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.
This recipe has been updated since it was first published in 2014 with new photos and adjusted ingredients.
Christmas is for spending time with family and enjoying good food. This year, why not try adding something a little festive to go along with your breakfast casserole?
All you need to make this Christmas tree Danish is two cans of crescents rolls, cream cheese, cherry pie filling and a little powdered sugar to make the sweet glaze on top.
The sweetened cream cheese filling pairs well with the buttery crescent roll dough. Plus, this recipe can be customized to fit your preference.
Looking for more Crescent Roll Recipes? Try my Fruit Tart, Christmas Tree Danish , or my Easy Cream Cheese Breakfast Danish.
Table of Contents
- What to Serve for Christmas Breakfast?
- Stress-Free Holiday Breakfast Magic Awaits! ✨
- What can I make with a Crescent Dough Sheet?
- Helpful Kitchen Tools
- Main Ingredients Needed
- Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Directions
- Kitchen Tool Spotlight
- Before You Begin!
- Prep Ahead Tips
- How to Store Cream Cheese Danish
- More Christmas Recipes you'll LOVE!
- 📖 Recipe Card
- 💬 Comments
What to Serve for Christmas Breakfast?
I know we all try to have the perfect Christmas morning with an amazing breakfast all laid out on a beautifully set table with really cute Christmas plates. But in reality most Christmas mornings are a rush and sometimes not as perfect as social media makes you think it is.
Which is why I love this recipe. I know what it's like to not have the perfect "story-book" Christmas morning. Yes, I have fed my family cereal with milk and even frozen waffles on Christmas morning.
I know if you try this recipe just one time, it will soon become a new tradition for your family every year.
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!
What can I make with a Crescent Dough Sheet?
Crescent roll recipes offer great versatility, making them suitable for a wide range of meal ideas. Crescent Dough Sheet, is a convenient pre-made dough, that provides a versatile base for an array of delightful recipes.
It's perfect for everything from appetizers to main dishes, and it's easy to customize to fit your needs. I use it in my Candy Cane Cream Cheese Danish recipe and for Making Pizza with Crescent Rolls.
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
Exact measurements are listed below in the recipe card. Make sure you scroll down to print and save the recipe for later!
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Instead of a tree, arrange the crescent roll circles in a wreath shape.
- Use almond extract instead of vanilla extract.
- You can also combine powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar with the cream cheese.
Step-by-Step Directions
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 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.
Before You Begin!
If you make this recipe, please leave a review and star rating. This helps my business thrive and continue providing FREE recipes.
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
Refrigerator: Allow the Cream Cheese Danish to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, place the Danish in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Store the Danish in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: I do not recommend freezing this recipe.
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 Card
Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Danish
- 2 cans of refrigerated crescent rolls.
- 4 ounces cream cheese; softened
- 3 4 cup of cherry pie filling
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoons vanilla
Ingredients for the Glaze:
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons milk
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
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!
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.
Ivy says
Could I make these the night before?
Lois says
I wouldn't recommend making them the night before. What you could do is prepare the cream cheese mixture the night before. I do that all the time! Thanks for visiting.
Misty says
I'm not a big fan of crescent rolls so could you make these with puff pastry?
Lois says
Yes, you could use puff pastry in this recipe. You would need to cut out circle shapes using a round biscuit cutter. I've never tried using puff pastry dough, so I would love if you could let me know how they turn out for you. Thank you for visiting Misty.
Megan says
I accidentally bought pie crusts instead of crescents 😰 do you think I could use that instead? Oops
Lois says
I don't think pie crust dough would work in place of crescent rolls. 🙁 Can you run back out to the grocery store? You still have time!
Anonymous says
would blueberry be good with this
Lois says
Of course!
L says
I was thinking about doing this recipe recipe with macerated strawberries instead, to cut down on the sugar and preservatives. Do you think it would bake the same way without burning?
Lois says
I really can't answer this question! You could try! Just don't add too many.
Judy C says
Yes, with a lemon glaze!
Colleen says
Besides making into a tree, this is also pretty cool made into a wreath form
Lois says
Great idea too!
Anonymous says
I made this for Christmas Eve brunch. Presentation was impressive and taste to match. A hit that will definitely be repeated in years to come!!
Anonymous says
Can you use strawberry preserves instead of cherry pie filling?
Anonymous says
These are in the oven now for a quick festive snack for boy scouts ! Look super cute and yummy ! Thank you very much for sharing this recipe.... Delilah ��
Lorelai @ Life With Lorelai says
Hey, Lois! Just wanted to let you know that we loved your Christmas Tree Danish so much when you shared it at the #HomeMattersParty last week, we've HIGHLIGHTED it THIS WEEK! Hope you can check it out when you get a sec. Happy Friday!!!
~Lorelai
Life With Lorelai / Home Matters Linky Party
Sarah Bell says
Such a great idea!!! Looks so simple, thanks for sharing 🙂
Sarah Bell
Trendy & Tidy
Nellie's Cozy place says
Hi Lois,
These really look yummy. I make a tree with Pillsbury cinnamon or orange rolls, looks
festive and so easy............as I get older I am getting more and more about the easy. lol Merry Christmas, Nellie