Hungarian Cream Cheese Crescents
Hungarian Cream Cheese Crescents are flaky, cheesy pastries filled with jam or nuts, perfect for breakfast or teatime, offering a delightful blend of creamy and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix flour, cream cheese, and margarine thoroughly.
- Form the mixture into a ball.
- Refrigerate overnight in a bowl covered with waxed paper.
- Roll out the dough a half or quarter at a time on a board covered with powdered sugar.
- Use a pastry cutter to cut into approximately 2-inch squares or desired size.
- Place a small amount of filling in the center of each square and fold as desired.
- Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet in a 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half the margarine with butter. If you want to add a hint of sweetness, a tablespoon of sugar can be incorporated into the dough. To prevent sticking while rolling, ensure your workspace is well-dusted with powdered sugar. If you're short on time, chill the dough for at least 2 hours instead of overnight.
Serving Suggestions
These Hungarian Cream Cheese Crescents are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with a drizzle of Peanut Dessert Sauce for added sweetness. They pair well with coffee or tea, making them an excellent choice for brunch or afternoon tea. Serve alongside fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover crescents in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through, ensuring they retain their flaky texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hungarian Cream Cheese Crescents contains roughly 1327 calories, with 21g protein, 176g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (62% of the Daily Value), protein (43% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 574mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of filling?
Absolutely! You can substitute the nut or jam filling with other options like cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache. Just ensure the filling isn't too runny to prevent sogginess in the dough.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the dough overnight?
While it's ideal for the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up, you can refrigerate it for at least 2 hours if you're short on time. This helps in achieving a better texture when rolling out.
Can I freeze the crescents before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the shaped crescents before baking. Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to an airtight container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).