Easy Cream Cheese Danish Valentine’s Hearts
These easy cream cheese Danish Valentine’s hearts are a bakery style treat made simple for busy mornings. Flaky crescent pastry, a smooth cream cheese filling, and a sweet strawberry center come together quickly, making them perfect for Valentine’s Day, brunch, or a special weekend surprise.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 package refrigerated crescent dough sheet or crescent rolls with seams pressed together
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar
Cream Cheese Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract optional but recommended
Topping and Glaze
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves seedless preferred
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk or cream for glaze consistency
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir brown sugar into the melted butter until fully combined.
- Unroll the crescent dough on a clean surface. Press seams together if needed, then roll lightly to even the dough. Roll into a log and slice into 8 equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into a heart by pressing the center down and pinching the top edges inward.
- Spoon cream cheese filling into the center of each heart, then add a small dollop of strawberry jam on top.
- Brush exposed dough with the butter and brown sugar mixture.
- Bake for 16–18 minutes until puffed and lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
- Mix powdered sugar with milk or cream to form a glaze. Drizzle over warm danishes before serving.
Notes
Do not overfill the centers or the filling may spread. Softened cream cheese ensures a smooth texture, and reheating in the oven keeps the pastry crisp.