Quick Cream Cheese Danish Rolls Recipe

Irresistible Quick Cream Cheese Danish Rolls Recipe Made Simple

Flaky pastry meets creamy cheese in these delectable cream cheese Danish rolls that promise pure indulgence.

Soft, buttery layers envelop a rich filling that melts in your mouth.

The aroma of freshly baked goodness wafts through the kitchen, tempting everyone nearby.

Each roll delivers a perfect balance of delicate pastry and smooth cream cheese center.

Golden-brown edges hint at the delightful texture waiting inside.

Weekend brunches and morning coffee breaks just got a whole lot more delicious.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of these irresistible Danish rolls.

Quick Cream Cheese Danish Rolls: Sweet Brunch in Minutes

  • These cream cheese danish rolls come together in just a few simple steps, making them perfect for busy mornings or sudden sweet cravings.
  • Versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are sure to make everyone at the table happy with their irresistible cream cheese filling and sweet cinnamon-sugar topping.
  • Using convenient Hawaiian rolls as a base means you'll need just a few ingredients to create a bakery-worthy treat that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
  • You can easily swap in different extracts or add fruit preserves to the cream cheese filling to make these rolls uniquely yours, perfect for experimenting home bakers.

Gathering Ingredients for Fluffy Danish Rolls

Main Ingredients:
  • Hawaiian Rolls: Soft, sweet bread rolls that serve as the base for this delightful pastry.
  • Cream Cheese: Provides a rich, tangy filling for the danish rolls.
  • Egg Yolk: Helps bind the cream cheese filling and adds richness.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Sugar, Vanilla: Create a sweet and aromatic base for the cream cheese filling.
  • Cinnamon-Sugar Mix: Adds a warm, sweet topping to the rolls.
Finishing Touches:
  • Butter, Powdered Sugar: Melted butter creates a golden sheen, while powdered sugar adds a delicate sweet coating.

Essential Baking Tools for Easy Danish Success

  • Baking Sheet: Flat metal pan for even baking and easy roll placement.
  • Parchment Paper: Non-stick liner for effortless cleanup and preventing rolls from sticking.
  • Mixing Bowl: Medium-sized bowl for combining cream cheese filling ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk or Electric Mixer: Perfect for blending filling ingredients until creamy and well-incorporated.
  • Small Brush: Useful for applying melted butter on roll tops.
  • Spoon or Piping Bag: Great for filling rolls with cream cheese mixture precisely.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.

Making and Rolling Cream Cheese Danish, Made Simple

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Heat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick baking.

Step 2: Prepare Roll Bases

Gently slice each Hawaiian roll horizontally, creating a soft pocket without cutting completely through, which will hold the delicious filling.

Step 3: Create Creamy Filling

Combine the following ingredients in a mixing bowl:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Granulated sugar
  • Pure vanilla extract
  • Egg yolk

Whisk these ingredients until the mixture becomes silky smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 4: Stuff the Rolls

Use a spoon or piping bag to carefully fill each roll’s pocket with the prepared cream cheese mixture, ensuring an even distribution.

Step 5: Add Flavor Enhancers

Brush the top of each roll with:
  • Melted butter
Sprinkle a generous layer of:
  • Cinnamon-sugar blend

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the prepared rolls on the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each roll.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until they transform into a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 7: Final Touches

Remove rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly.

Dust the tops with powdered sugar for a sweet, elegant finish before serving warm.

Danish Roll Tips for Flaky Layers and Sweet Filling

  • Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to ensure smooth, lump-free mixing and easier spreading.
  • Use a piping bag or small spoon to control the amount of cream cheese filling, avoiding messy overflow during baking.
  • Experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon instead of vanilla to create unique taste profiles.
  • Mix sugar and ground cinnamon in a 4: 1 ratio for the most balanced and aromatic topping.
  • Store leftover Danish rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Add-Ins and Variations for Cream Cheese Danish

  • Gluten-Free Danish Rolls: Replace Hawaiian rolls with gluten-free dinner rolls and use a certified gluten-free cream cheese for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Fruit-Filled Variation: Add raspberry or strawberry jam inside the cream cheese mixture for a fruity burst of flavor in each bite.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener and use reduced-fat cream cheese to create a lighter, diabetic-friendly version of the classic danish.
  • Savory Breakfast Rolls: Skip the sweet ingredients and instead mix cream cheese with chives, cracked black pepper, and a touch of garlic powder for a savory morning treat.

Serving Danish Rolls for Brunch or Snack Time

  • Sweet Breakfast Sidekick: Pair these cream cheese danish rolls with a steaming cup of coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice for a delightful morning treat.
  • Brunch Party Centerpiece: Arrange the rolls on a beautiful platter surrounded by fresh berries and mint leaves to create an Instagram-worthy display that'll impress your guests.
  • Dessert Transformation: Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the cooled rolls for an extra indulgent twist that turns them into a decadent after-dinner sweet.
  • Kid-Friendly Snack Station: Cut the rolls into smaller bite-sized pieces and serve with different dipping sauces like strawberry jam or chocolate spread for a fun, interactive snacking experience.

Storage Solutions for Keeping Danish Rolls Soft

  • Seal leftover Danish rolls in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Ensure they're completely cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
  • Preheat oven to 300F. Place rolls on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through. Remove foil during last 2 minutes for crispy edges.
  • Reheat individual rolls for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add 5-second intervals if needed.

FAQs

  • Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to the point of filling and refrigerate them overnight. Just add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to bake.

  • What if I don't have Hawaiian rolls?

Use any soft dinner rolls or even sliced brioche bread. The key is to have a soft, slightly sweet base that can hold the cream cheese filling.

  • Is there a way to make these rolls less sweet?

Reduce the sugar in the cream cheese filling or use a sugar substitute like stevia. You can also skip the cinnamon-sugar topping to cut down on sweetness.

  • How can I make these rolls more interesting?

Try adding a small amount of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling or sprinkle some chopped nuts on top before baking for extra texture and flavor.

Print
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Quick Cream Cheese Danish Rolls Recipe

Quick Cream Cheese Danish Rolls Recipe


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4.9 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Delightful cream cheese danish rolls blend flaky pastry with creamy filling from Danish bakery traditions. Buttery layers and sweet cheese center promise a delectable breakfast or dessert you’ll savor with pure enjoyment.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 package (12 count) King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened

Filling Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 egg yolk

Topping Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup (57 grams) butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (1 1/2 tablespoons sugar mixed with 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and arrange parchment paper on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
  2. Carefully slice Hawaiian rolls horizontally, creating a delicate pocket without separating the halves completely.
  3. Whisk cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
  4. Gently fill each roll’s pocket with the cream cheese blend, using a spoon or piping bag for precision and even distribution.
  5. Generously coat the roll tops with melted butter, ensuring complete coverage for a rich, golden exterior.
  6. Sprinkle a lavish layer of cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered rolls, creating a delectable, aromatic topping.
  7. Position the prepared rolls on the lined baking sheet, allowing sufficient space between each for even heat circulation.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown transformation.
  9. Remove from the oven and allow the rolls to cool slightly, preventing burning while maintaining their delicate texture.
  10. Finish by dusting the warm rolls with a light, elegant layer of powdered sugar for a sweet, decorative touch.

Notes

  • Customize the Filling by experimenting with different extracts like almond or lemon to create unique flavor profiles.
  • Swap Hawaiian rolls for gluten-free alternatives to make this recipe friendly for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Room temperature ingredients ensure smoother mixing and better incorporation of cream cheese filling.
  • Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, gently reheating before serving to maintain softness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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