday breakfasts, or just treating yourself on a weekend morning, these danishes are sure to become a household favorite. Feel free to adapt the fillings, shapes, or glazes—and don’t be surprised when you find yourself making them again and again!
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Want more easy brunch bakes? Try our:
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Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins with Glaze
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Maple Bacon Breakfast Twists
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Strawberry Shortcake Scones