Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes are perfect bite-sized pastries that look elegant but take only minutes to prepare. With a flaky base, creamy cheesecake filling, and a bright cherry topping, they’re ideal for breakfasts, brunches, dessert trays, or holiday gatherings. These little danishes deliver bakery-quality flavor with simple ingredients and easy steps.
Ingredients
For the Danishes:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or crescent dough sheet
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Optional Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Open the crescent dough. If using regular crescent rolls, pinch the seams to create one smooth sheet.
- Roll the dough lightly with a rolling pin to even the thickness, then cut it into 12 equal squares or rectangles.
- Transfer the pieces to the baking sheet, leaving space between each one so they can expand.
- In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Place about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each dough square. Spread it slightly but keep it away from the edges.
- Add 1–2 cherries from the pie filling on top of the cream cheese. Avoid adding too much filling, as it can overflow during baking.
- Fold the corners slightly inward if you want a more classic danish shape, or leave them flat for a more rustic pastry.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the dough is fully cooked.
- Remove from the oven and let the danishes cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- If adding a glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm danishes and let it set before serving.
