Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes – A Heavenly Homemade Pastry

There’s nothing quite as delightful as biting into a warm, flaky pastry filled with rich cream cheese and topped with sweet, tart cherries. Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes are the perfect combination of creamy, fruity, and buttery flavors. These irresistible little pastries are not only gorgeous on the table but also quick and simple to make, making them an excellent choice for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or dessert.

Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, planning a holiday spread, or simply craving something sweet with your coffee, these homemade cherry danishes deliver bakery-quality taste with minimal effort. By starting with crescent roll dough and adding a luscious cream cheese filling, you can create a pastry that looks elegant yet is completely beginner-friendly. Once you take your first bite into the flaky crust, creamy filling, and glossy cherry topping, you’ll understand why this recipe is so loved.

Ingredients for Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes

What makes this recipe special is its balance of simple pantry ingredients that come together to create a decadent treat. Each ingredient has an important role in building the perfect Danish:

1 package of crescent rolls: This is the flaky, buttery base of the danish. Using Pillsbury brand is recommended for the best texture and taste, but any crescent dough works well. If using frozen, thaw completely before baking.
Flour (1–2 tablespoons): Used for dusting the surface and dough to prevent sticking while shaping.

For the Filling:

Cream cheese (4 ounces): The star of the filling, providing rich, tangy creaminess that balances the sweetness.
¾ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling while keeping it smooth and silky.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor to the cream cheese mixture.
1 can cherry pie filling: Brings bright, fruity sweetness and that classic glossy topping to each Danish.

For the Glaze:

⅓ cup granulated sugar: Sprinkled on top for extra sweetness and a touch of crunch.
3 tablespoons milk: Used to create a light glaze that adds shine and a hint of moisture to the pastry.

How to Make Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own homemade cherry cheese danishes. This method ensures the right texture, balance of flavors, and beautiful presentation.

Prepare the dough: Unroll the crescent rolls and carefully slice them into about 15 even rounds. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure the parchment is lightly greased so they don’t stick.
Shape the pastries: Using the bottom of a measuring cup or small saucer, gently flatten each roll. Create small walls with your fingers around the edges so the filling doesn’t spill over during baking.
Mix the filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, blending until creamy and well combined.
Add the filling: Spoon a small amount of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each Danish. Be careful not to overfill; you want just enough for balance.
Top with cherries: Add 1–2 cherries from the pie filling (plus a little of the syrup) onto the cream cheese center of each pastry.
Glaze: Lightly sprinkle the granulated sugar over the top. Then, brush with a touch of milk to give them a shiny, golden finish.
Bake: Bake in a preheated oven (375°F / 190°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Why This Recipe Is Loved

These Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes are loved for their perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and tart. They’re also:

Beginner-friendly: With store-bought crescent dough, there’s no need to worry about making pastry from scratch.
Versatile: Swap the cherry topping for blueberry, raspberry, or peach pie filling to create endless variations.
Quick: From start to finish, you can have bakery-style pastries in less than 30 minutes.
Perfectly portioned: The mini size makes them ideal for parties, brunch spreads, or grab-and-go breakfasts.

Pro Tips for Perfect Mini Cherry Danishes

Don’t overfill: Too much filling can spill over while baking. A small spoonful is just right.
Use softened cream cheese: Cold cream cheese can create lumps. Let it come to room temperature for a smooth filling.
Chill before serving (optional): While these pastries are delicious warm, chilling them for an hour makes the cream cheese filling even more refreshing.
Glaze variation: For extra sweetness, drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk instead of just sprinkling sugar.

Serving Suggestions

These cherry cheese danishes can be enjoyed in many ways:

Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast.
Add to a brunch board with fresh fruit, croissants, and mimosas.
Serve as an elegant dessert with a dollop of whipped cream.
Pair with savory dishes like quiche or scrambled eggs for balance.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can prepare these pastries ahead of time for convenience:

Store leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Freeze: Once baked and cooled, wrap individually in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm.

Conclusion

If you’ve been searching for a simple, bakery-style pastry to impress guests or treat yourself, these Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes are it. With their flaky crescent roll base, creamy sweet filling, and glossy cherry topping, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious. They require minimal ingredients, little prep time, and deliver maximum flavor. Whether served at a holiday brunch, weekend breakfast, or as a dessert, these mini danishes are guaranteed to disappear quickly. Try this recipe once, and it’ll become a family favorite for years to come.