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.
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
Here’s a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. For exact amounts and an easy way to shop, use the Instacart button in the recipe card below to add everything to your cart.
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
Ingredients
Equipment
Video
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!
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