Looking for an easy, last-minute breakfast recipe for Christmas morning? Skip the fuss of making something from scratch and try this Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish.
Made with crescent rolls, cherry pie filling and sweetened cream cheese. The crescent rolls are then formed into the shape of a Christmas tree.
Your guests will be amazed when they see this festive breakfast come out of the oven!
Check out all the other Christmas Breakfast Recipes for even more delicious ideas.
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This recipe has been updated since it was first published in 2014 with new photos and adjusted ingredients.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep: 10 min | Bake: 18–20 min | Difficulty: Easy
What it is: A festive Christmas-tree shaped Danish made with refrigerated crescent rolls, creamy sweetened cream cheese, and cherry pie filling.
Why you’ll love it: It’s quick to assemble, makes a striking holiday breakfast centerpiece, and gives buttery crescent rolls a festive twist.
How to make it: Arrange slices of crescent roll dough into a tree shape, fill each with cream cheese and cherry pie filling, bake until golden, then drizzle with powdered-sugar glaze.
👉 Need MORE easy Christmas breakfast recipes? Try my Magical Holiday Breakfast eBook . Ten easy-to-make recipes that are perfect for a stress-free Christmas morning!
Table of Contents
- Recipe at a Glance
- Why You'll LOVE this Recipe for Christmas Morning!
- Stress-Free Holiday Breakfast Magic Awaits! ✨
- Helpful Kitchen Tools
- Main Ingredients Needed
- Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Directions
- Kitchen Tool Spotlight
- Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- Prep Ahead Tips
- How to Store Cream Cheese Danish
- More Christmas Recipes you'll LOVE!
- Recipe FAQ's
- LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
- 📖 Recipe Card
- 💬 Comments
Why You'll LOVE this Recipe for Christmas Morning!
We’ve all seen those picture-perfect Christmas morning breakfasts on social media with the fancy table settings and flawless spreads, but real life isn’t always like that. Most of us are juggling gifts, family, and the excitement of the day.
That’s why I love this easy and festive recipe. It looks beautiful, tastes amazing, and comes together quickly so you can enjoy the moment without the stress. Once you make it, I’m sure it will become a new family tradition.
Stress-Free Holiday Breakfast Magic Awaits! ✨
If you need help with getting breakfast ready for the holidays, I've got you covered! Check out my Holiday Magical Breakfast Digital Cookbook.
It's packed with 10 simple recipes, handy checklists, and even printable activities to keep the kids entertained while you work your culinary magic!
Helpful Kitchen Tools
Baking Dual-Sided Pastry Dough Tart Tamper, Hardwood, 6-InchesMore InformationParchment Paper Baking SheetsMore InformationNon-Stick Cooking/Baking SheetMore InformationChristmas Theme Holiday-Inspired Ceramic Plates 8More InformationChristmas Cloth Napkins Red Black Buffalo Plaid PlacematMore InformationMerry Christmas Cloth Napkin Set of 4 SantaMore Information
Main Ingredients Needed
Below is a quick preview of the ingredients you’ll need. For exact amounts, check the recipe card below. You can also use the "Shopping List button" to create a printable shopping list, or the "Get Ingredients button" in the recipe card to order groceries online.
Substitutions and Variations
Shape it differently: Instead of forming a tree, arrange the cinnamon roll pieces in a circle to create a festive wreath shape.
Change up the flavor: Swap the vanilla extract for almond extract to give the icing a light, nutty flavor.
Adjust the sweetness: Use powdered sugar in place of granulated sugar when mixing with cream cheese for a smoother, more traditional frosting texture.
Want to try this recipe with cinnamon rolls? Check out my Pull Apart Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls Christmas Tree Recipe.
Step-by-Step Directions
This section includes step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you through the recipe. For the complete printable version, scroll down to the recipe card below.
Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla.
Step 2: Open the packages of crescent rolls, but do not separate them. With a serrated knife, slice each "roll" into 11 equal pieces. Arrange the dough circles into the shape of a Christmas tree. Star with one circle at the top and then work your way down increasing the number of crescent roll circles as you go. Make sure you save one for the stem of the tree!
Kitchen Tool Spotlight
Use a tamper tart tool to make sure you make the indentations are deep enough so the cream cheese and cherry pie filling do not overflow while baking.
Step 3: Using your thumb, tart tamper or the back of a spoon, gently indent the middle of each circle so there is a space for the cream cheese to be placed inside.
Step 4: Place a small spoonful of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each crescent circle.
Step 5: Then place a small spoonful of the cherry pie filling on top.
Step 6: Bake the Danish in a preheated 350° F oven for 18 - 20 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
Step 7: Combine the powdered sugar and milk together in a small bowl. Drizzle the glaze on top of the slightly cooled Danish and serve immediately.
Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
✔️ DO let the cream cheese filling soften before mixing so it spreads smoothly over the crescent dough.
❌ DO NOT overfill the Danish or the filling may spill out while baking and lose its festive tree shape.
Prep Ahead Tips
- You can make the cream cheese filling the night before. Store the filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Remove the container about 30 minutes before assembling.
- Make sure you make an indentation in the center of each crescent circle. Otherwise, the filling will spill over while the Danish bake.
- Using parchment paper really helps to lift the Danish off the baking sheet when it's baked and onto a serving platter.
How to Store Cream Cheese Danish
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Freezer: Not recommended, as the cream cheese filling and glaze may change texture after thawing.
Serving Tips: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with extra glaze just before serving for a fresh, festive look.
More Christmas Recipes you'll LOVE!
Looking for MORE Christmas Tree Shaped Ideas? Try my Christmas Tree Puff Pastry Appetizer, Christmas Tree Nutella or my Christmas Tree Cheese Board.
Recipe FAQ's
To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!
Yes! Cherry is classic for the holidays, but apple, blueberry, or raspberry pie filling all work beautifully.
Make sure the well in each section of dough is deep enough to hold both the cream cheese and pie filling without overflowing. Use a tart tamper tool to press the centers, then fill carefully and avoid overfilling.
LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
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If you made it, leaving a star rating or quick review is always appreciated and helps other readers too.
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📖 Recipe Card
Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish
Video
Ingredients
- 2 cans of refrigerated crescent rolls.
- 4 ounces cream cheese; softened
- ¾ cup cherry pie filling
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoons vanilla
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons milk
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla. Once smooth, set aside while you prepare the crescent rolls.
- Open the packages of crescent rolls, but do not separate them. With a serrated knife, slice each "roll" into 11 equal pieces.
- Arrange the dough circles into the shape of a Christmas tree. Start with one circle at the top and then work your way down increasing the number of crescent roll circles as you go. Make sure you save one for the stem of the tree!
- Using your thumb, tart tamper or the back of a spoon, gently indent the middle of each circle so there is a space for the cream cheese to be placed inside.
- Place a small spoonful of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each crescent circle.
- Then place a small spoonful of the cherry pie filling on top. You will not use all the cherry pie filling.
- Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 18 - 20 minutes or until golden brown. Allow the Danish to cool.
- Combine the powdered sugar and milk together in a small bowl. Drizzle the glaze on top of the slightly cooled Danish and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!This recipe has been updated since it first appeared in 2015 with new photos and a new printable recipe card that includes nutritional information. I hope you enjoy the updates as much as I enjoyed working on them!
Julie says
This looks great, so festive and looks easy to make too.
Nikki says
Can you make this a head and refrigerate?
Lois says
Hi Nikki! Yes, you absolutely can make this ahead and refrigerate! Assemble the dish but do not bake it, cover the tray tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for a few hours. When you’re ready, just pop it into the oven (you may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time since it’s cold going in). What You can even prepare the cream cheese mixture up to 48 hours ahead of time and then assemble an hour or so before you need to serve it.
Elliot Meyer says
They were really good
Lois says
Thank you for the 5-star rating! I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Esme Slabbert says
We appreciate you dropping by and linking up at SSPS 290. Super cute and looking so good and scrumptious
Take care and best wishes.
Estelle Forrest says
This is so very festive. Thank you for sharing on SSPS, I hope to see you again next week.
Marilyn Lesniak says
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Thank you for sharing at #OverTheMoon. Pinned and shared. Have a lovely week. I hope to see you at next week’s party too! Please stay safe and healthy. Come party with us at Over The Moon! Catapult your content Over The Moon! @marilyn_lesniak @EclecticRedBarn
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Brenda says
What would happen if you spread the cream cheese on the triangle then rolled them up. I’m sure you have tried everything, will it just melt away? Haven’t tried them yet sounds yummy
Thank you
B
Lois says
I think it would work fine, but it wouldn't be in this cute Christmas tree shape. Thank you for visiting!
Karen says
Hi! This is super pretty and looks delicious! I’ve had the one shaped in the candy cane. My question is how big is this? Do you need a specific board to put it on or does fit in a large cookie sheet when baking?
Lois says
Yes, try to use one of the larger type cookie sheets that has a flat edge. You can serve it directly from that as well.
Danielle says
This looks so tasty. And I love how easy it is!
Stephanie says
If I want to substitute the cherry with raspberry- what raspberry “thing” should I buy? Raspberry preserves or fresh? Thank you!
Lois says
Hi Stephanie, you should substitute with another fruit pie filling. I have only used pie filling in this recipe, never fresh fruit. Thanks for visiting.