Ingredients:
For the Danish:
- 12 Rhodes Dinner Rolls, thawed but still cold
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 12 tablespoons lemon curd and/or raspberry preserves
For the White Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4-5 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll Preparation:
- Lightly dust your hands with flour.
- Flatten each thawed dinner roll into a 3-inch disc and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Brush with Butter and Sugar:
- Brush each disc with warm melted butter.
- Sprinkle each disc with granulated sugar.
- Rising:
- Cover the discs with a clean lint-free dish towel or sprayed plastic wrap.
- Allow them to rise in a warm spot until doubled in size. This may take approximately 50 minutes in an oven with just the light on.
- Cream Cheese Mixture:
- While the rolls are rising, combine cream cheese, sugar, and lemon juice with an electric mixer until smooth. Set aside.
- Filling:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Uncover the risen rolls.
- Using your fingertips, press an indentation in the center of each roll.
- Fill each indentation with approximately 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture and a teaspoon of lemon curd or raspberry preserves.
- Egg Wash:
- Brush the edges of the rolls with the beaten egg.
- Baking:
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the danishes are light golden brown.
- Icing:
- While the danishes are cooling on the pan for 5 minutes, prepare the icing.
- In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 4 tablespoons of milk. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
- Drizzling:
- Drizzle the icing over the warm danishes.
- Serving:
- Serve the danishes warm or at room temperature.
- Storage:
- Enjoy the danishes within 1-2 days.
These easy cheese danishes are a delightful treat with a sweet and tangy flavor. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack!
To make your Easy Cheese Danish Recipe even more delightful, consider these tips:
- Add Citrus Zest:
- Enhance the citrus flavor by adding some lemon or orange zest to the cream cheese mixture. This will bring a burst of freshness to the filling.
- Nuts and Berries:
- Sprinkle chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts) on top of the cream cheese before adding the preserves. Additionally, consider adding fresh berries as a topping for added texture and flavor.
- Homemade Preserves:
- Make your own fruit preserves for a personalized touch. You can control the sweetness and experiment with different fruit combinations.
- Almond Extract:
- Add a drop or two of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture for a subtle almond flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the danish.
- Variety of Preserves:
- Use a variety of preserves to create a colorful and diverse assortment of danishes. Try apricot, strawberry, or blueberry in addition to lemon and raspberry.
- Cream Cheese Drizzle:
- Prepare a simple cream cheese drizzle by combining softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract. Drizzle this over the danishes along with the vanilla icing for a double dose of creaminess.
- Puff Pastry Option:
- If you’re feeling adventurous, use puff pastry instead of dinner rolls for a flakier texture. Roll out the puff pastry sheets, cut into squares, and proceed with the filling and baking.
- Spice it Up:
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the granulated sugar sprinkled on top of the danishes for a warm and comforting flavor.
- Layered Danish:
- Create a layered effect by placing two smaller discs on top of each other before adding the cream cheese and preserves. This will add an extra dimension to the texture.
- Butter Puff Pastry:
- If using puff pastry, brush each layer with melted butter for a rich and buttery taste.
- Glaze Variation:
- Experiment with different glaze flavors. Consider a citrus glaze using lemon or orange juice, or even a hint of almond extract for added complexity.
- Serve with Whipped Cream:
- Serve each danish with a dollop of freshly whipped cream to add a light and airy element.
- Chill the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- For a firmer filling, chill the cream cheese mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before assembling the danishes.
Remember to tailor these tips based on your preferences, and feel free to get creative with flavors and textures to make your Easy Cheese Danish Recipe uniquely delightful!
Here are some secrets to make your Cheese Danish Recipe outstanding:
- Quality Ingredients:
- Use high-quality cream cheese, real butter, and fresh preserves. Quality ingredients contribute to a richer and more delicious flavor.
- Consistent Dough Thickness:
- Ensure that you roll out the dinner roll discs to a consistent thickness. This helps with even baking and a uniform texture.
- Chilled Dough:
- Keep the dinner rolls cold when working with them. Cold dough is easier to handle and can result in flakier pastry.
- Warm Spot for Rising:
- Find a warm, draft-free spot for the dough to rise. This can significantly impact the rise time and overall texture of the danishes.
- Even Filling Distribution:
- When placing the cream cheese and preserves, aim for even distribution. This ensures that each bite has a balanced combination of flavors.
- Properly Sealed Edges:
- Seal the edges of the danishes well after adding the filling. This prevents the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Egg Wash Technique:
- When applying the beaten egg wash, be gentle to avoid deflating the risen dough. Use a pastry brush for a light and even coating.
- Precise Indentations:
- Create a well-defined indentation in the center of each roll to hold the cream cheese and preserves. This helps maintain a neat appearance.
- Perfectly Baked Bottoms:
- Ensure that the bottoms of the danishes are fully cooked by placing the baking sheets on the center rack of the oven. This prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy.
- Temperature Accuracy:
- Check and calibrate your oven’s temperature to ensure accurate baking. An oven thermometer can be helpful in achieving the desired results.
- Balanced Sweetness:
- Adjust the sweetness level in the cream cheese filling and icing according to your preference. Taste as you go to achieve a perfectly balanced sweetness.
- Cooling Time:
- Allow the danishes to cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents them from becoming too soft due to residual heat.
- Precision in Icing:
- Drizzle the icing evenly over the danishes using a fork or a piping bag for a professional and appetizing presentation.
- Consistent Sizing:
- Aim for consistent sizing of the danishes for a visually appealing display. This helps create a more polished and professional look.
- Freshly Made:
- While these danishes can be enjoyed within 1-2 days, they are at their best when freshly made. Serve them warm for the ultimate indulgence.
Remember, the key to perfection is practice. Feel free to adjust these secrets based on your preferences, and enjoy your delicious Easy Cheese Danish!
Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers related to the Easy Cheese Danish Recipe:
- Can I use a different type of preserves for the filling?
- Yes, you can customize the filling by using your favorite preserves such as strawberry, apricot, or even apple.
- Can I use homemade dinner roll dough instead of store-bought?
- Absolutely! Homemade dough can be used. Just ensure it is rolled to the correct thickness and follow the recipe accordingly.
- How can I make the dough rise faster?
- Place the dough in a slightly warmed oven (with the light on) or in a draft-free area to speed up the rising process.
- Can I freeze the unbaked danishes for later use?
- While it’s best to bake them fresh, you can freeze unbaked danishes, but the texture may be slightly different when thawed and baked later.
- Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?
- Cream cheese is traditional, but you can experiment with other soft cheeses like mascarpone for a different flavor.
- How do I prevent the danishes from becoming too sweet?
- Adjust the sweetness by reducing the amount of sugar in the cream cheese filling or opting for less sweet preserves.
- Can I prepare the dough the night before and bake it in the morning?
- Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. Allow it to come to room temperature before continuing with the recipe.
- What is the purpose of the egg wash?
- The egg wash adds a golden color and shine to the danishes during baking. It also helps the sugar to stick, creating a sweet and crisp exterior.
- Can I make the icing ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the icing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature before drizzling it over the danishes.
- How do I store leftover danishes?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate and reheat before serving.
- Can I omit the lemon juice from the cream cheese filling?
- Yes, you can omit the lemon juice if you prefer a plain cream cheese filling. The lemon juice adds a subtle citrus flavor.
- What can I use if I don’t have vanilla extract for the icing?
- You can omit vanilla extract or substitute it with almond extract for a different flavor profile.
- Can I use a different type of dinner roll for this recipe?
- While the recipe calls for Rhodes Dinner Rolls, you can experiment with other types of dinner rolls or even croissant dough for a different texture.
- What’s the best way to reheat danishes?
- Reheat danishes in the oven at a low temperature to maintain their texture. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but be cautious as it may affect the crispiness.
- Can I make mini versions of these danishes?
- Yes, you can make smaller portions by using smaller discs of dough and adjusting the filling accordingly. Reduce the baking time accordingly.
Feel free to adapt these answers based on your preferences and enjoy the delightful Easy Cheese Danish!