Fluffy Cream Cheese Danish Pinwheels with Vanilla Glaze
Tender, fluffy pinwheels filled with creamy tangy cream cheese and topped with a glossy vanilla glaze, perfect for a quick and comforting breakfast or brunch treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 25-28 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 pinwheels 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 8 oz block full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (preferably whole milk)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and optional lemon zest and cinnamon until smooth and creamy.
- Unroll crescent dough onto a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin gently to press seams and create a 12×8 inch rectangle.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Pinch the seam to seal and smooth the log.
- Cut the log into 10-12 slices about 1 inch thick.
- Arrange pinwheels cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.
- Brush tops lightly with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until puffed and golden brown, watching to avoid over-browning.
- While baking, whisk powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
- Let pinwheels cool 5 minutes, then drizzle vanilla glaze generously over warm pinwheels.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
If filling oozes during baking, chill rolled dough for 10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle glaze while pinwheels are warm for best shine and flavor. Handle dough gently to keep it tender and flaky. Can substitute puff pastry or gluten-free dough for variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 23
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 3.5
Keywords: cream cheese pinwheels, Danish pastry, vanilla glaze, easy breakfast, brunch recipe, crescent roll recipe, sweet pastry